In the mid-1980s, a third Phantom variant was obtained when fifteen second-hand F-4J aircraft were purchased to augment the UK's air defences following the Falklands War. The Phantom entered service with both the Fleet Air Arm and the RAF in 1969.

To make up for the loss of an entire squadron from the UK's air defences, the RAF procured 15 second-hand F-4J Phantoms that had previously been used by the US Navy. These aircraft were operated by 74 Squadron from 1984 until 1991, when they were replaced by FGR.2 Phantoms that had been released by other squadrons following their conversion to ...

The Phantom F-4J (UK), or just the ‘J’ as it became known to the air and ground crew, will always be inextricably linked to 74 (F) Tiger Squadron, somewhat like the English Electric Lightning F.1 before it. So how did the RAF come to be operating this unique type? Tony Clay explains all.

F-4J+ was the most basic, replacing the F-4's wings for improved fuel capacity and lift characteristics. F-4(FV)L furthered this, adding new high lift devices that allowed for greater bring-back weight.

While the RAF Germany F-4s were only minutes away from the Soviet border, Lightnings continued to guard the frontier, and the RAFG Phantoms were tasked with ground attack and interdiction as well as reconaissance.

The McDonnell Douglas Phantom F-4J(UK) was a unique breed within the RAF’s inventory. Tony Clay examines the type’s short yet colourful service history

No. 74 Squadron, also known as 'Tiger Squadron' from its tiger-head motif, was a squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). It operated fighter aircraft from 1917 to the 1990s, and then trainer aircraft until its disbandment in 2000.

Nov 25, 2004 · After the Falklands war in the early 1980s, 23 RAF Squadron, using Phantom FGR Mk.2s (F-4Ms), was transferred to Stanley to maintain air defense of the Falkland Islands Protection Zone. To keep British home-defense on strength …

ZE360 began its life as F-4J BuNo 155574 at McDonnell Douglas’ Lambert Field facility in St Louis, USA. Its maiden flight was on 6th April 1968 and it was subsequently accepted by the US Navy on 9th April, then issued to fighter squadron VF-31 ‘Tomcatters’ on 22nd May.

In order to compensate NATO for the diversion of these aircraft to the Falklands, Britain purchased 15 low-time, ex-US Navy F-4Js which had been in storage at Davis-Monthan AFB.