The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem, two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber, and possibly one of the monumental feats in the history of military aviation. Developed initially for the United States Navy, the Phantom II made its first flight on 27 May 1958 and entered service in 1961. Not too long after, its flexibility would prove useful to the United States Marine Corps and the United States. It became a mainstay of Air Force wings during the mid-1960s.
The F-4 Phantom II was designed for multidimensional deployment as a tactical air weapon system: air superiority, interdiction, and close air support. Southeast Asia saw a disproportionate share of action for this aircraft during the Vietnam War. The Phantom II was able to carry external ordnance mounted on it of more than 18,000 pounds, including conventional and laser-guided or nuclear bombs, rockets, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and also 20mm cannon pods. While early versions did not have an internal gun, an installation of a 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon was made in the F-4E model.
The Phantom II held 16 world records for speed, altitude, and time-to-climb. In 1959, an altitude record was set at 98,556 feet, and in 1961, a speed record of 1,604 mph on a 15-mile circuit. This exemplified the aircraft’s top performance.
This aircraft has also had a long operational history. It was the first multi-service aircraft; its operational service ran concurrently with that of the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. It is the only aircraft that has flown with both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. The Phantom II was also exported to 11 other countries, which included Australia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, and the UK. More than 5,000 units were produced, making it the most-produced American supersonic military aircraft.
Although this jet fighter has been retired in the United States since 1996, this particular model of the Phantom II still plays a significant role by flying in the air forces of other nations around the world. Recent sources estimate that over 800 F-4s remain in service with eight nations’ defense forces, including Egypt, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Turkey. Adding to that, some 100 Phantoms have been converted to QF-4 drones and targets for weapons training used by both the U.S. Navy and Air Force.
The design and performance of the Phantom II have indelibly marked military aviation. This plane is 58.3 feet long, and 16.6 feet high, with a wingspan of 38.5 feet; it weighs 55,597 pounds with a maximum takeoff weight of 60,000 pounds. Having twin 17,900-pound-thrust J79-GE-17 jet engines, it can reach speeds of up to 1,485 mph with a range of 1,750 miles. It has a service ceiling of 56,100 feet, and the initial climb rate is more than 41,000 feet per minute.
Long after its first flights, the F-4 Phantom II remains an outstanding example for a timeless design, versatility, and performance. Continuing to be an icon of military flying excellence, it’s proud of its distinguished service with the various branches of the U.S. military and in the air forces of many allied nations.