F-4 Phantom II

The F-4 Phantom II is a twin engine, two-seat, supersonic fighter developed by the U.S. Navy. It was developed as an attack aircraft and later changed into an advanced long-range all-weather interceptor with missile armament. The Phantom was in production from 1958 - 1981 and was used extensively in the Vietnam War. It has been used by 11 other nations and still remains in front line service for seven countries.
The F-4 Phantom was developed as a tandem, two-seat, twin-engine, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the US Navy by McDonnell Aircraft.

 Image Description: The F-4 Phantom was developed as a tandem, two-seat, twin-engine, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the US Navy by McDonnell Aircraft.

 

FACTS & STATS:

First Flown
1958
Range		 1,615 miles (2,600 km)
Length 63 ft (19.2 m)
Engine Two General Electric J79-GE-17A axial compressor turbojets, 17,845 lb. (79.6 kg) each
Wingspan 38 ft 4 in (11.7 m)
Max Speed 1,472 mph (2,370 km/h) (Mach 2)
Ceiling 60,000 ft (18,300 m)
Weight

Empty: 30,328 lbs (13,757 kgs);
Loaded: 41,500 lbs (18,824 kgs)
Number Built

5,195
Armament

One 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan gatling cannon; four AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs; up to 16,000 (7,258 kg) of weapons

 

A formation of F-4 Phantom II fighter aircraft in formation over Florida during a flight demonstration commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force.
Image Description: A formation of F-4 Phantom II fighter aircraft in formation over Florida during a flight demonstration commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force.

 

The F-4N Phantom II launching from the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea in May 1981.

Image Description: The F-4N Phantom II launching from the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea in May 1981.