The F-4 is a twin engine fighter/bomber that is used for air superiority, interdiction and close air support roles. More recently the F-4 Phantom II has become specialized for air defense suppression. The only model of the F-4 still in use is the F-4G "Advanced Wild Weasel" that is used to destroy enemy SAM (Surface to Air Missiles) sites. The F-4G mostly accomplishes this task by using the AGM-88 HARM (High Speed Anti Radiation Missile).
Variant informationThe first F-4C flight occurred for the Air Force in May 1963 then later for the National Guard in January 1972. The Air Force Reserve began using the Phantom II in June 1978. A later version of the Phantom II the F-4D was delivered to the Air Force in March 1966 and to the National Guard in 1977 while the Air Force Reserve began receiving F-4D's in 1980. The F-4D was mainly different from the C model in that the accuracy of the F-4D was increased.
After the F-4D the F-4E began being produced. The Air Force began receiving the new model in 1985, While the National guard received its first in 1985. The Air Force Reserve began receiving them in 1987. The F-4E had a larger fuel storage capacity, improved maneuverability as well as a new engine which improved the speed. Finally a new internal gun with improved fire-control system.
The F-4E was also later fitted with a improved equipment for target identification. The improved system consists of a TV camera with a zoom lens to assist in positively identifying targets. A new system was also installed to track and target ground targets with laser, infrared and remote controlled guided weapons in all different weather conditions. An additional change was computer that computes the launch computations for the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. The F-4E also included the ARN-101 navigation system that replaced the LN-12 navigation system.
The most recent version of the F-4 Phantom II is the F-4G "Advanced Wild Weasel". The F-4G is used to detect, and locate enemy radar sites then deliverer weapons at the target that will either destroy or at least surpress enemy radar. This mission is achieved through the use of the AGM-88 HARM and the Maverick AGM-65. The F-4G also can carry the ALQ-131 and ALQ-184 countermeasure equipment
| Primary Function: | Fighter/Bomber. |
|---|---|
| Manufacter: | McDonnell Aircraft Co., McDonnell Corporation |
| Crew: (F-4G) | Two (The pilot and electronic warfare officer) |
| Engines: | Two General Electric J-79-GE-15s engines that exert 17,900 pounds (8,055 kg) each. |
| Length: | 62 feet, 11 inches. (19.1 meters) |
| Height: | 16 feet, 5 inches. (5 meters) |
| Wingspan: | 38 feet, 11 inches (11.8 meters) |
| Wingarea: | 530 Square feet. (49.23 Square meters). |
| Speeds: | Maximum speed:Over 1,600 miles per hour ( over Mach 2) |
| Cruising speed: | 590 mph |
| Max ceiling altitude: | 60,000 feet (18,182 meters). |
| Weights: Gross weight: Maximum Takeoff Weight: |
28,276 pounds (12,823 Kg). 50,341 pounds (22,830 kg) 58,000 pounds. (26,303). |
| Range: | 1,300 miles (2,214 km; 1,130 nautical miles). |
| Armament: | Four AIM-7 Sparrow and four AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles or AGM-65 Maverick missiles or AGM-88 missile capability and one fuselage bomb rack and four pylon bomb racks capable of carrying 12,500 pounds (5,625) of general purpose bombs. |
| Cost: | 18.4 million dollars |
| Crew: | May 1963 |
| Inventory: (F-4G) | Active force, 24; ANG, 24; Reserve,0. |
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