F-4 Phantom II
McDonnell Douglas · United States · first flew 1958 · fighter
The F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engine supersonic interceptor and fighter-bomber that became one of the defining Western combat aircraft of the Cold War.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 19.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Anhedral tailplane drooping down
- Dihedral outer wingtips kinked up
- Twin-seat tandem canopy
Look for the distinctive drooped anhedral tailplane and the upswept dihedral wingtips, a combination unique to the type. The broad twin-engine fuselage, tandem canopy and long pointed nose complete the unmistakable silhouette.
Specifications
- The F-4 Phantom II has a length of 19.2 m (63 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.7 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2370 km/h (1473 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originating as a US Navy fleet defence fighter, the Phantom first flew in 1958 and was soon adopted by the US Air Force and Marine Corps. McDonnell built over 5,000 airframes, and it set numerous speed and altitude records during the early 1960s. Its versatility saw it serve in air superiority, reconnaissance and strike roles.
Variants
Major versions include the Navy F-4B and F-4J, the USAF F-4C, F-4D and gun-armed F-4E, and the RF-4 reconnaissance series. The Wild Weasel F-4G specialised in defence suppression. Export variants flew with Britain, Germany, Israel, Japan and many others.
Where you'll see it
The RAF and Royal Navy operated Phantom FG.1 and FGR.2 variants from the late 1960s into the early 1990s, including QRA interception duties. USAFE Phantoms were a familiar sight at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Bentwaters during the Cold War. Preserved examples can be seen at the RAF Museum and Imperial War Museum Duxford.
Related aircraft
- Douglas EC-24A
- F-4B / F-4C Phantom II
- McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II
- McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II
- Aerfer Ariete
- Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow
- BAC Jet Provost T.3
- Fuji T-1 Hatsutaka
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