McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

06 Jun 2026 · © AviatorShots81

German Air Force (Luftwaffe) McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II on display. Once a backbone of NATO air defenses, the F-4 is now rarely seen outside of museums and the last few operators.

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Aircraft

F-4 Phantom II F4

German Air Force (Luftwaffe) low-visibility grey camouflage

Manufacturer

McDonnell Douglas

Gear

SONY ILCE-7M4 FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Military Maverick

3 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 79.0

Vivid color and crisp detail, but barriers and hangar distract from the F-4's impact. Strong profile angle!

Location

Rostock-Laage Airport

RLG/ETNL

53.9182, 12.2783

Open map

Rostock-Laage Airport RLG

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The F-4 Phantom II was one of the most widely used fighter aircraft of the 1960s–1980s, serving with multiple air forces including the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and others. It was known for its versatility as a fighter, interceptor, and ground-attack platform.

Fleet Rarity

Retired from most air forces; less than 50 remain in service or airworthy, largely in Turkey, Iran, and as drones in the USA.

Record Flights

The F-4 has set 16 world speed, altitude, and time-to-climb records.

Safety & Events

Participated in Vietnam War, Arab-Israeli conflicts, Iran-Iraq War, and various NATO exercises. Several F-4s have been involved in air-to-air kills and historic dogfights.

Future Outlook

Most F-4s are now retired, preserved in museums, static displays, or used as aerial targets. This airframe appears to be a museum or static display.

Specifications

2 × General Electric J79-GE-17A turbojets

Engine

11.71 m

Wingspan

19.2 m

Length

2,600 km

Range

940 km/h

Speed

2 (crew)

Capacity

27,800 kg

MTOW

5.0 m

Height

2 × 79.6 kN (17,900 lbf) with afterburner

Thrust

Typically 130 dB (very loud; no civilian rating)

Noise