F-4 Phantom II
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The F-4E is essentially an F-4D with improved J79-GE-17 engines (900 lbs. more static sea level thrust each) and a M61A1 "Vulcan" 20mm cannon. The first F-4E was delivered to the Air Force in October 1967. Operational experience gained in Vietnam had a direct influence on the addition of the cannon. The air-to-air missile fire-to-hit ratios were low and air combat usually degenerated to subsonic 'dogfighting' where the F-4 was at a decided disadvantage when flying against more maneuverable enemy aircraft (MiG 17 and MiG 21). The hydraulically powered wing-folding mechanism and the emergency ram-air turbine were removed to save weight and a seventh fuel cell was added. The addition of self-sealing fuel tanks starting with block 41 aircraft lowered the fuel capacity by 139 gallons, but provided much better combat survivability. The USAF Thunderbirds used the F-4E from June 1969 until November 1973, replacing it with the Northrop T-38, in part, because of the public preception of unacceptably high operating costs for the F-4E.
The F-4G "Advanced Wild Weasel
The F-4G "Advanced Wild Weasel," was the last model still in the active Air Force inventory, until it was replaced by the F-16CJ/DJ in the role of increasing the survivability of tactical strike forces by seeking out and suppressing or destroying enemy radar-directed anti-aircraft artillery batteries and surface-to-air missile sites. F-4G's were E models modified with sophisticated electronic warfare equipment in place of the internally mounted 20mm gun. The F-4G could carry more weapons than previous Wild Weasel aircraft and a greater variety of missiles as well as conventional bombs. The primary weapon of the F-4G, however, was the AGM-88 HARM (high speed anti-radiation missile). Other munitions included cluster bombs, and AIM-65 Maverick and air-to-air missiles.
Specifications
Prime contractor: | McDonnell Aircraft Co., McDonnell Corporation. | Nation of origin: | USA |
Function: | All-weather fighter-bomber. |
Wingspan: | 38 feet, 11 inches (11.8 meters). |
Wing Area: | 530 sq. ft (49,24 sq. m) | Length: | 62 feet, 11 inches (19.1 meters). |
Height: | 16 feet, 5 inches (5 meters). |
Weight: (empty) | 29,535 lb (13 397 kg) |
Ceiling: | 62,250 ft (18 975 m) |
Speed: | 1,485 mph (2390 km/h) |
Range: | 595 miles (958 km) |
Crew: | one, F-4G -- Two (pilot and electronic warfare officer). |
Engine: | Two General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets |
Thrust: | 17,900 pounds (8,055 kilograms) |
Armament: | Two AIM-7 Sparrow (self defense); mixed AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-65 Maverick and AGM-88 HARM in action with internal APR-38 RHAWS and ALQ-119 ECM (in container) | Cost: | $18.4 million |