McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

27 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

Photographed in a museum display; not in flying condition. Notable for side air intakes, twin engines, and unique radome profile. Overhead is another vintage US Navy jet (F-86 Sabre).

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Aircraft

F-4 Phantom II F4PH

United States Navy/Marine low-visibility grey

Manufacturer

McDonnell Douglas

Insights

Aviation History

The F-4 Phantom II is a legendary all-weather, tandem two-seat, twin-engine, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber originally developed by McDonnell Aircraft for the United States Navy in the 1950s. It became a major fighter for the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force; one of the most iconic Cold War jets.

Fleet Rarity

No longer in front-line US service; some still fly in a handful of global air forces (notably Turkey, Iran, Greece, South Korea) and are common museum pieces.

Record Flights

Set 16 world records for speed, altitude, and climbing between 1959–1962. Used as a fast reconnaissance jet and as a ‘Wild Weasel’ SEAD aircraft.

Safety & Events

Saw extensive combat in Vietnam and numerous other conflicts; known for its speed, versatility, and large size for a fighter. Numerous incidents due to high operational tempo during wars.

Future Outlook

Retired from most air forces but many are preserved in museums worldwide.

Specifications

2 × General Electric J79-GE-17A turbojets

Engine

11.7 m

Wingspan

19.2 m

Length

2,600 km (clean configuration)

Range

940 km/h

Speed

2 crew (pilot and weapons systems officer)

Capacity

27,000 kg

MTOW

5.0 m

Height

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

Thrust

Approx. 130 dB at takeoff (no civil ICAO noise rating)

Noise

Aircraft registration and specific variant are not visible; general F-4 Phantom II details provided.