The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II[N 1] is an American tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber that was developed by McDonnell Aircraft for the United States Navy. [4]

Two-seat all-weather carrier-based fighter for the US Navy, J79-GE-2 and -2A engines with 16,100 lbf (71.6 kN) of afterburner thrust each. Named Phantom II in 1959 and redesignated F-4A in 1962; 45 built. [1] A small number of F-4As converted into two-seat training aircraft.

F-4E: The most widely produced and exported variant, the F-4E included a built-in 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon and advanced avionics, including a new radar system and improved targeting systems. It was used by the U.S. Air Force and many other international operators.

The F-4E, which took off on its maiden flight on June 30th 1967, became the leading Phantom model, with 1,389 planes built. The first F-4E was delivered to the Air Force in October 1967. The...

The F-4 Phantom exhibit showcases this dominating aircraft used by all three branches of U.S. military operations from the 60's to the 90's. Get tickets today!

McDonnell began a new design study for a gun-armed Phantom in late 1964 and finally got the attention of the Air Force. The gun-armed F-4E was finally funded in June of 1965. It was …

The F-4E is a greatly improved version of the Phantom with numerous improvements to the engines and electronic systems. The most recognizable change is the addition of an internally mounted gun for air-to-air combat mounted under the nose of the aircraft.

The F-4E is essentially an F-4D with improved J79-GE-17 engines (900 pounds more static sea level thrust each) and an M61A1 "Vulcan" 20mm cannon. Operational experience gained in Vietnam had a direct influence on the addition of the cannon.

A final modification added distinctive wing-like canard surfaces to examine the Precision Aircraft Control Technology configuration for mission and performance improvements. The F-4 was delivered to the museum from McDonnell Douglas in 1979. Click here to return to the Featured Accessions index.

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II history, specifications, schematics, pictures, and data.