F-4 Phantom II

Image: USAF via Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

F-4 Phantom II

Designation: F-4E

McDonnell Douglas Cold War fighter 1960-2021

Why it matters

The F-4 Phantom II was the do-everything fighter of the Cold War. Navy interceptor, Air Force fighter-bomber, Marine close support, Thunderbirds demonstration bird, Wild Weasel SAM hunter. McDonnell Douglas built over 5,000 of them. The Phantom served in Vietnam, the Six-Day War, Desert Storm, and conflicts around the world. Ugly, loud, smokier than a freight train — but devastatingly effective.

Specifications

Max Speed Mach 2.23 (1,472 mph)
Range 1,750 miles
Service Ceiling 60,000 ft
Engine 2x General Electric J79-GE-17A turbojets
Power/Thrust 17,900 lbf each with afterburner
Wingspan 38 ft 5 in
Length 63 ft
Crew 2
Production 5,195 built
First Flight 1958-05-27
Service Dates 1960-2021 (final retirement from combat in Turkey)

Armament

  • • 1x M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon (E model)
  • • 4x AIM-7 Sparrow
  • • 4x AIM-9 Sidewinder
  • • Up to 18,650 lbs ordnance

Notable Features

  • Twin engines
  • No internal gun initially
  • Anhedral stabilators
  • Smoke-producing J79 engines

Patina notes

F-4s show their age in the characteristic exhaust staining from those smoky J79 engines. Operational aircraft developed distinctive wear patterns around maintenance access panels, crew entry points, and weapons stations. The aircraft's complex systems meant constant maintenance — which left evidence in the form of countless patches and access panel scratches.

Preservation reality

Hundreds of F-4s remain in various states of preservation. Many sit as gate guards at military bases, slowly weathering. Museums have dozens on display. A few remain in private hands, though operating them is extremely expensive. Turkey finally retired the last combat F-4s in 2021. The Phantom era is truly over.

Where to see one

  • • National Museum of the US Air Force
  • • National Air and Space Museum
  • • USS Midway Museum
  • • Pima Air & Space Museum
  • • Nearly every air force museum worldwide

Preservation organizations

  • • F-4 Phantom II Society
  • • Commemorative Air Force

Sources