McDonnell Douglas EF-4J Phantom II

The McDonnell Douglas EF‑4J Phantom II was a specialized electronic‑warfare variant of the legendary F‑4 Phantom family, produced by McDonnell Douglas in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Built on the same airframe as the fighter‑bomber F‑4J, the EF‑4J incorporated extensive modifications to serve as a “wildcat” jammer and signal‑intelligence platform for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Its nose was reshaped to house a large, recessed radome that accommodated the AN/ALR‑62 or AN/ALR‑67 receiver‑array, while the forward fuselage was fitted with additional chaff and flare dispensers, a powerful AN/ALQ‑119 electronic counter‑measure suite, and extra power generators. The aircraft retained the twin‑engine, supersonic capability of its parent model, reaching speeds above Mach 2 and a service ceiling of 60,000 feet, but its mission profile focused on disrupting enemy radar, gathering electronic emissions, and escorting strike packages. Over 30 EF‑4Js entered service, proving vital during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War by providing real‑time electronic situational awareness. Their legacy endures in modern EW platforms, illustrating how a proven fighter airframe can be transformed into a pivotal intelligence‑gathering asset.

McDonnell Douglas

McDonnell Douglas EF-4J Phantom II

Classification

Design & Classification