McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

The McDonnell Phantom II was perhaps the most important western fighter of the postwar period. Between 1957 and 1981 over 5000 F-4s were built. Starting life as project to improve on the earlier Demon for the USN next fighter acquisition. The original design lost out to Voughts F-8 Crusader but further refinement including the new J79 engine saw the USN place an order in 1955. First flight was in 1958 and the aircraft demonstrated previously unseen performance levels. The USNs first model was the F-4B fleet defence fighter. In 1965 the USAF ordered the F-4, the C model being utilised in the fighter bomber role. Later USN and USMC models were the F-4J, F-4N and F-4S. The USAF also operated the F-4D and the F-4E. The E model was by far the most prolific variant. The E introduced the APQ-120 radar and finally gave the F-4 an internal gun. The lack of a gun had been found to be a major shortcoming of the design when flying against North Vienamese MiGs. The USAF also operated the F-4G Wild Weasel SEAD variant. Reconnaisance variants were also fielded, RF-4B, RF-4C and RF-4E models. While the United States has now retired all of its F-4s the type still serves with a number of export customers and in fact many Phantoms have been upgraded to continue in service for years to come. Israel has upgraded some of its F-4s under the Kurnass 2000 program. This adds a new cockit layout with Elbit avionics and digital displays and the APG-76 radar. IAI is upgrading 54 Turkish F-4Es with a new Elta radar and some structural improvements. Japan produced the F-4E under licence as the F-4EJ and 96 aircraft have been upgraded to F-4EJ Kai standard with the APG-66J radar. Germany's KWK/ICE (Improved Combat Efficiency) upgrade gives its F-4F aircraft an APG-65Y radar and AIM-120 compatability. Thirty nine Greek F-4s are being similarly modified into the F-4E Peace Icarus 2000.

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