McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II FG.1
McDonnell Douglas · USA · first flew 1966 · fighter
The FG.1 was the Royal Navy's carrier-borne Phantom, re-engined with Rolls-Royce Speys in a substantially modified airframe. The wider intakes are the single most visible identification feature setting all British Phantoms apart from every other Phantom variant.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Broader fuselage spine behind cockpit due to wider Spey nacelles |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Rolls-Royce Spey engine intakes — noticeably wider and squarer than J79-engined Phantoms
- Broader fuselage spine behind cockpit due to wider Spey nacelles
- Royal Navy markings and arrestor hook without folding wings (FAA elected not to fold)
The wide, square-lipped intakes are the instant tell for any British Phantom — they are broader than any US-engined mark by a visible margin. Compare with the oval, narrower intakes of J79-powered aircraft. Arrestor hook and absence of chin cannon confirm FG.1 over FGR.2.
Specifications
- The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II FG.1 has a length of 17.55 m (58 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.77 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2230 km/h (1386 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Ordered to replace the de Havilland Sea Vixen on carriers; the Spey reengining promised better low-altitude performance and single-engine safety. About 52 FG.1s were built. The premature scrapping of HMS Ark Royal in 1978 made the aircraft redundant for carrier work; most passed to the RAF.
Variants
The FGR.2 is the RAF ground-attack equivalent. When transferred to the RAF the FG.1s retained their designation but flew in the air defence role.
Where you'll see it
Royal Navy 892 NAS 1969-1978; subsequently RAF 43 and 111 Squadrons until the early 1990s. No airworthy examples; static aircraft at Fleet Air Arm Museum Yeovilton and RAF Museum Cosford.
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