McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

The McDonnell Douglas F‑4 Phantom II is a two‑engine, supersonic jet originally developed in the late 1950s for the United States Navy as a carrier‑based fighter‑bomber. First flown in 1958 and entering service in 1960, the aircraft quickly proved adaptable, serving in the Air Force, Marine Corps, and numerous allied air forces. Powered by two General Electric J79 turbo‑jets, the Phantom could exceed Mach 2.2 and carry a diverse payload of air‑to‑air missiles, air‑to‑ground bombs, and reconnaissance pods. Its spacious interior allowed for a pilot and a weapons systems officer, enabling simultaneous radar‑guided interception and strike missions. The F‑4’s radar, the powerful AN/APQ‑72, and later upgrades such as the AN/APQ‑120, gave it long‑range detection and fire‑control capability that set new standards for multirole combat aircraft. The Phantom saw extensive combat in Vietnam, the Arab‑Israeli conflicts, the Gulf War, and numerous Cold‑War engagements, earning a reputation for durability and sheer firepower. Over 5,000 units were built, making it one of the most produced supersonic fighters in history, and its design philosophy influenced later aircraft such as the F‑15 and F‑16, cementing its legacy in modern aviation.

McDonnell Douglas

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

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