Specification: F-4E Phantom II
Built in larger numbers than any other Western modern day warplane, the
angular F-4 Phantom II was originally designed solely as a carrier-based attack
aircraft, but was transformed into a multi-role fighter for both land-based
and carrier-borne use. A defense suppression version was the F-4G 'Wild
Weasel', and includes special avionics as well as provision for anti-radiation
weapons.
The F-4E is the definitive version with a 20mm cannon, APQ-120 radar, and
improved avionics over previous models. Export models include the F-4F for
Germany, and the F-4K and F-4M carrier-borne and land-based variants for the UK.
Prime Contractor: McDonnell Douglas
Function: Multi-role fighter
Crew: 2
Year: 1957
In-service year: 1967
Engines: Two General Electric J79-GE-17A after-burning turbojets, 17,900 lb
thrust each
Dimensions
Wing span: 11.77 m / 38 ft 8 in
Length: 19.2 m / 63 ft
Height: 5.02 m / 16 ft 6 in
Weight: 41,487 empty / 61,795 lb max. take off
Ceiling: 58,750 ft
Speed: 2,300 km/h / 1,430 mph Range: 4,180 km / 2,597 miles
Armament: One 20mm M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon with 640 rounds, plus
up to 16,000 lb including ASMs, AAMs, cluster bombs, freefall bombs,
laser-guided bombs, nuclear weapons, ECM pods, and drop tanks on nine external
points.
The F-4 Phantom II will continue to fly in spirit as its design innovations live on in some of the most modern aircraft: