F-4 Phantom II Specs

The F-4 Phantom II was truly one of the first multi-role and multi-service aircraft. It served well in the Navy, Marines, and Air Force for 34 years. This plane was even the aircraft of choice for the USAF Thunderbirds and the USN Blue Angels at one time. It has served as an all weather fighter and bomber. The last active version of the F-4 was the F-4G Advanced Wild Weasel, or the ground attack version. This plane has made such an impact that it is still used in some foreign nations air forces.

The F-4 was first introduced in 1961 as an order for the Navy to be used on its carriers. The military as a whole was so impressed with it that the Air Force ordered two versions of it; the Fighter and the Wild weasel version. Many other countries including Canada and Japan ordered their own version of it. The F-4 could carry twice as large of a bomb load than a B-17. It was also one of the first fighters to use more modern fire control systems.

The F-4 served in many mission in the Vietnam War and saw limited action in the Operation Dessert Storm. It also served in several conflicts the military has been involved in. In 1987 the F-4's were outfitted with upgraded weapons, navigation, and fire control systems. The F-4's were than used almost entirely in its ground support and attack role. In 1995 the F-4 was retired and was replaced by the F-16 CD/DJ in its ground attack role. The F-4 has served its country well and will be remembered for a long time..