Two-seat all-weather carrier-based fighter for the US Navy, J79-GE-2 and -2A engines with 16,100 lbf (71.6 kN) of afterburner thrust each. Named Phantom II in 1959 and redesignated F-4A in 1962; 45 built.[1]
TF-4A
A small number of F-4As converted into two-seat training aircraft.
F4H-1 (F-4B)
Two-seat all-weather carrier-based fighter and attack aircraft for the US Navy and Marine Corps. J79-GE-8A or -8B engines with 16,950 lbf (75.4 kN) of afterburner thrust each. Redesignated F-4B in 1962; 649 built.[2]
The redesignation of one F-4B for testing purposes.
QF-4B
F-4Bs converted into unmanned supersonic target drones; 25 converted.
F4H-1P (RF-4B)
Tactical reconnaissance version of F-4B for United States Marine Corps, nose stretched 4 ft 9 in (1.4 m), smaller AN/APQ-99 radar. Three camera bays typically carried KS-87 forward oblique/vertical camera on Station 1, KA-87 low-altitude camera on Station 2, and KA-55A or KA-91 high-altitude panoramic camera on Station 3. Also carried AN/APQ-102 reconnaissance SLAR, AN/AAD-4 infrared reconnaissance system, and ALQ-126 ECM suite. The KS-72 or KS-85 cameras were on rotating mounts and could be aimed in flight which improved upon the earlier RF-4C which could only be aligned on the ground.[3] In 1975, modernized under Project SURE (Sensor Update and Refurbishment Effort); 46 built. Retired in 1990. 4 lost in Vietnam.[4] First flown 12 March 1965.[5]
An EF-4C in 1972.
F-110A
The original US Air Force designation for the F-4C.
F-4C
Two-seat all-weather tactical fighter, ground-attack version for the United States Air Force; supported a wide spectrum of weapons including AIM-4 Falcon, AGM-12 Bullpup, and nuclear weapons; wider main wheel tires resulted in distinctive wing bulges; J79-GE-15 engines with provision for cartridge start; boom refueling instead of Navy's probe and drogue refueling; AN/APQ-100 radar; duplicated flight controls in the rear cockpit. The aircraft exceeded Mach 2 during its first flight on 27 May 1963; 583 built.
EF-4C Wild Weasel IV
F-4Cs converted into Wild Weasel ECM aircraft. Equipped with AN/APR-25 RHAWS, AN/APR-26 missile launch warning system, ER-142 ECM receiver, and AN/ALQ-119 external ECM pod. Armed with AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missiles and cluster bombs but unable to carry the AGM-78 Standard ARM missile. A total of 36 were converted.[6] Many survivors were reverted to F-4C.
A Kentucky ANG RF-4C showing camera installations and drag chute.
RF-4C
All-weather tactical reconnaissance version for the US Air Force, AN/APQ-99 (later AN/APQ-172) radar. Equipped similar to RF-4B but with a wider choice of camera fits, including a centerline pod for the gigantic HIAC-1 LOROP (Long Range Oblique Photography) camera, capable of taking high-resolution images of objects 100 miles (160 km) away. Many aircraft were refitted with a more spacious bulging streamlined nose. A sub-variant, to be designated RF-4C(H) was proposed as a night "hunter" aircraft using infrared equipment instead of cameras under Operation Shed Light. In the end, none were converted. While usually unarmed, RF-4Cs retained the ability to carry a nuclear weapon on the centerline pylon. Additionally, the RF-4Cs of the Alabama Air National Guard, Nevada Air National Guard and Fighter Weapons School were modified to carry the AIM-9 Air to Air Missile. These modernized RF-4Cs of the Alabama and Nevada Air National Guard extensively participated in the Gulf War; 503 built.
Two RF-4Cs shot down by USSR during Project Dark Gene whilst being flown by USAF pilots.[7]
YRF-110A (YRF-4C)
Two prototypes were used in the development of the RF-4C reconnaissance version.
F-4C with updated avionics, AN/APQ-109 radar. First flight June 1965. One USAF pilot and two USAF WSOs became aces in F-4Ds; 825 built.[8]
EF-4D Wild Weasel IV
F-4Ds converted into Wild Weasel ECM aircraft. Unlike the EF-4C, the EF-4D had the capability to use the larger AGM-78 Standard ARM. Only 2 converted.[9]
The F-4E introduced the integral 20 mm Vulcan cannon.
F-4E
USAF version with an integral M61 Vulcan cannon in the elongated RF-4C nose, AN/APQ-120 radar with smaller cross-section to accommodate the cannon, J79-GE-17 engines with 17,900 lbf (79.379 kN) of afterburner thrust each. Late-series aircraft equipped with leading-edge slats to improve maneuverability at the expense of top speed under the Agile Eagle program. Starting with Block 53, aircraft added AGM-65 Maverick capability and smokeless J79-GE-17C or -17E engines. First flight 1 August 1965. The most numerous Phantom variant; 1,370 built.
F-4E Kurnass 2000
Modernized Israeli F-4Es, AN/APG-76 radar, AGM-142 Popeye capability. Entered service in 1989, retired in 2004.
F-4E Peace Icarus 2000 (AUP)
F-4E PI2000(AUP) departing the RIAT 2017 International Air Show, Fairford, UK.
The latest in a long line of F-4 variants, the Terminators are a batch of Turkish Air Force F-4Es, modernized by Israel on the pattern of the Kurnass 2000. They differ from the existing F-4E airframe in a number of key areas, including new attachment fittings to better handle modern weaponry, stronger wing fold ribs, an updated canopy sill bar, and the replacement of some 20 km of wiring (reducing weight by 750 kg) as well as most hydraulic and pneumatic lines and hoses.[11] A plan to increase the turn-rate and longitudinal stability of the Kurnass/Terminator derivatives through the installation of fuselage strakes over the engine inlets was abandoned after testing, and never saw installation on operational aircraft. [12]
The most radical changes occurred in the avionics department. All 2020s have been fitted with vastly updated suite, including MFDs (multifunction displays) as standard, and incorporating a number of new technologies, such as the new Kaiser El-OP 976 wide-angle HUD and HOTAS system, high performance EltaEL/M-2032ISAR-capable high-resolution SAR/GMTI (ground moving target indicator) multi-mode fire control radar (developed for the IAI Lavi), IAIC mission computer, new navigation equipment including GPS/INS connected to mapping mode, dual MIL-STD-1553B databus managing avionics package, Astronautics Central Air Data Computer, new UHF and IFF packages, airborne video tape recorder (AVTR), Elta EL/L-8222 active ECM pod, Mikes (Aselsan) AN/ALQ-178V3 passive embedded SPEWS, and RWR.[11][13]
These upgraded F-4 Phantoms are referred to as the F-4E-2020 Terminator. 54 were modernized and 30+ of them will be in service until at least 2030.[14] They first entered service on 27 January 2000 with deliveries to 111 and 171 Filo.[15]
Upgraded version of the F-4EJ with improved avionics, including AN/APG-66J pulse-doppler radar, and ground attack capability, including ASM-1 anti-ship missile.
EF-4EJ
Small number of F-4EJs were converted into ECM training aircraft.
F-4E(S)
Three Israeli F-4E modified for high-speed reconnaissance as a cheaper alternative to the ambitious F-4X. Fitted with a new nose containing the HIAC-1 LOROP long-range camera with a 66-in (168 cm) focal length as well as a vertical KS-87 camera. The aircraft had a false radome painted on the nose to resemble conventional F-4Es. The fate and service record of these aircraft is unknown.[16]
RF-4E
A RF-4E operated by the Japan Air Self-Defence Force
Unarmed reconnaissance version for export only. Retrofitted to carry weapons by most customers. Several German Air Force aircraft were modified for ELINT missions under Peace Trout program; 149 built.
RF-4EJ
Modified Japanese F-4EJ to operate reconnaissance equipment. Unlike RF-4E, M61 Vulcan is mounted in the nose. 15 converted.
The YF-4E
YF-4E
One of the original YRF-4C prototypes was converted into the YF-4E. The YF-4E was used in the development of the F-4E fighter as well as in fly-by-wire Precision Aircraft Control Technology (PACT) and Control Configured Vehicle (CCV) test programs. Three conversions.
F-4F
F-4E for German Air Force with simplified equipment, no Sparrow capability; 175 built.
F-4F ICE
(Improved Combat Efficiency) Upgraded F-4F with AN/APG-65 radar and AIM-120 AMRAAM capability.
TF-4F
German trainer aircraft, with pilot instructor aft station and appropriate controls.
F-4G
US Navy version, 12 F-4Bs were fitted with the AN/ASW-21 data link digital communications system for automatic carrier landings,[17] one shot down by enemy ground fire, the surviving 11 returned to F-4B configuration.[18]
An F-4G Wild Weasel V.
F-4G Wild Weasel V
F-4E converted to SEAD aircraft for the US Air Force. AN/APQ-120 radar, their cannon replaced by the APR-38 RHAW[19] and later the AN/APR-47,[20] several ECM pods including the ALQ-87, ALQ-101, ALQ-119, ALQ-130, ALQ-131, and the ALQ-140 IR jammer, the ability to carry AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-78 Standard, and AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles. Widely used during the Gulf War, Operation Provide Comfort, and Operation Southern Watch; 116 converted initially, with a further 18 F-4Es converted as attrition replacements for a total of 134.
QF-4G
Remote-controlled target drone.
F-4H
Designation not used to avoid confusion with the pre-1962 F4H.[21]
A U.S. Navy F-4J, 1971.
F-4J
Improved F-4B version for US Navy and Marine Corps, with emphasis on air-to-air combat capability improvement, which include: J79-GE-10 engines with 17,844 lbf (79.374 kN) of afterburner thrust each, AN/APG-59 pulse doppler radar coupled with the AN/AWG-10 Fire Control System for look-down shoot-down capability, larger main landing gear wheels resulting in wing bulges similar to F-4C, slatted tailplane, ailerons drooped 16.5° when landing gear and flaps were deployed to decrease the landing speed, zero-zero ejection seats, expanded ground attack capability, no IRST sensor under the nose; One USN pilot and one USN Naval Flight Officer became aces in F-4Js. First flight May 1966; 522 built.
F-4J(UK)
Designation of 15 low airtime F-4J aircraft purchased by the Royal Air Force from the US Navy in 1984, upgraded to F-4S standard with some British equipment. Although designated Phantom F.3 by the RAF,[22][23] the aircraft was often referred to as F-4J(UK). Used until 1991 by No. 74 Squadron RAF only for UK air defense in lieu of Phantoms sent to Falklands.
DF-4J
One F-4J converted into a drone control aircraft.
EF-4J
Two F-4Js converted into ECM training aircraft.
YF-4J
Three F-4Bs were converted into YF-4J prototypes. The YF-4Js were used in the development of the F-4J.
F-4J version for Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy to replace the De Havilland Sea Vixen.[24] Operated as the Phantom FG.1 (Fighter/Ground attack). Folding nose and extending nosewheel leg. Re-engined with the more powerful British Rolls-Royce Spey 202 turbofan engines which required an enlarged fuselage but gave more power taking off from smaller carriers and was already in use with Blackburn Buccaneer on RN carriers. Delivered from 1968, with cancellation of planned carriers order cut and 20 diverted to the Royal Air Force before going into service; 50 built. RN aircraft withdrawn by 1978 and passed to RAF.
YF-4K
Two prototypes, used in the development of the F-4K.
F-4L
Designation applied to several proposals for an advanced version, including Model 98FOA with RR Spey turbofan engines and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.
F-4B modernized under project Bee Line, the same aerodynamic improvements as F-4J, smokeless engines. First flight 4 June 1972; 228 converted.
QF-4N
F-4Ns converted into remote-controlled supersonic target drones.
F-4S
F-4J modernized with smokeless engines, reinforced airframe, leading-edge slats for improved maneuverability. First flight July 1977; 302 converted.
QF-4S
F-4S converted into supersonic target drones.
F-4E/TM Şimşek (Lightning)
F-4E modernised by ASELSAN for the Turkish Air Force, with structural and avionics upgrades. Sixteen upgraded from 2010.[25]
RF-4E/TM Işık (Light)
RF-4E modernised by ASELSAN for Turkish Air Force, with structural strengthening, improved avionics and a new reconnaissance pod. Eighteen upgraded from 2009.[26]
Proposalsedit
Variable Geometry Phantom proposal4X-JPA, the Super Phantom prototype, on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum
F4H
Proposed ground attack variants Model 98DA and Model 98DB for US Army to take off from grass field/forward air base powered by Allison Spey (AR-168), modified from F4H-1; none built.[27]
F-4E(F)
Proposed single-seat simplified version of F-4E for the German Air Force; none built.
F-4L
Proposed AIM-54 Phoenix capable advanced Phantom variant (Model 98FOA) offered to the US Navy in 1963/64 as a replacement for the F-8 Crusader in the fleet defense role[28] The F-4L had an increased wingspan and powered by Allison TF41-A-2 turbofans for quicker acceleration taking off Essex class carriers.
RF-4M
Proposed, dedicated reconnaissance variant of the F-4M for the RAF; intention to fit equipment internally rather than through carriage of external reconnaissance pod. Not proceeded with.[29]
F-4T
Proposed lightweight air superiority-only fighter version; none built.[30]
Proposed high-performance reconnaissance version with HIAC-1 LOROP camera for Israel developed under the Peace Jack program in conjunction with General Dynamics. Water injection was projected to give the aircraft a top speed in excess of Mach 3 (over 2,000 mph (3,200 km/h) at high altitudes). The water would be contained in a pair of 2,500 US gal (9,600 L) conformal tanks on the sides of the fuselage spine. The US State Department became worried about developing an aircraft with performance similar to the SR-71 Blackbird and offensive capability beyond anything in domestic inventory for a foreign customer and forbade its export. The proposal was then modified to the RF-4X standard with the camera in the nose and removal of weapon carriage. However, the US Air Force withdrew from the project over concerns that a high-performance Phantom would jeopardize funding for the anticipated McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. Without United States financial support, Israel settled for the simpler, less expensive F-4E(S), which was given the nickname 'Shablool', or 'Snail'.[16]
Boeing Super Phantom
A 1984 joint venture between Boeing and Pratt & Whitney for a Phantom variant with Pratt & Whitney PW1120turbofan engines, giving a significant performance gain over J79 Phantoms. The aircraft would also have an 1,100 US gal (4,230 L) conformal fuel tank under the fuselage.[31] Cancelled early in development.[32]
IAI Super Phantom
A separate Israel Aircraft Industries project was proposed for a PW1120-powered Phantom,[33] and one prototype built.[34] IAI's F-4 "Super Phantom" or F-4-2000, which could exceed Mach 1 without afterburners, was displayed at the 1987 Paris Air Show.
^. Royal Air Force. Archived from the original on 31 August 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2015. No 74 Squadron reforms at Wattisham with the delivery of the first of the F4J Phantoms, given the RAF designation Phantom F3
^. National Cold War Exhibition. Royal Air Force Museum. Archived from the original on 17 May 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
^. Archived from the original on 2007-11-22. Retrieved 2007-09-21.
^"[3.0] Phantom In Foreign Service". www.faqs.org.
Bibliographyedit
Baugher, J "McDonnell F-4 Phantom II", American Military Aircraft
Donald, David and Lake Jon, eds. Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft. London: AIRtime Publishing, 1996. ISBN1-880588-24-2.
Dorr, Robert J. and Donald, David. Fighters of the United States Air Force. London:Temple Press/Aerospace, 1990, ISBN0-600-55094-X.
Dorr, Robert F. Phantoms Forever. London: Osprey Publishing Limited, 1987. ISBN0-85045-742-4
Eden, Paul ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd, 2004. ISBN1-904687-84-9
Francillon, René J. McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920. London:Putnam, 1979. ISBN0-370-00050-1.
Francillon, René J. ""Wild Weasel Phantoms". Air International, July 1994, Volume 47 No 1. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing. pp. 15–21.
Mevlutoglu, Arda. "Anatolian Phantoms". Air International, January 2011, Volume 80, No. 1. pp. 40–45. ISSN 0306-5634.
Miller, Jay. "Peace Jack: An Enigma Exposed". Air International, July 1985, Volume 29, No. 1. Bromley, UK: Fine Scroll. pp. 18–23.
Spick, Mike. "2001 Phantom Odyssey". Air International. December 1985, Volume 29, No. 6.Bromley, UK: Fine Scroll. pp. 287–292.
Sweetman, Bill and Bonds, Ray. The Great Book of Modern Warplanes. New York, New York: Crown Publishers, 1987. ISBN0-517-63367-1
December 14, 2023
list, mcdonnell, douglas, phantom, variants, main, article, mcdonnell, douglas, phantom, mcdonnell, douglas, phantom, variants, were, numerous, versions, designations, described, below, phantom, flight, holloman, force, base, november, 2007, contents, producti. Main article McDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom II The McDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom II variants were numerous versions and designations of the F 4 and are described below QF 4E Phantom II in flight at Holloman Air Force Base November 2007 Contents 1 Production numbers for major versions 2 Variants 3 Proposals 4 See also 5 References 5 1 Notes 5 2 Citations 5 3 BibliographyProduction numbers for major versions editAircraft NumberF 4A 45F 4B 649RF 4B 46F 4C 583RF 4C 503F 4D 825F 4E 1370F 4E 2020 Turkey 54 F 4EJ Japan 140RF 4E 149RF 4EJ Japan 15 F 4F 175F 4G Wild Weasel 134 F 4J 522F 4J UK 15 F 4K UK 50F 4M UK 116F 4N 228 F 4S 302 asterisk indicates converted from other versionVariants edit nbsp An XF4H 1 1959 nbsp F 4Bs from VF 213 1967 XF4H 1 Two prototypes for the United States Navy first flown 1958 F4H 1F F 4A Two seat all weather carrier based fighter for the US Navy J79 GE 2 and 2A engines with 16 100 lbf 71 6 kN of afterburner thrust each Named Phantom II in 1959 and redesignated F 4A in 1962 45 built 1 TF 4A A small number of F 4As converted into two seat training aircraft F4H 1 F 4B Two seat all weather carrier based fighter and attack aircraft for the US Navy and Marine Corps J79 GE 8A or 8B engines with 16 950 lbf 75 4 kN of afterburner thrust each Redesignated F 4B in 1962 649 built 2 DF 4B F 4Bs converted into drone control aircraft EF 4B One F 4B converted into an ECM training aircraft NF 4B The redesignation of one F 4B for testing purposes QF 4B F 4Bs converted into unmanned supersonic target drones 25 converted F4H 1P RF 4B Tactical reconnaissance version of F 4B for United States Marine Corps nose stretched 4 ft 9 in 1 4 m smaller AN APQ 99 radar Three camera bays typically carried KS 87 forward oblique vertical camera on Station 1 KA 87 low altitude camera on Station 2 and KA 55A or KA 91 high altitude panoramic camera on Station 3 Also carried AN APQ 102 reconnaissance SLAR AN AAD 4 infrared reconnaissance system and ALQ 126 ECM suite The KS 72 or KS 85 cameras were on rotating mounts and could be aimed in flight which improved upon the earlier RF 4C which could only be aligned on the ground 3 In 1975 modernized under Project SURE Sensor Update and Refurbishment Effort 46 built Retired in 1990 4 lost in Vietnam 4 First flown 12 March 1965 5 nbsp An EF 4C in 1972 F 110A The original US Air Force designation for the F 4C F 4C Two seat all weather tactical fighter ground attack version for the United States Air Force supported a wide spectrum of weapons including AIM 4 Falcon AGM 12 Bullpup and nuclear weapons wider main wheel tires resulted in distinctive wing bulges J79 GE 15 engines with provision for cartridge start boom refueling instead of Navy s probe and drogue refueling AN APQ 100 radar duplicated flight controls in the rear cockpit The aircraft exceeded Mach 2 during its first flight on 27 May 1963 583 built EF 4C Wild Weasel IV F 4Cs converted into Wild Weasel ECM aircraft Equipped with AN APR 25 RHAWS AN APR 26 missile launch warning system ER 142 ECM receiver and AN ALQ 119 external ECM pod Armed with AGM 45 Shrike anti radiation missiles and cluster bombs but unable to carry the AGM 78 Standard ARM missile A total of 36 were converted 6 Many survivors were reverted to F 4C nbsp A Kentucky ANG RF 4C showing camera installations and drag chute RF 4C All weather tactical reconnaissance version for the US Air Force AN APQ 99 later AN APQ 172 radar Equipped similar to RF 4B but with a wider choice of camera fits including a centerline pod for the gigantic HIAC 1 LOROP Long Range Oblique Photography camera capable of taking high resolution images of objects 100 miles 160 km away Many aircraft were refitted with a more spacious bulging streamlined nose A sub variant to be designated RF 4C H was proposed as a night hunter aircraft using infrared equipment instead of cameras under Operation Shed Light In the end none were converted While usually unarmed RF 4Cs retained the ability to carry a nuclear weapon on the centerline pylon Additionally the RF 4Cs of the Alabama Air National Guard Nevada Air National Guard and Fighter Weapons School were modified to carry the AIM 9 Air to Air Missile These modernized RF 4Cs of the Alabama and Nevada Air National Guard extensively participated in the Gulf War 503 built Two RF 4Cs shot down by USSR during Project Dark Gene whilst being flown by USAF pilots 7 YRF 110A YRF 4C Two prototypes were used in the development of the RF 4C reconnaissance version nbsp A 301st TFW F 4D 1985 F 4D F 4C with updated avionics AN APQ 109 radar First flight June 1965 One USAF pilot and two USAF WSOs became aces in F 4Ds 825 built 8 EF 4D Wild Weasel IV F 4Ds converted into Wild Weasel ECM aircraft Unlike the EF 4C the EF 4D had the capability to use the larger AGM 78 Standard ARM Only 2 converted 9 nbsp The F 4E introduced the integral 20 mm Vulcan cannon F 4E USAF version with an integral M61 Vulcan cannon in the elongated RF 4C nose AN APQ 120 radar with smaller cross section to accommodate the cannon J79 GE 17 engines with 17 900 lbf 79 379 kN of afterburner thrust each Late series aircraft equipped with leading edge slats to improve maneuverability at the expense of top speed under the Agile Eagle program Starting with Block 53 aircraft added AGM 65 Maverick capability and smokeless J79 GE 17C or 17E engines First flight 1 August 1965 The most numerous Phantom variant 1 370 built F 4E Kurnass 2000 Modernized Israeli F 4Es AN APG 76 radar AGM 142 Popeye capability Entered service in 1989 retired in 2004 F 4E Peace Icarus 2000 AUP nbsp F 4E PI2000 AUP departing the RIAT 2017 International Air Show Fairford UK In 1998 the Hellenic Air Force decided in collaboration with the German Aerospace Industry DASA and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry HAI EAB to upgrade 39 F 4E Phantom II fighters The first aircraft was delivered at Andravida Air Base in December 2002 All upgraded F 4s were equipped with the new AN APQ 65YG radar similar to that of the F A 18 Hornet a new onboard Mission Control Computer MCC a Head Up Display the IFF Interrogator Multi Function Displays and were also capable of carrying a variety of advanced Air to Air and Air to Ground missiles These included the AIM 120 AMRAAM although only the B edition the AIM 9M missile the AFDS and the entire family of the Paveway I II and III laser guided bombs Although gradual retirement of F 4 units started in 2017 a number of aircraft are still operational in multi role missions with the 338 Squadron Ares and the 339 Squadron Ajax based in Andravida Air Force Base 10 The F 4E Phantom II PI2000 AUP has also been certified for use of GBU 27 Paveway III laser guided bombs F 4E Terminator 2020 nbsp F 4E 2020 TerminatorThe latest in a long line of F 4 variants the Terminators are a batch of Turkish Air Force F 4Es modernized by Israel on the pattern of the Kurnass 2000 They differ from the existing F 4E airframe in a number of key areas including new attachment fittings to better handle modern weaponry stronger wing fold ribs an updated canopy sill bar and the replacement of some 20 km of wiring reducing weight by 750 kg as well as most hydraulic and pneumatic lines and hoses 11 A plan to increase the turn rate and longitudinal stability of the Kurnass Terminator derivatives through the installation of fuselage strakes over the engine inlets was abandoned after testing and never saw installation on operational aircraft 12 The most radical changes occurred in the avionics department All 2020s have been fitted with vastly updated suite including MFDs multifunction displays as standard and incorporating a number of new technologies such as the new Kaiser El OP 976 wide angle HUD and HOTAS system high performance Elta EL M 2032 ISAR capable high resolution SAR GMTI ground moving target indicator multi mode fire control radar developed for the IAI Lavi IAIC mission computer new navigation equipment including GPS INS connected to mapping mode dual MIL STD 1553B databus managing avionics package Astronautics Central Air Data Computer new UHF and IFF packages airborne video tape recorder AVTR Elta EL L 8222 active ECM pod Mikes Aselsan AN ALQ 178V3 passive embedded SPEWS and RWR 11 13 Additionally they received AGM 142 Popeye Have Nap integration Litening II targeting pods and the capability to launch AGM 65D G Maverick AGM 88 HARM GBU 8 HOBOS GBU 10 12 Paveway II LGBs general purpose and cluster bombs for air to ground missions while retaining the capability to launch AIM 7 Sparrow and AIM 9 Sidewinder air to air missiles It is also possible to install Pave Spike targeting pods and rocket pods of all sizes 11 13 These upgraded F 4 Phantoms are referred to as the F 4E 2020 Terminator 54 were modernized and 30 of them will be in service until at least 2030 14 They first entered service on 27 January 2000 with deliveries to 111 and 171 Filo 15 QF 4E Remote controlled target drone F 4EJ nbsp A Japanese Mitsubishi F 4EJTwo seat all weather air defense fighter version of F 4E initially lacked ground attack capability Built under licence in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japan Air Self Defense Force 140 built 138 by Mitsubishi F 4EJ Kai Upgraded version of the F 4EJ with improved avionics including AN APG 66J pulse doppler radar and ground attack capability including ASM 1 anti ship missile EF 4EJ Small number of F 4EJs were converted into ECM training aircraft F 4E S Three Israeli F 4E modified for high speed reconnaissance as a cheaper alternative to the ambitious F 4X Fitted with a new nose containing the HIAC 1 LOROP long range camera with a 66 in 168 cm focal length as well as a vertical KS 87 camera The aircraft had a false radome painted on the nose to resemble conventional F 4Es The fate and service record of these aircraft is unknown 16 RF 4E nbsp A RF 4E operated by the Japan Air Self Defence ForceUnarmed reconnaissance version for export only Retrofitted to carry weapons by most customers Several German Air Force aircraft were modified for ELINT missions under Peace Trout program 149 built RF 4EJ Modified Japanese F 4EJ to operate reconnaissance equipment Unlike RF 4E M61 Vulcan is mounted in the nose 15 converted nbsp The YF 4EYF 4E One of the original YRF 4C prototypes was converted into the YF 4E The YF 4E was used in the development of the F 4E fighter as well as in fly by wire Precision Aircraft Control Technology PACT and Control Configured Vehicle CCV test programs Three conversions F 4F F 4E for German Air Force with simplified equipment no Sparrow capability 175 built F 4F ICE Improved Combat Efficiency Upgraded F 4F with AN APG 65 radar and AIM 120 AMRAAM capability TF 4F German trainer aircraft with pilot instructor aft station and appropriate controls F 4G US Navy version 12 F 4Bs were fitted with the AN ASW 21 data link digital communications system for automatic carrier landings 17 one shot down by enemy ground fire the surviving 11 returned to F 4B configuration 18 nbsp An F 4G Wild Weasel V F 4G Wild Weasel V F 4E converted to SEAD aircraft for the US Air Force AN APQ 120 radar their cannon replaced by the APR 38 RHAW 19 and later the AN APR 47 20 several ECM pods including the ALQ 87 ALQ 101 ALQ 119 ALQ 130 ALQ 131 and the ALQ 140 IR jammer the ability to carry AGM 45 Shrike AGM 78 Standard and AGM 88 HARM anti radiation missiles Widely used during the Gulf War Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Southern Watch 116 converted initially with a further 18 F 4Es converted as attrition replacements for a total of 134 QF 4G Remote controlled target drone F 4H Designation not used to avoid confusion with the pre 1962 F4H 21 nbsp A U S Navy F 4J 1971 F 4J Improved F 4B version for US Navy and Marine Corps with emphasis on air to air combat capability improvement which include J79 GE 10 engines with 17 844 lbf 79 374 kN of afterburner thrust each AN APG 59 pulse doppler radar coupled with the AN AWG 10 Fire Control System for look down shoot down capability larger main landing gear wheels resulting in wing bulges similar to F 4C slatted tailplane ailerons drooped 16 5 when landing gear and flaps were deployed to decrease the landing speed zero zero ejection seats expanded ground attack capability no IRST sensor under the nose One USN pilot and one USN Naval Flight Officer became aces in F 4Js First flight May 1966 522 built F 4J UK Designation of 15 low airtime F 4J aircraft purchased by the Royal Air Force from the US Navy in 1984 upgraded to F 4S standard with some British equipment Although designated Phantom F 3 by the RAF 22 23 the aircraft was often referred to as F 4J UK Used until 1991 by No 74 Squadron RAF only for UK air defense in lieu of Phantoms sent to Falklands DF 4J One F 4J converted into a drone control aircraft EF 4J Two F 4Js converted into ECM training aircraft YF 4J Three F 4Bs were converted into YF 4J prototypes The YF 4Js were used in the development of the F 4J nbsp F 4K of 892 NAS launched from HMS Ark Royal 1972 F 4K F 4J version for Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy to replace the De Havilland Sea Vixen 24 Operated as the Phantom FG 1 Fighter Ground attack Folding nose and extending nosewheel leg Re engined with the more powerful British Rolls Royce Spey 202 turbofan engines which required an enlarged fuselage but gave more power taking off from smaller carriers and was already in use with Blackburn Buccaneer on RN carriers Delivered from 1968 with cancellation of planned carriers order cut and 20 diverted to the Royal Air Force before going into service 50 built RN aircraft withdrawn by 1978 and passed to RAF YF 4K Two prototypes used in the development of the F 4K F 4L Designation applied to several proposals for an advanced version including Model 98FOA with RR Spey turbofan engines and AIM 54 Phoenix missiles F 4M Tactical fighter ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft developed from F 4K for the Royal Air Force UK designation Phantom FGR 2 ordered after cancellation of the Hawker Siddeley P 1154 supersonic V STOL aircraft RR Spey turbofan engines 116 built Replaced English Electric Canberra and Hawker Hunter Replaced in turn by SEPECAT Jaguar in ground attack mission replaced English Electric Lightning in air defense role YF 4M Two prototypes used in the development of the F 4M nbsp A U S Marine Corps F 4N aboard Coral Sea 1980 F 4N F 4B modernized under project Bee Line the same aerodynamic improvements as F 4J smokeless engines First flight 4 June 1972 228 converted QF 4N F 4Ns converted into remote controlled supersonic target drones F 4S F 4J modernized with smokeless engines reinforced airframe leading edge slats for improved maneuverability First flight July 1977 302 converted QF 4S F 4S converted into supersonic target drones F 4E TM Simsek Lightning F 4E modernised by ASELSAN for the Turkish Air Force with structural and avionics upgrades Sixteen upgraded from 2010 25 RF 4E TM Isik Light RF 4E modernised by ASELSAN for Turkish Air Force with structural strengthening improved avionics and a new reconnaissance pod Eighteen upgraded from 2009 26 Proposals edit nbsp Variable Geometry Phantom proposal nbsp 4X JPA the Super Phantom prototype on display at the Israeli Air Force MuseumF4H Proposed ground attack variants Model 98DA and Model 98DB for US Army to take off from grass field forward air base powered by Allison Spey AR 168 modified from F4H 1 none built 27 F 4E F Proposed single seat simplified version of F 4E for the German Air Force none built F 4L Proposed AIM 54 Phoenix capable advanced Phantom variant Model 98FOA offered to the US Navy in 1963 64 as a replacement for the F 8 Crusader in the fleet defense role 28 The F 4L had an increased wingspan and powered by Allison TF41 A 2 turbofans for quicker acceleration taking off Essex class carriers RF 4M Proposed dedicated reconnaissance variant of the F 4M for the RAF intention to fit equipment internally rather than through carriage of external reconnaissance pod Not proceeded with 29 F 4T Proposed lightweight air superiority only fighter version none built 30 F 4 FVS Proposed version with airframe modified by Grumman to use variable geometry wings none built F 4X Proposed high performance reconnaissance version with HIAC 1 LOROP camera for Israel developed under the Peace Jack program in conjunction with General Dynamics Water injection was projected to give the aircraft a top speed in excess of Mach 3 over 2 000 mph 3 200 km h at high altitudes The water would be contained in a pair of 2 500 US gal 9 600 L conformal tanks on the sides of the fuselage spine The US State Department became worried about developing an aircraft with performance similar to the SR 71 Blackbird and offensive capability beyond anything in domestic inventory for a foreign customer and forbade its export The proposal was then modified to the RF 4X standard with the camera in the nose and removal of weapon carriage However the US Air Force withdrew from the project over concerns that a high performance Phantom would jeopardize funding for the anticipated McDonnell Douglas F 15 Eagle Without United States financial support Israel settled for the simpler less expensive F 4E S which was given the nickname Shablool or Snail 16 Boeing Super Phantom A 1984 joint venture between Boeing and Pratt amp Whitney for a Phantom variant with Pratt amp Whitney PW1120 turbofan engines giving a significant performance gain over J79 Phantoms The aircraft would also have an 1 100 US gal 4 230 L conformal fuel tank under the fuselage 31 Cancelled early in development 32 IAI Super Phantom A separate Israel Aircraft Industries project was proposed for a PW1120 powered Phantom 33 and one prototype built 34 IAI s F 4 Super Phantom or F 4 2000 which could exceed Mach 1 without afterburners was displayed at the 1987 Paris Air Show See also editMcDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom II F 4 Phantom II non U S operators F 4 Phantom II U S operatorsReferences editNotes edit Citations edit Francillon 1979 p 559 Francillon 1979 pp 559 560 Sweetman 1987 p 531 Dorr 1987 p 39 Eden 2004 p 278 Francillon Air International July 1994 pp 15 17 20 Project Ibex and Project Dark Gene www spyflight co uk Archived from the original on 2015 09 24 Retrieved 2012 06 30 Dorr and Donald p 194 Francillon Air International July 1994 p 17 338 Moira Diw3hs Bombardismoy Haf gr Archived from the original on March 1 2009 Retrieved July 29 2009 a b c F 4 Phantom on the warriorsoul Archived 2008 02 29 at the Wayback Machine Turkish Armed Forces website Retrieved 8 February 2008 Klein and Aloni Andreas and Schlomo 2009 The Kurnass in IDF AF Service 1989 until Today Double Ugly Books a b Donald and Lake 1996 ABD den olumlu sinyal alamayan Turkiye F 4 lerin emekliligini 2030 a erteledi in Turkish 18 November 2021 Phantom for Turkey Archived 2008 05 02 at the Wayback Machine J Baugher May 20 2000 a b Miller 1985 pp 19 25 Remembering the U S Navy F 4G the Phantom That Could Perform Automatic Carrier Landings 8 February 2018 Francillon Air International July 1994 pp 17 20 Federation of American Scientists F 4 Phantom II F 4G Advanced Wild Weasel Archived from the original on 2013 10 21 Retrieved 2015 04 04 Factsheets McDonnell Douglas F 4G Wild Weasel Archived from the original on 2014 01 02 Retrieved 2014 05 10 Francllion 1979 p 568 RAF timeline 1980 1989 Royal Air Force Archived from the original on 31 August 2013 Retrieved 23 March 2015 No 74 Squadron reforms at Wattisham with the delivery of the first of the F4J Phantoms given the RAF designation Phantom F3 No 74 Squadron National Cold War Exhibition Royal Air Force Museum Archived from the original on 17 May 2016 Retrieved 17 May 2016 The Royal Air Force History Section Archived from the original on 2007 11 22 Retrieved 2007 09 21 Mevlutoglu 2011 p 44 Mevlutoglu 2011 p 45 https www secretprojects co uk ebooks McDonnell 20Model 20Numbers 20List pdf bare URL PDF McDonnell F 4L Phantom II Simmelink Kim 20 November 2013 Phantoms that never were built RF 4M Phantom Phacts Retrieved 9 June 2016 https www uswarplanes net f4 pdf bare URL PDF Spick 1985 pp 289 90 Boeing Super Phantom July 25 2008 Archived from the original on July 25 2008 Spick 1985 pp 290 291 3 0 Phantom In Foreign Service www faqs org Bibliography edit Baugher J McDonnell F 4 Phantom II American Military Aircraft Donald David and Lake Jon eds Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft London AIRtime Publishing 1996 ISBN 1 880588 24 2 Dorr Robert J and Donald David Fighters of the United States Air Force London Temple Press Aerospace 1990 ISBN 0 600 55094 X Dorr Robert F Phantoms Forever London Osprey Publishing Limited 1987 ISBN 0 85045 742 4 Eden Paul ed The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft London Amber Books Ltd 2004 ISBN 1 904687 84 9 Francillon Rene J McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920 London Putnam 1979 ISBN 0 370 00050 1 Francillon Rene J Wild Weasel Phantoms Air International July 1994 Volume 47 No 1 Stamford UK Key Publishing pp 15 21 Mevlutoglu Arda Anatolian Phantoms Air International January 2011 Volume 80 No 1 pp 40 45 ISSN 0306 5634 Miller Jay Peace Jack An Enigma Exposed Air International July 1985 Volume 29 No 1 Bromley UK Fine Scroll pp 18 23 Spick Mike 2001 Phantom Odyssey Air International December 1985 Volume 29 No 6 Bromley UK Fine Scroll pp 287 292 Sweetman Bill and Bonds Ray The Great Book of Modern Warplanes New York New York Crown Publishers 1987 ISBN 0 517 63367 1 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title List of McDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom II variants amp oldid 1185496808, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
