For a quarter-century, the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II has risen from land and sea to take command of the air, to carry out the strike mission, to fight MiGs, and to join the Thunderbolt, Mustang and Sabre among the immortals of American fighter aviation. Its bent wings, drooped tail and twin-engine configuration a trademark, the Phantom was the first aircraft which could detect, intercept and destroy any target within its radar range without assistance from surface-based radar. Built as an interceptor, it became a MiG killer, but it also excelled at ground attack, 'fast FAC', reconnaissance, and other duties.
The F-4A (US Navy F4H-1F) was a developmental variant, the first making its maiden flight at St Louis on 27 May 1958. It was followed by the US Navy's operational F-4B (F4H-1), powered by two 7711kg afterburning thrust General Electric J79-GE-8 engines. The F-4B model attained an altitude record of 30040m on 6 December 1959, a speed record of 2585km/h on 22 November 1961, and a low-altitude speed record of 1452km/h on 20 August 1962, the last-named not being beaten for 16 years!
The EF-4B designation went to one airframe used for ECM training, and two modified, development airframes bore the NF-4B designation. The QF-4B is a drone conversion. The RF-4B reconnaissance derivative served only with the US Marine Corps.
The F-4C (F-110A) was the US Air Force's first Phantom, the first example being flown on 27 May 1963. The F-4C became operational with the 12th and 15th Tactical Fighter Wings at MacDill AFB, Florida, in January 1964. Some 583 were built, 40 being transferred to Spain. The service-test YRF-4C (YRF-110A) led to the RF-4C (RF-110A), 499 of which were constructed for the photo-reconnaissance role. The F-4D Phantom fighter-bomber introduced a capability to deliver precision-guided munitions (PGM), or 'smart' bombs. Some 825 were built, including 32 delivered new to Iran and 36 transferred to South Korea.
Once in action in Vietnam in 1965, the Phantom seemed to need a gun to augment its missile armament in close-quarter battles with MiGs. The SUU-16/A 20mm external gun pod was an interim measure. The F-4E, first flown on 7 August 1965, introduced more powerful J79-GE-17 engines but its principal change was the internally-mounted M61A1 20mm cannon. Although superior pilot training would later prove more important than the cannon in establishing a 2.5-to-1 kill advantage over North Vietnamese MiG-17, MiG-19 and MiG-21 fighters, the F-4E became the definitive Phantom, and 1,397 rolled off the line. Examples were supplied to Australia (on loan), Greece, Iran, Israel, Turkey, South Korea and West Germany; and 140 F-4EJs were licence-built by Mitsubishi in Japan. The RF-4E was an export reconnaissance derivative, supplied to Greece, Iran, Israel, Japan and West Germany.
By the mid-1960s, the Phantom was just about the best-known fighter in the world. On 2 January 1967 in Operation 'Bolo', F-4Cs of the 8th TFW under Colonel Robin Olds shot down seven North Vietnamese MiGs. Increasingly, F-4Ds took over from the Republic F-105 the job of bringing ordnance to bear on Vietnamese ground targets. Visitors to St Louis, where McDonnell took over Douglas in 1967, wanted not merely to see the heavy, complex fighter put together by Herman Barkey's design team, but to buy it.
The F-4F was a specialised air superiority version for the West German Luftwaffe, and 175 were delivered. The F-4G designation had been used initially for 12 aircraft taken from the US Navy F-4B production line. They had the two-way ASW-21 data-link system for automated carrier landings, and all later reverted to F-4B standard. In the 1970s, the F-4G appellation was used again for the US Air Force's 'Advanced Wild Weasel' electronic warfare aircraft, 116 of which were converted from F-4E standard. Originally seen as a counter to enemy SAM missile sites and associated radars, the F-4G now carries out a wide portfolio of electronic missions. Aircraft are stationed as far afield as the 3rd TFW Clark Field, Philippines, and 52nd TFW, Spangdahlem AB, West Germany.
The F-4J was an improved production fighter for the US Navy with 8119kg afterburning thrust J79-GE-10 engines, enlarged wing and improved avionics. The F-4K was developed for the UK's Royal Navy and the F-4M for the Royal Air Force, though both are now operated by the latter service which, with expanded commitments following the 1982 Falklands war, has also inherited 15 ex-US Navy F-4Js. The F-4N is an upgraded 'rebuild' of the F-4B, and has in turn been converted to the QF-4N drone. The F-4S is an upgraded F-4J with wing manoeuvre slats and was the final Phantom variant to serve aboard an aircraft carrier, with VF-151 and -161 aboard the USS Midway.
Phantoms serve widely with the Reserve and Air National Guard and are likely to remain in front-line service with some air forces into the 21st century.
Jerry Walterreit, USAF Retired, e-mail, 22.02.2011 03:51
I had the pleasure of working on the F-4E while assigned to Camp New Amsterdam, Holland from May 1972 through October 1975. Then I worked on the RF-4C at Shaw AFB, SC until I retired in March of 1979. In both assignments I was assigned to the Avionics Maintenance Sq. in the Instrument /Auto-Pilot Shops.
Someone earlier mentioned an "indigenous quirk" with the F4 design and it reminded me of our old saying "when you hear the beat, use your feet." The F4 is a bit of rarity, requiring the use of the rudder alone for control at high angles of attack (most airplanes can be turned using a combination of rudder and ailerons). The F4 has a sound system to warn pilots of high angle of attack and when it came into our headsets, in the form of a "beat", you learned to use rudder controls and keep the ailerons (stick) neutral. Over time it just became second nature. By the way, I'm familiar with the details of the Dean Paul Martin accident and it was a result of pilot error (primarily vertigo in poor weather). I flew the RF4C and it was an incredibly fast and stable reconnaisance platform at extremely low level. What a fabulous aircraft. I still miss flying it after many decades, but was lucky to have the same number of landings as takeoffs.
Marines on the ground loved these Phantom "Fast Movers" especially when they were making deliveries of "Snake & Nape", they would leave the "Zips" in a world of hurt !
I worked the RF-4C and couldn't be prouder of the bird - loved it! I was an Avionic Sensor System Tech working the cameras, side-looking radar, AAD-5 IR system, and many more systems on this unique bird starting in 1981-1985. Had phantom bites galore from the nose wheel well door and many hand pinches from the nose bay doors, but would love to work on this bird again.
Homestead AFB, 1976 to 1979. Inertial Nav and WRCS tech. Worked the E models mostly but they were being replaced by the D models when I left. Got a ride in F-4E 66318 shortly before my discharge. What a memory THAT is. Don't remember my pilot's name (I think his first name was Steve); he told me of the time he hit a turkey vulture at 450 knots when flying near the deck at Avon Park.
Loved the Bent-Winged Bug Sucker. Worked C Model Wild Weasels at Hahn and Zweibrucken Germany, Tiseos at Galena AFS Alaska Alert Cells, D,s at Hahn again, G Wild Weasels at George California. Thomas D. Barclay MSgt (Retired) USAF
Anyone know how to locate Adelbert W. Carpenter, was a AF Capt, front seater, 1972 era, flew into Kunsan on a PAR to 17 (blo mins) and loved it so much he flew another one. Then wrote about both!
My,my,my! Jeremiah Weed. The Devil in a bottle. It made you to go toe to toe and nose to nose with the Wing King and he enjoyed it, laughed out loud, and kept pouring just to see how stupid a Load Toad could become before he fell over. I think most of us who worked the Rhino, and I know all the operators, loved that jet. Sucked a lot at 100% after a night of weed and beer.
Oh my! Isn't this a pleasant surprise. Thanks to George Tuttle for making me aware of this site. 2K hours in the "pit" of the F-4C /D /E /G! Most fun I ever had with my pants on! USAF FWIC in 1982, then Seymour Johnson but this was my second tour to Goldsboro as my first one was in 1975 with the 335th TFS "Chiefs". Names to recall: Bob Russ, Sam Johnson, Mike Kirby, Barry Bridger (POW), Pat Garvey, Wayne Holum, "Bristle" Bill Burnette, Coach Myers (former CSAF), Joe Bob, Bucks Walters, Bob French and too many more to list here. I recall an article in Air Force Magazine in late 70s with Talon, Eagle, Viper (oops, Falcon) and Rhino, all nose on! Comments by each airplane went something like this: Talon-This airplane looks like a toy. Eagle-This airplane looks like it has nice lines. Falcon /Viper-This airplane looks like it would be fun to fly. Rhino-This airplane looks like it was built to fight! Nuff said! Anybody got any Jeremiah Weed? Here's a nickel on the grass!
I was an electrician on F-4J models in Marine Fighter Attack squadrons VMFA-451 and VMFA-235. I had a run-up license for maintenance. Great beautiful plane. Got checked out for a backseat ride. When it was my turn, the CO stopped allowing rides. The guys who got a ride were lucky, but none were flyers. I was and really wanted a ride. I removed a CSD-Gen. by myself one day. That thing was heavy, but I did it. The autopilot was tough to remove and replace. I studied the Natops manual for flight, but of course never got to fly the plane. I almost re-upped to go to OCS and flight school. Bad time for military at the time though, so did not go that route. I still would like a ride in the F-4.
Phantom is the only jet I ever flew. I think I was the only WSO to command a Rhino (F-4E) squadron in combat (Desert Storm). Men flew the Rhinos and the jet took us and brought us home! I think even today if given the choice between the newer jets and the Rhino, I would choose the Rhino! I like flying the jet and not just having a vote. Lighty
Lighty, I never knew you commanded a squadron, let alone in Desert Storm! That's fantastic! I was flipping slides for Gen Schwarzkopf in Riyadh. Where did we have F-4s? Daharan?
Colonel Craig “Lighty” Lightfoot passed away this week. I’m down here in Perry Georgia for his funeral today. He accomplished a lot he was also a taekwondo GrandMaster in the taekwondo Hall of Fame.
I worked F4E's at SJAFB NC Jan 82 till the last one went to the boneyard in early 91. That was a sad day. Had hoped for a super Phantom. I primarily worked Instruments and loved this aircraft!!!
Face it, Gang -- The F-4 is ugly! --Especially when compared to the Thud. Don't think there's a crew chief out there who didn't get a "bug bite" from the F-4 while doing a preflight. Started out "strike" then switched over to Wild Weasels just in time for our "great retreat" --orbitting over Saigon in the last days of April 1975.
Flew F4B's and J's. 200 + combat missions from Chu Lai and Danang. It was the greatest of the 30 + aircraft I got to pilot. Roomy cockpit for a fighter. Needed an internal gun, but the Mark 4 Hipeg 20 mil cannon with a 7,200 rpm was a real fun weapon for air to ground.
I worked RF-4C avionics at Mtn. Home AFB, ID 69-71, then E, G, Hs at Ubol RTAFB, Phu Cat, and other locations 71-72. The Central Air Data Computer under the left console backseat required some pretzel moves to install even with the backseat out. Crawling up the hot tail pipes to check engine temp thermocouples, what a thrill. Lots of fond memories of the F4. Felt like I knew the instrument systems so well I could repair them in my sleep. Which in Thailand was not an uncommon requirement.
Really is a very nice plane and always i love it for his airframe and very menace siluette.They use to called the Mig-killer without real mig pilots, only a few were good to challenge at this amazing machine.In the other side the AK-47 did the job and won the war.
The best aircraft at the time, the F-4B USMC VMF-314 1962-67.. Ya we were the FIRST Marines to have the F4.. But then we also came from the F4D-1 (Douglas Skyray (FORD))great aircraft AFTER changing the Allison J35-A-17 turbojet to the Pratt & Whitney J57-P-2. To me BOTH aircraft were GREAT!!
Dare2Be
Lighty, I never knew you commanded a squadron, let alone in Desert Storm! That's fantastic! I was flipping slides for Gen Schwarzkopf in Riyadh. Where did we have F-4s? Daharan?
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