The F-4 Phantom II Turns 50

[wicked_hind]

You forgot Iran.

Yup, I think you guys are now the only ones who still use F-4Ds! I think that's that's pretty astonishing.

[Kaplanr]

Happy Birthday Phantom.


Just saw the photo is backwards. ;0

[IDF_TANKER]

Happy Birthday Phantom.


Just saw the photo is backwards. ;0

Man, it's only ten years younger than Israel.

[lightfire]

I've made those myself last summer:

[Pars]

I've made those myself last summer:

I like this one; looks like a smiley face with a huge ballsack.

[Pars]

Yup, I think you guys are now the only ones who still use F-4Ds! I think that's that's pretty astonishing.

The Iranian Air Force loves its old American planes. And so do I! Quality stuff.

[Karaahmetoglu]

I like this one; looks like a smiley face with a huge ballsack.

HAHAH LOL HAHAHAHA man i needed a good laugh.

I have very basic knowledge but how is the F-4 in low and high speed maneuverability?

[Ratamacue]

I have very basic knowledge but how is the F-4 in low and high speed maneuverability?

Having been designed as a naval fighter, I would guess that the F-4 had fairly decent low-speed handling, at least for its size. However, my understanding is that it was never particularly agile, and smaller aircraft could very easily outmaneuver it in a turning battle. In Vietnam, F-4 drivers relied more on the power of its engines, which allowed them to disengage at will from any fight by simply out-accelerating and out-climbing their opponent, then reengage under more favorable circumstances.

[beNder]

Always been one of my favorites! It's proof that a brick with wings can fly.

Beautiful beast.

[Karaahmetoglu]

Having been designed as a naval fighter, I would guess that the F-4 had fairly decent low-speed handling, at least for its size. However, my understanding is that it was never particularly agile, and smaller aircraft could very easily outmaneuver it in a turning battle. In Vietnam, F-4 drivers relied more on the power of its engines, which allowed them to disengage at will from any fight by simply out-accelerating and out-climbing their opponent, then reengage under more favorable circumstances.

I am guessing that the High speed maneuverability is probably excellent on a F-4 right?

[Zoomie]

Let's not forget the black Playboy bunny scheme of VX-4.

Gotta love the all black scheme:

[NavyTimes]

Wonderful beast of a plane.

[helomech]

Great thread!
I was assigned to this squadron while I was in,I do miss looking at that mountain range in the mornings....another time,another place
VMFA-235
I
And sister squadrons,-212,-232

[bikewrench]

Kaneohe MCAS!
Woot! They were still flying them when I was stationed there.

[I can't think of a name]

Search John Boyd and his E-M Theory.

His findings there lead to the development of the F-16 and F-15 that both had a large wing area. The larger wing area decreased wing loading thus making the 15/16 much more maneuverable at low speeds. However they have more trade as a trade-off.