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A friend of mine told me about an RF-4 with a red star on it. He went in the Air Force and then a reserve unit. He asked a senior NCO about it this is how the story went. The Phantom in question was flying over Hanoi in 1968, it completed the mission. When leaving the area,it and the wing man got jumped by a Mig 21. The lead told the wing man to run,both planes hit the afterburner. The lead plane pulled up and dropped his center line fuel tank, which struck the Mig, destroying it. The wingman had not run but fell back and saw the exchange. Thus a US RF-4 got a confirmed kill. Kills stay with the bird.
@Lyle Slaton Simmilar case happened in '82 fighting the Syrian Air Force. An Israeli pilot used up all the ammo, including the guns. He droppedthe spent centerline fuel tank, hitting the Syrian Migs tail which lost control and crashed. The Israeli "jock" pilot was made fun off for shooting off all his "load" too early !!
@@trespire a corsair pilot in WW2 chopped off a japanese zero's tail after running out of ammo too. iirc there was some damage to the propeller but the corsair pilot was able to land regardless
@@whostherehuhk Firstly that depends on payload. A bomb-loaded F-4 vs a clean MiG with gas and bullets, it couldn't outmaneuver them. Phantom had tighter turns above 350 knots at low altitude. If it got too slow, yes the MiG would outmaneuver it. People make the wrong conclusions/comparisons about the aircraft themselves.
@@carlparlatore294 No. I haven't. But I was responding to @mufty halbgar's wondering how anyone over 80 was able to use the internet, not taking a swipe at you. Ageism sucks! As for folks who enter combat for their country - respect!
This is my bird. I was in VF-154 Black Knights for two Vietnam wartime cruises, 1967-68 and 68-69. The aircraft carrier we were attached to was the USS Ranger. My rate was an AQ, fire control technician, which means I worked on the radar systems. This aircraft was a beast. It was very reliable. I worked on the F4-B and the F4-J. Great bird. Being in the flight deck during night operations is something very few folks get to sea. It is a huge rush being on the flight during flight ops. Go Navy!!!
My dad flew in the 555th (Triple Nickel) out of Ubon with the USAF during Nam. The F-4 has a special place in my life too. I also have pictures of Gen Robin Olds painting one of his kills on my Dads plane.
My cousin Sam graduated AF Academy in 68 and in 1972 he took command of his own F-4 and just missed linebacker lol by hours cuz it was career enhancement¡!! He loved he told me of all over the next 30 years, he loved driving the F-4 best!!! His crew chief had one burned out gun barrel chromed and mounted and presented to Sam!! He told me they had like 1672 rounds on board which was just seconds before exhausted!! He said you learned how to fire 200 here and 400 here!!! What an honor he sa it d it was to be able to drive the F-4....an awesome aircraft he said!!
As the former 35th Fighter Wing historian, I'd like to make a correction regarding the F-4G Wild Weasel. The 'G' model was always known within the Air Force as the Wild Weasel it was not a redesignation. The Wild Weasel designation had existed since 1966 when the first F-100F gained the designation as a dedicated SAM killer, and one of the pilots, on learning their mission parameters, exclaimed, "You've gotta be shitting me!" since contracted to YGBSM. It was a unique role later taken up by the F-105F and G, which were replaced by the next iteration of SAM killer in the F-4G. The F-4G arrived too late to serve in combat in Vietnam but performed its mission set nearly flawlessly during Desert Storm. This would be the only time the 'G' model would serve in combat. With the retirement of the F-4G from active service with the Air Force, the role of the Wild Weasel has since moved on to the next generation of Wild Weasels in the F-16CJ and now the F-16CM. If you have any questions regarding the history and heritage of the Wild Weasels, please feel free to contact me and I will answer any questions you might have.
How right you are sir! The video is okay but really rushed over and ignored so many of the F4E/G many accomplishments and history in its later years of service including the great folks who kept them flying often bbn on sc shoestring budget and the awesome aircrews who flew them with such precision and skill!! I have one of the airforce historians books compiled from when the 561st blackknights were stooddown at George Afb ca. It has a wealth of information! I found it going thru one of the offices when I was in the 562nd the last active squadron at George before it closed.
My father flew the F-4E during his 20 year USAF career. At one point he was attached to the 20th TFTS / 35th TFS ('Silver Lobos') out at George AFB from 85'-91'. The Wild Weasel squadron was right near his squadron and he knew many of the pilots that went over to the first Gulf War.
In 1969, I was in the first large group of USAF navigators to go into the back seat of the F-4. Started out in brand-new E models (which did have an internal gun) and finished up four years later in well-broken-in-D's. Along the way, I did short hops in RF4 D's and E's; and also the West German and Israeli versions. Waiting to take off at St. Louis airport in the Israeli model--U.S. insignia but desert camouflage paint job--every plane that went past us had a face in every window.
@@johnned4848 I was but a lowly USAF F-4 GiB, also known as "the tourist" or "the knob-twister." When MacD needed an aircrew to transport one somewhere, they would ask the AF. Then a crew would go TDY to pick it up and take it where they wanted it. Sometimes my number would come up. Also I got several ocean crossings, IIRC six Pacific and two Atlantic, including the German one. Seeing limited career prospects in the back seat, I planned to get out, go to Medical School, and go back in as a Flight Surgeon. That didn't work out--long story--and I ended up as an industrial R&D Chemist, and then teaching in community colleges. We now live not far from Luke AFB; and when the Raptors go over, my pulse still goes up a little. Check Six. 🤠
@William Wingo I was structural technician / aviation mechanical fitter in the Israeli Air Force in the early '90s. Got to work a lot on our Kurnass. Those planes served us well and long. The Kurnass in our 69th Hammers squadron were maintained as new condition, and had all the "bells and whistles" on par with F-15's. An American dignitary from MD or the USAF (don't know which) told our technical officers "You guys are over maintaining you phantoms". We took pride in keeping them in tip top as new or better condition. Thanks for delivering the jets.
Absolutely...I worked with the 349th MMS as a Weapons Release mechanic on the F-4's of the 49th TFW in 1966-69...We had C, D and E models including two hot-rodded RF-4C's that loved to "accidentally" stray over the Iron Curtain line between West And East Germany...They could outrun anything in the Soviet inventory (including the vaunted MiG-23) like they were nailed to the sky...My favorite version (which I never got to see in person) was an FAC configuration callsigned Chico the Gunfighter...Look up the story because when the bad birds get together at night in the boneyard of Davis-Monthan AFB to swap war stories, they always call Chico the boss...💀👿😁
The F-4C got a gun sight (pod mounted gun).. The F-4D got the internal gun. (Not to be confused with the F4D which was an entirely different US fighter…)
@@joshk.6246 in the beginning of WW1 pilots would duel in the air with revolvers. If you wave your weapon above your head it meant you were out of ammo and the duel was over.
I worked on the F-4F 20 years ago. I was maitenance crew in the German Luftwaffe. It was an amazing experience to see the old "soot bomber" in action. Most of the aircrafts felt like they were twice my age back then. ^^
Soot bomber is appropriate, having converted a number of J-79 engines to smokeless models. So many that I came up with a related joke. Q: How can you tell the difference between an F-4 crew chief and avionics tech? A: Avionics wash their hands AFTER a bathroom break.
We had a squadron of West German Luftwaffe F-4Fs at George AFB (just north of Victorville California in the Mojave desert) in 1977-81. We were told that the flying condition in the Mojave were so much better the those in Germany. This allowed the German pilots to get in far more flying hours.
I was sitting in a beautiful wood panelled library in the early 80s and looked out the window as a USAF F4 came low towards the window - it was a very strange experience but I’ve been a fan of the F4 ever since - Also the RAF displays of their type were just so much noise - amazing
Bit of Trivia, the photo that was up when you were talking about "Speed is Life" was a Photo of Captain Bob Pardo, and his WSO 1Lt Steve Wayne. On 10 march 1967, Capt Pardo along with his Wingman Capt Earl Aman (WSO 1Lt Robert Houghton) were tasked with a Strike on the Thai Nguyen Steel Works north of Hanoi. Both aircrafr were struck by AAA Fire, Aman's aircraft had a severely damaged fuel tank, and it was Determined that they didn't have the gas to get to one of the Tanker Tracks. In an act of Depseration, as they were over an area considered as a Non-Recovery Zone, Pardo, by balancing Aman's Tailhook against his windscreen, Pushed him, in cyckes of 15-30 seconds before the hook slipped, 88 miles into a safe zone for Recovery. During the Push, One of Pardo's engines caught fire, and had to be shut down. Eventually, Both crews Ejected and were recovered. Pardo was initially Reprimanded. In 1989, USAF Finally reexamined the case, and Lt Col Pardo, and Capt Wayne were Awarded Silver stars for the Incident, now known as "Pardo's Push"
Now I know that the Phantom II I saw demonstrated at the Miramar Air Base Air Show in 1958 was one of the prototypes. After some F-8s had done their best to impress us, and some other air show staples had been put in the air, a single jet, with those unmistakable drooped tail elevators made them all look anemic. I'll never forget the second time I saw one, but now there were two. My time in the U.S. Navy took me to the Philippines in 1962. Two Phantoms took off from Cubi Point and proceeded to emulate a pair of rockets until they disappeared into the clouds directly overhead. Just Wow.
I Love the F-4 (USMC Air) but had a similar experience at Beaufort MCAS, a Marine F-4 base. The F-16 had just begun production and was being demonstrated to the various fighter squadrons throughout the US. On day an F-16 showed up at the base and was parked, in full view of the P road, in the HAMS hanger. For a week there was a constant flow of traffic past the building so people could get a look. Finally on morning the base was closed down and the F-16 showed the Marine pilots what the new plane could do. Geez, the best airshow I have ever seen. A couple of things that it di that the F-4 was lost at: The F-16 went vertical, reduced airspeed, stopped, CAME DOWN a few feet, than accelerated (still vertical!) out of sight. Also the F-16 would enter the base at 300 knots, do a tight turn over the runway, and exit the perimeter at 300 kts again. This was a very tight space. I also want to say the F-16 went vertical on a very short rollout, truly amazing. I am sure the jocks were very jealous, and a little concerned. As I said, I love the Phantom, brute force. When it is in the area, you know it.
@@bslturtle We had a quick reaction F-16C squadron, with a few planes on 24hr readiness, to cover the Northern sector of Israels border area facing Syria and other adveseries. These F-16C were fueled and armed with only a few air to air. I've seen them go from standing still on the runway to wheels up in just over 4 seconds. But as a rule our pilots never puched any airframes to their limit.
In the late 80s I went to an airshow at Macguire Air Force Base in New Jersey with my brother. Got there late so had to park way down the road and walk up past the end of the runway and viewing area. As we did pairs of ANG Phantoms screamed directly over our heads at treetop level on mock bombing runs, lighting up their afterburners just as they passed. The people in the stands got to see it from the side at a considerable distance, but me and brother got to see up close these flying freight locomotives of death, I will never forget that sound and power. To this day I can't think of a more intimidating combat aircraft, the Phantom looks like it woke up pissed off and wants to kill you just sitting still on the tarmac.
I worked on the F-4 Pave Spike system and have a similar story. At red/green flag exercises in Las Vegas (80s) I saw a F-16 do a nice tight take - off turn. Then a F-15 do a slightly wider turn. Then a F-4 do an abysmal wide turn. I was embarrased for the beloved old bird. Still my favorite plane.
Love this plane! A minor correction - Israel retired the F-4 phantom in 2004. Our current inventory of fighter jets includes the F-35A, and different variants of F-15 and F-16.
My father flew the F-4 while he was a in the U.S.A.F. ( Strategic Air Command ). He got a chance to fly one in an air show by the private owner. He got into trouble for "Buzzing" the crowd, and breaking formation, and doing a 90⁰ climb up to 80,000 ft, stalling it, and recovering engine power while laughing like troll on the radio. I got to meet my father in his prime that day; and he was 66 years old and I was inspired by his insanity. He calls it; "The best Mechanically Jet-powered device ever conceived by our Military Complex.". When I see one on display, I think of my father. He still wants one more go at the stick of the plane that encompassed his youth and training!
I thought all the fighters were under TAC control, but the USAF loves to completely reorganize every 10 years so things may have varied over the years.
@@Adiscretefirm I'm pretty sure you are correct. There were F4's in TAC and USAFE (USAF Europe) during my stint and none in SAC as I served there as well.
Correction, Iran never had the F-4J variant, they only have F-4D, F-4E and RF-4E variants. My Father in-law used to fly the F-4D, F-4E before finally transferring to the F-14A in IIAF and IRIAF. Love his stories! I’m very fond of this aircraft! Remember seeing them at airshows growing up.
The Recce version is the RF-4C. The F-4E had the gun in the chin where the cameras sat in the RF. How do I know? I maintained F-4E's and G's for the 3rd TFW, and RF-4C's for the 62nd Tactical Reconnaissance Training Squadron "Night Owls". Tail 64-026 was my bird.
G. Warren Hall, author of the book "Demons, Phantoms, and Me" talked about flying the Demon which he had to constantly manage the power and monitor fuel capacity, this jet was sluggish on afterburner and had many deficiencies. When he transitioned to the Phantom, Warren was first hesitant of having a backseat crew member but shortly after said "this is the greatest thing in Naval aviation" because his backseat guy can do all the nav, comms, systems, etc. freeing Warren to only fly the airplane. He also said the Phantom had enormous power and fuel capacity making it easier to fly. Warren also got to fly a new F-4 out of St Louis, "it had that new plane smell."
My Uncle flew the Saber,I believe it was and he attempted to transition to the F4. He was flying out of Dobbins AFB Atlanta. He told me he knew it was time to give up his wings when he was so far behind the aircraft that he ended up over Chattanooga because he couldn't react fast enough to turn the plane and maintaining the course he was suppose to fly. I'm no pilot, but he said, By the time he thought about turning it was already too late. Sounds fast to me.
He flew the F-100 Super Sabre if he was flying out of dobbins, I am not sure if the F-86 flew outta Dobbins but if it did it would've been the reserves back in the late 50s early sixties. I still can remember seeing the Georgia air national guard flying the F-105 Thunderchiefs then the F4s. My uncle flew Ov1 Mohawks outta Dobbins when I was a kid, got me my 1st of many rides in a UH1 Huey there.
I am a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving from 1977 to 1981. I was a maintainer, jet engine mechanic, on the Phantom F-4E. We called it the _Flying Brick._
Same years of service for me and I remember that moniker. We also called it the Phaulty Phantom even though that was not entirely true especially when you compare it to some of the other aircraft of that era.
@Nietzsche's Mustache I was an Aviation mechanical fitter in the Israeli Air Force in the early '90s. We used to get called over to the Engine Shop at least 1 to 2 times a week to extract stripped bolts, screws and the like from J79 and 110's. Drilling an inconell bolt is not a simple task. I trained some of the newer engine technicians how to release stubborn 12 star bolts. Always use a new drive bit, correct use of a pneumatic hammer, and when to stop and call us etc..
I was a 16E10 Hawk Fire Control Operator ( Radar Operator ) near Biteberg A F B in Germany from 1984-86 , B 2/62 . One of the most beautiful sights I ever witnessed was a F-4 Phantom cruising just below the deck , ( well below 100 ft. that is no B. S. ) , close to our Missile base . You did not hear a thing until that bad boy went past . Then it was like 10 freight trains went by ! The new bees fell off the Radars and us old guys laughed our butts off. We protected Biteberg and Spangdelm air bases with the 32ed ADA . " Raise Up Bravo " !
I was on a visit to RAF Leuchars early 1980s in the Tower (I was based at RCC Pitreavie Castle, HQNORMAR). There was a pairs take off. One of the Phantoms nose wheel wobbled and it left the Runway. With full afterburner it hit the intersecting Runway and took off. The back seat had enough by this point and banged out. The controller said, 'Houston we have a problem' (yeah, daft things you remember). We were all given wide brushes and told to sweep the Runway. Anyone who has been in UK Forces will agree whilst a stupid order, you had to obey it. The Runway sweeper then took over. A rather shaken pilot was left circling then dumping fuel before coming in for an uneventful landing. 40 years on, still remember it like yesterday. Great airplane.
@@Abo999 Ah thank you. The only time I've heard the term is when one of my drug-addicted tenants told his equally drug-addicted wife, "If you don't shut that baby up, I'm gonna bang it out".
I used to work at a hardware store around 1985 that was right below the landing pattern of our local Air National Guard unit. They were flying F4s at the time and some afternoons we were treated to loud, smoky landing aircraft shaking our windows. It was awesome.
Lots of inaccuracies in this video. For example the 10:11 mark the speed record is stated as ~1450 kilometers. This is infact incorrect as its 1450 miles per hour, not kilometers. Another error is stating these planes as being more maneuverable than MiGs in Vietnam. That is wrong, MiGs are more maneuverable, the Phantoms were simply faster and better armed.
There's a PDF available online comparing the Blk 50 F-4E to the MiG-21MF (both from the early 70s) and the Phantom despite having a slightly wider turn radius, it has a faster turn rate except at high altitude where they're evenly matched.
The Phantom will OUT RATE a MiG *all day*. The Phantom has a higher cornering airspeed than a MiG-21, it's chief adversary. The MiG-21 has a smaller turning *radius*. So if you are fighting 1 circle or 2 circle fights what you want differs (rate/radius). The F-4 became more maneuverable as time went on, and the final versions were pretty damn good.
Growing up in Louisville Kentucky you could set a clock everyday at 7pm a flight of F4s would rocket across our back yard with afterburners burning.. we "kids" even had opportunity to go on the air guard base and the personal in charge of security would let us walk out on the apron near the F4s as they prepared for a flight and start taxing out to the runways..so yeah we got some special treatment and had a good time talking and rubbing elbows with the base personal and pilots..we would even walk around the base at night with MPs checking doors and locks on the headquarters and other buildings..guess they were as bored as we were.
I first saw an F-4 as a Thunderbird when I was a kid in the 70s and I was instantly awestruck. Still my favorite and one of the best preforming jet fighters of all time.
@@nexpro6118 The E model had a far better turn radius due to redesigned slats on the outer wings. Give it new engines and it would turn as good as an F-15 Eagle.
Me too. We lived out in the country in Illinois and they were putting on a show at the local airport, which meant they buzzed the house over and over. Stood out there staring in awe and loved the plane ever since.
@@3DArchery MAC planes from Scott AFB routinely fly over my dads house in landing patterns, as a kid in the 70s I could always tell fighter jets by the sound
I was fortunate to work on one of the systems on the USAF F-4 Phantom. I worked on the RF-4C model in Austin Texas and the F-4C in Keflavik Iceland. It was/is a beautiful aircraft and everyone that worked on them, or flew them, loved it. A great aircraft!
I was USAF in the 70s and also have a head scar where I got bit by a Phantom. But the biggest hell was the hell hole and having to work the "coke bottle" which was an engine mount. You couldn't see it but had to do it all by feel, great on a rainy winter night. But I am sure you have been there as well.
@@mikethompson2650 In the front cockpit, behind the left sub panel where the emergency brake handle is is a little black box that has something to do with the environmental systems. It's been so long, back in the late 70's, that I don't recall what. Anyway, I had to replace it once. The only way to get to it was to literally stand on your head down next to the rudder pedal, feet sticking out of the cockpit in the air, and reach blindly around a corner to undo one cannon plug and four nuts. Like the coke bottle it was done totally by feel and took forever. For me, the biggest problem was a guy came up and asked if he could work in the rear cockpit. I said, "sure, as long as you don't put power on the aircraft". He got in, did his thing and was gone. When I got done and tried to get out I couldn't. He had moved the rudder pedals and now my head was stuck. It took about ten minutes of me hollering and waving my hands as best I could before someone came and saved me.
@@1WillyK Ok now obviously this didn't happen to me but we got this safety brief of a little horror show that killed one guy. Our Phantoms used a purely mechanical ejection seat and had pull before flight tags all over them. But there was one that on this day was missing. Seems the mech was working on the throttles and suddenly heard this clicking sound, he leaned over the back of the seat to see what was going on. Somehow he tripped off this timer device to deploy the chute, it literally threw the heavy plug through his head and the parachute followed. I am not sure if this happened at our base, MacDill in Florida, or another but given I had to get into the back seat during engine run ups for throttle checks I just wasn't happy about things.
@@1WillyK One of the few times I got to work in a Phantom cockpit, was in an RF. Someone had stripped / rounded off the hexagonal key slot in a tiny stainless allen screw in the pilots stick. It must have been a UNC 1/16" or 3/32" at the most, tiny little bugger. I had a small easyout which I had ground down to a tiny point for some other job. The RF was schedualed to launch, so if I messed up, the stick had to come out and mission scrubbed. We couldn't find a portable light in time so I had to gently tap in the sharpend easyout and apply presure in almost darkness, all by feel. Lucky in came out no problem. As I handed the tiny screw to the avionics tech. it was so dark he couldn't see it, he though it was some kind of magic trick. Servicing F-4 and F-16, ones acrobatical abilities were often called for.
As a 13 year old in the 1970s, I was a member of Civil Air Patrol. The Blue Angels were performing at a local air show. They led all the CAP kids out onto the tarmac before the show began. We were allowed to climb up on the wings and look in the cockpit one at a time. A tremendous experience for a young kid.
I got to do the same thing while in college although they let me sit in the cockpit. So many switches and dials, I came away dejected thinking I could never fly something like that. Two years later I was flying them!
A friend who flew Phantoms claimed he once reached an altitude of 70,000', remembered he and his back seater didn't have pressure suits and decided to descend. He also said the fastest Phantom he ever flew was an RF-4C.
Yes, The RF-4C was the fastest fighter (low level) in the USAF inventory [other than a 'clean', swept-back 111] until the 'large-mouth' 16s came out in the late 80s......due to the nose shape for the cameras, the sealed-up, fuselage sparrow recesses and not much 'stuff' hanging under the wings. The 79s had almost intantaneous throttle response and shoving the trottles just to MIL would push you back in the seat sometimes.
@eb37 You are correct. I was structural technician in the Israeli Air Force in the early '90s. Got to work on the few RF-4 we had on base, one of them was special. It had no leading edge slats, an odd shaped intake, the pannels were very clean and well fitted. This RF was in all light gray and looked amazing. Rumour was could fly high and fast, very fast.
@@jaysonpida5379 The speed limit was Duct Temp Hi light or 750 kts whatever comes first as I recall. The F-104 did pretty good low level as well as the F-105.
The pressure suits weren’t the issue, the J-79’s need air to burn the jp4 fuel and there isn’t enough oxygen to get more altitude. The coolest thing is that at that altitude you can see the curvature of the earth.
So much is wrong here. This video started off ok but then took a very strange nose dive after the 6:00 mark (no pun intended). 6:20: Initial F-4's delivered to the Navy and marines did not include laser bomb guidance systems. 7:03 The F-4N upgraded variant of the B pre-dated the J 7:20 What is "operational lock on capability?" Acquiring, locking, and *FIRING* on a target *without a human in the loop?* Is this a confused misinterpretation of the VTAS system? That's my best guess at what happened here in the research phase. Or are you referring to semi-active radar guidance for missiles? In which case, that was not pioneered on the F-4J, or even the F-4 in general, it pre-dates the F-4. 5 seconds of google will clarify what SARH is, (and the pilot still needs to pull the trigger or pickle it off, folks) 7:44 No, the F-4N is a further development of the F-4B, and pre-dates the J. The S is a post-Vietnam upgrade of the J 7:50 How specifically did smokeless engine improve the reliability and aerodynamic capability? The performance of the engine was better, but not necessarily because it was smokeless. This is confusing 8:20 The F-4S did not serve in Vietnam 9:03 No. Incorrect. Iran does not operate F-4J's. They received F-4D's, followed by F-4E's and R-F4E's. They have never operated an F-4J. 10:33 Easily outmaneuvering and outshooting the MiGs *after improvements to the equipment and pilot training.* The initial reputation wasn't that good, and that is an important part of the history of the Phantom that directly led to the creation of TOP GUN by Dan Pederson and the rest of the bros. Would have been a nice tie-in here 10:47 What specifically about the Phantom was modular? It wasn't any more modular than other fighters, upgrades like slats and radars required substantial re-fit, it wasn't like you could just snap things on and off like lego. 11:11 From *birth* the F-4 Phantom was fitted with a PULSE radar, *not a DOPPLER radar.* It did see a doppler radar in later variants, but it absolutely did not start life with a doppler radar, this is just plain disinformation 11:28 You said meters per second but the screen shows mph 11:47 EIGHT air to air missiles total, not twelve. 4 sparrows in recessed fuselage nacelles, and 2 pairs of sidewinders on the inboard pylons. The Navy variants had launchers on the inboard pylons as well that could fit one sparrow each as well, so a total of 6 sparrows, or 4 sparrows and 4 sidewinders. Unless you're referring to some modern frankenjet, there is no ordnance chart of a phantom with more than 8 A2A missiles 11:58 Initial production versions of the Phantom did not have a cannon. Initial prototypes did have colt cannons, but these were removed from the design. This is what was controversial - it was a fighter that went into production and hit the fleet without a gun. There are plenty of other sources that discuss this so I won't get into it here, but the way you present it in the video is incorrect. 12:10 Which historians? 12:29 Interesting that you mention this here, but you never once mention the F-4E anywhere else in the video up until this point, especially given that was the definitive export version and the backbone of the USAF until the Eagle came along 12:41 I am going to start a drinking game where every time someone says that their jet drivers coined the term "speed is life" I take a shot, as well as "one pass, haul ass". These did not originate in the Phantom community 12:45 in truth, it was true - Phantom drivers kept their speed up to both achieve their best rate speed, and out-energy their MiG counterparts with their thrust to weight gained from the J79's. Also, at 10:33 you literally said the exact opposite statement and you don't back it up either time lmfao 13:03 I think at this point my sanity is slipping away - *THE F-4 PHANTOM IS NOT AND HAS NEVER BEEN THE PRIMARY TRAINER OF THE USAF OR NAVY* 14:45 They weren't RE-designated the F-4G, the F-4G WAS the wild weasel. YGBSM! 15:23 ………. No. Just no. They retired it in 2004. Phantoms are going strong in Turkey and Greece however. I need a drink
The F-4 phantom II was the first airplane model I ever glued together. Marvelled at the twin canopy sleek design compared to the ridiculous looking F-104 starfighter and 106 Delta Darts. I did like the F-105 Thunderchief. Sort of similar look to the Phantom I guess.
Im 57 years old, when I was a kid my dad brought me to airshows whenever possible. The one and only time that I saw the USAF Thunderbirds, they were flying the F4 Phantom. I've never forgotten how cool that was.
I think you may have gotten the gun fact wrong....there was originally no internal guns. Just heat seekers, and radar guided missiles. The reason they added the rotary cannon was close range combat. The initial us pilots only had early versions of heat seekers, and they still had a minimum range. On more than one occasion a phantom pilot would find himself snuggly behind the tailpipe of a MiG, only to not have anything to kill him with....so they americanized it, and added a mini gun. Thanks for the read, and thank you Simon for the great vids!
I flew Phantoms in the RAF in the 80s and thought that was a good run-through of its history. I am surprised, though, that you missed out the K and M models (FG1 and FGR2) flown by the RN and RAF), especially as you were talking about its adaptability. Ours had the much larger Rolls Royce Spey engines which required widening of the fuselage and larger engine intakes; they were also much less smoky than the J79 engines in the US models. It was an amazing aircraft. Thanks for the review.
My favorite part of the F4 is the J-79 engine that powered it. Not only one of the greatest jet engines ever made, it has an unmistakable howling that is just one of the most amazing sounds ever.
When they did the overhead pattern to land,when they reduced power that engine gave a bark noise(don't know how else to describe it)that was unmistakable,I grew to know that sound well,I can still remember it.
Also the honk of a dash 60 starting up(ground power unit. That honk could be heard over a mile away, because our barracks was over a mile from the flight line,and you'd hear them firing up.
Thanks for the nostalgia piece. I flew F4E, and yes I am old and indeed it did have a 30mm gatling gun. It was an amazing experience. It was and is a rugged and mighty fighting aircraft.
Hey Simon, I live in St. Louis where these aircraft were made. Many called this Fighter Town, USA. But, I must take exception with several of you comments. First, McDonnell Aircraft Company "merged" with Douglas in 1975 not '55. At the time James McDonnell owned the largest block of Douglas stock, in the world. Next, you omit any reference of the F-3J design. My uncle William Elmore and another young engineer drew that plane for Mr. Mac. The Boss personally proposed it to a gaggle of generals and the rest became history. The Pentagon called Mr. Mac to order a couple prototypes be built. Several months later, the Pentagon called back to tell Mr. Mac from then on the plane would be called Phantom. All these were very proud company events. Uncle Bill and his partner worked closely for decades at McDonnell Douglas. Oh, one more fact you may not know. Phantom was the first plane capable of carrying and delivery of two monster size nuclear bombs, long distances, at mach 2. That factor had a significant impact on international diplomacy.
Yes it definitely had nuclear capability. It certainly wasn't exported with it but circumstantial evidence suggests Isreal installed it on their Phantoms. In 1982 in the Lebanon war, as part of a plan to fool the Syrians into turning on their air defense radars, Phantoms launched decoy gliders using supersonic lob-- a main way use nukes
@MrMockingbird1313 Phantoms could carry "big sticks". Not sure if the F-15 could do that. I saw some interesing payloads in '91 on Kurnass fueled & ready to go. They were as long as the centerline fuel tank, one on each wing. Only ever saw that one time.
@@johnned4848 Yes, it was the first Gulf War. Our base was targeted every evening at around 8:00 to 8:20 for close on 2 weeks. All the planes were out of the shops and put ready, we were just waiting for the operation to start. At that time our Phantoms were the long arm of justice, the tip of the spear. What I saw hanging on the wings that one time was enough to get my heart racing.
I was a crew chief on F-4Es at Korat RTAB in '72-73, worked heavy maintenance on RF-4Cs at Shaw AFB, and then taught RF-4C maintenance at the Shaw AFB Field Training Detachment. Love those aircraft!
I'm curious about the A-6 intruders, my old man flew them during the gulf war and even had to eject from on. It would be awesome to see a video on them.
@@rorschach7507 well this is much better than what just watched . Like no mention of English RAF F4's having rolls Royce engine . ua-cam.com/video/eyQ8FnreVvQ/v-deo.html
@@tim.iteland.9447 unsubbed from that ages ago because of misinformation. I can tolerate the wrong aircraft in the b-roll, but outright wrong info is just bad.
@@rorschach7507 over 4 incorrect stats in this video & no mention that the RAF used rolls Royce Spey engines , hence they did not smoke and were a tad faster than the U.S version .
The best way to win a pitch to the US military is to say its "modular". It doesn't matter if you actually deliver on the modular element: the cheapest load out will become the only load out.
Simon, I was stationed at Ubon, Thailand, 1970-71, during the war. I calibrated the radar and weapons system of the F4-D's at Ubon. Your featured photo of F4-D tail number FP 680 was one of the planes I calibrated. The amount of ordinance the craft carried was astounding, and I often commented the plane should have been designated the FB-4, for fighter-bomber. The Air Force had the F-4C, RF-4C (reconnaissance), F-4D, and later the F-4E, which had a smaller, solid-state radar package and carried a "Vulcan" Gatling gun built into the fuselage . The D had a Gatling pod mounted on the center-line. The letter designation of the F-4 referred to the avionics system onboard. It carried four AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided missiles, set into the fuselage, hard-point mounted Sidewinders (heat seeking), iron bombs, LGB's (laser guided bombs, the largest being a 3,000 pounder on the center-line, termed a "Fat Albert", CBU's (cluster bomb units), OGB's (optically guided bombs), and napalm canisters. The D was a true workhorse during the war and a fine aircraft. Ubon was known as "The Wolf Pack" and the squadrons called "The Gun Fighters" in their confrontations with Migs. Thanks for the video.
You’ve really rekindled my childhood fascination with fighter jets. Many moons ago I visited RAF Coningsby and got to sit in a Black Phantom and a Tornado. I wanted to be a fighter pilot for years after that. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to a video on the Panavia Tornado 😉😉 🙂.
there is a black F4 in the little museum at the former RAF St Athan near Cardiff, dont remember the details but it had an interesting history as I remember sometimes it is available to sit in the cockpit as I was there on a lucky day I did just that.
I remember as a child regularly scanning the sky in anticipation whenever those magnificent machines announced themselves with their distinctive roar and leaving a thick black streak in the blue sky over the german low mountains. I totally get why they nicknamed them "sky diesel"
I crewed the F-4D at Holloman AFB Jan. 1975 through Aug. 1976. Then the F-4E at Osan AB S. Korea Sept. 1976-Aug. 1977. The D model had no internal gun The E model had an internal 20MM cannon and a 7th fuel cell on the back end of the fuselage to help counter balance the weight of the nose mounted cannon. Got a chance to go up in the D model at Holloman in May of 1976 when I was awarded the crew chief of the month award for the month of May 1076. At 34,000 feet we did 1.2 mach about 920 mph. I was fortunate to live out a 7 year boys dream of being a fighter pilot at that moment. The photo you see is of me on that exact day getting ready to go up. I have great memories of my six years in the USAF. After Osan I was sent to England AFB Alexandria LA and spent my last three years crewing the A-7D Corsair that the 23rd TFW AKA The Flying Tigers had. Same Tigers from WW2. My last job with the Tigers was being in charge of the end of the runway crew. None on the A-7D's we had could take off until I made the final inspection at the end of the runway and found the jet to be air worthy. I would then give my two weapons mechanics a thumbs up to arm the jet. I was letting it go. An incredible amount of responsibility for at the time a 24 year old. I'm very proud of that and I loved it!!!!
I've never heard the back seater called a GIB. In the Air Force we called them Wizzos for Weapons System Officer or WSO. Also, the direct replacement for the F-4 is the F-15, not the F-16. I worked on both F-4's and F-15's during my enlistment.
The general NATO export availability went from F4 to F16, whilst only the US and some close partners had F15 availability as well, although hardly anyone else could afford them. Also for a long time the F15 was pure air superiority so all the fighter-bomber roles went to F16. In pure air superiority, certainly F4 went to F15 but that wasn't as much about succession as it was about getting the F15 into service in numbers as quickly as possible to face "the most dangerous interceptor in the wold today" according to Secretary of the Air Force, Robert Seamans, referring to the Foxbat. The F4 wasn't even nearly done in its intended front line service life yet, not by decades. I think of the F15 as a different direction than a successor, personally, the Eagle is just that special but also, the Phantom is also just that special, advanced and unique. It was trying to be ten years ahead of its time and mostly succeeded. Americans have made some really incredible fighter aircraft. Just awesome.
When I was a youngster I was obsessed with the F4. I read every book, memorized every stat, had pictures of it all over my walls. In my early teens I was on the starting gate of a supercross race waiting for the my main event, when I heard a jet taking off from the adjacent airforce base. I looked up to see a Phantom screaming over my head. I won that race. One of my favorite memories ever. Still gives me chills, 30 years later.
I live in South Wales UK..and we had countless low fly bys around and following the valleys and hills by military aircraft...but the RAF tornados will always be an awesome memory...I know exactly how you feel..
Dad was a crew chief on an F4 in Vietnam. "A bus with jets," but he loved it anyways. The need for a gun pod was highlighted by battles with MiG21 over Vietnam where sharper turning MiGs made missile lock difficult. In general the MiGs wouldn't tangle with F4s, only 105s (a misused airframe). Which is how later Gen Robin Olds came up with one of the best rouses of modern aerial combat, Operation Bolo. It's worth a watch of any video on that. To this day, the F4 is my favorite jet. But I must admit I thought all of them had been scraped. Impressive they still are used (the airframe still does all you want short of stealth). Between the B52 & F4 it says something about American beginner during the early stages of Cold War they can up with two such airframes that still do the work today.
A marvelous experience to sit five feet from the runway and have an F4 spool up, hit the afterburners and take off. This right before the APs came and escorted you away. Anyone ever see an F4 with two stars and the “ant ester “ on the tail fin?
@Eric haskell I've worked on a Kurnass (IAF Phantom) in the 69th Hammers squadron that had a one or two (can't be sure) kill rondells. Tail Nr. was either 312 or 316. When ground maintenance ran the engines at full power inside a HAS, we couldn't get nearer than 30 meters, sound was too intense could feel your whole chest vibrating. Five feet would be maddness. Our Phantoms had a hammer on the fin, with a sheild in black & yellow squares.
@@trespire My guess on the Phantom I mentioned was that two stars denoted a general or admiral although having their own private plane is a stretch. Whoever sat in the plane had chops as the APs showed up quite quickly which was the only time this happened although sitting next to the runway was something we did frequently.
Loved the F4. The sound when the compressor stalled. X-rayed many engine bay and variable ramps looking of foreign objects that would damage the engines
Pause it @4:57. Look how freakin' huge this plane was and they still made it supersonic. Thats like what they did to the '67 Mercury Cougar. "Its a house that thinks its a race car!"
Whatever these incredible machines are called, aircraft are incredible!! It looks to me, pilots don't climb into a plane, the plane accepts a pilot. Its like suiting up, with the most amazing back pack ever!! I went on a school trip once to North Wales, in the 80s. We were sitting in the sun, chatting. Out of nowhere, 2 F14's flew right over the top of us, ridiculously low. The fascinating part was initially......silence, apart from a rushing sound then BOOM, leaving 6 English school children from Brighton absolutely *****ng themselves. It was an honour!
Kinda funny, because i was asking for it last year and then he also made a video about the F-4 Phantom, but i guess it wasn't on this specific channel, so maybe he's bringing them all to this channel so that he can reference to them without "shilling" for his other channels (or he just forgot about it).
As a young sailor assigned to the Seabees at Tan Son Nhut airbase on the outskirts of Saigon, I used to watch in awe as F4s shook the ground when they kicked in their afterburners and took off on various missions.
Time for an A-6E Intruder video please. I want to hear Simon call it's refueling probe by it's well-known nickname haha. Also, that bomber was a beloved, almost indestructible workhorse from the folks at Grummun Ironworks.
Good video but I felt you could have covered more of the USAF versions. I was an aircraft mechanic on the F-4G Wild Weasel in Desert Storm. We flew out of Bahrain and we had a sister squadron flying out of Turkey. We also had RF-4C's from National Guard units at our base. The F-4G's flew bombing missions with GBU's after they ran out of SAM sites to blow up. They didn't fly reconnaissance missions. The RF-4C's flew the reconnaissance missions. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
Nice, the F-4 Phantom II is my favorite plane, and you had already done a video on it (probably also by my request) last year or so, but i happily watch more stuff about it, and kudos for (maybe unknowingly) delving into the Phantom twice. EDIT: I cannot find the other video anymore on here or on your other channels, so i guess you're bringing them under one umbrella on here.
The fact that the JSDF Uses the Phantom to a degree where is matches the F18 in training engagements time and time again tell you how amazing the Aircraft is!
Always interesting videos, thank you for posting. Should the speed record (mentioned at 10:14) be 1,452 mph and not kph? (The official top speed of Mach 2.23 is 1,700 mph or 2,700 kph.) Also, at 11:48, you mention the Phantom could carry 60,000 pounds, but that's the maximum takeoff weight (including the plane, of course). I believe the maximum load out is about 18,000 pounds. Anyway, thanks again for the videos.
The 1400 kph speed is about 900 mph approximately which was the speed achieved in the highly risky low level "sageburner"speed record while the high altitude "Skyburner" record was over 1600 mph (with water injection to cool inlet air)an incredible performance even today.
Note to self,read comments b4 comment, commenting. Apparently I'm not the first one to notice the low speed mentioned. Phantoms were fast and often times deadly. 👍
@@AWMJoeyjoejoe No, that 1452 km/h is accurate. That was achieved at altitudes of less than 125 feet for the entire run, which means the air was very dense. The top speed of Mach 2.23 is at 40,000 feet which is 1471.35 mph (thinner air up at altitude; Mach 1 at 40k feet is 659.8 mph) .
You're forgetting something: the speed of sound varies with altitude (air density) and the Mach 2.23 number is at 40,000 feet, not at sea level and that equates to 1471 mph under standard conditions for that altitude. The 1452 km/h run was done on a course where the entire flight happened at under 125 feet altitude and one crew was killed making an attempt for that record.
I loved some of the nicknames they gave the Phantom like “Rhino” and “Double Ugly.” It was also said to be proof of an amazing aeronautical principle: that “a brick can fly if you stick a big enough engine on it.”
On the gun issue, you might want to do a little research. You might notice that almost all newer fighters have a gun. Many air-to-air battles are fought at low altitudes at sub-sonic speeds. In fact, the Phantom was often equipped with a gun pod on the centerline for this purpose. Later versions of the Phantom had a gun installed internally.
I've been in love with this plane for over 20 years, ever since seeing one in person as a kid. To this day, it's still my favorite aircraft on aesthetics along. Something about that silhouette is just incredibly pleasing.
Great video, Simon. Someone else caught the gun issue, so I will mine. Douglas Aircraft and McDonnell Aircraft merged in 1967, not the early 1950s as you stated in the video. I watch a lot of your channels, and I rarely catch a mistake a simple Google search would have fixed. Otherwise, keep up the good work.
I can't find a source right now, but I recall hearing of another F-4 record, which was that of any model of aircraft ever produced, it has the most hours of combined flight time of any aircraft ever produced.
As a kid on the farm in the 80s , Phantoms would fly over our farm at tree top heights from the fighter base in Terra Haute Ind. They looked and sounded like the wrath of God as they screamed over. Awesome fighter and still my favorite jet fighter.
I worked on F4-E models. The were the first model to use leading-edge slats instead of le-flaps on the wings, which greatly enhanced the plane's lift, turn radius and maneuverability. They were used at Kadena AFB in Okinawa until they were replaced in the earliest '80s by the F16.
When I was in the Air Cadets, I came VERY close to getting a back seat ride in a Phantom FGR.2 of 74 Sqn at RAF Wattisham. Sadly someone else went instead. I got some satisfaction from hearing that he'd spent most of the flight with his head between his knees vomiting, and that he'd actually shit himself as soon as the full afterburner takeoff happened. I'd probably have done the same LOL.
@@rogercamp2910 Awesome!! Lucky you!! I never really got much in the way of interesting / out of the ordinary flying in the cadets. Did a good few flights in the Chipmunk, a BGT gliding course on a Grob 109B motor glider, and a British Airways flight in the cockpit to Belfast, but that was about all. Got to fire a few weapons that weren't usually available to air cadets though SLR (After it had been banned for cadet use), Bren Gun, Browning 9mm, and 66mm LAW, Enfield Enforcer sniper rifle as well as the usual .22 Cadet rifle, L89, L81 and Anschults target rifle. Would have loved a phantom flight though, you really did get the ultimate Air Cadet experience there!!
@@24934637 I was lucky to be in a good Sqn. We had RAF Debden and 614 GS on our doorstep. We got to go gliding most weekends, on the ranges with the RAF so yep I enjoyed the ATC before joining the Army due to the RAf having a recruiting freeze at the time.
I was a aircraft mechanic in USAF back in the 1980s. While in tech school I got chance to work on both the F-4 and A-10. Both were amazing aircraft. One thing Simon failed to mention was the screaming sound of the F-4's engines. You just knew that trouble was coming! I ended up being specialized on the C-141B. Far from glamorous, like the F-4, but had solid track record of use for decades. "Ol' Pig in a Blanket".
My Uncle was an Avaition Electronics Tech that worked on the F4 in the US Air Force. In 1994, while visiting him on summer break, he took me to the official F4 retirement ceremony held at Hill AFB in Salt Lake City. It is still one of my favorite planes.
The Kentucky Air National Guard still used these in the late 80s/early 90s. My High School was right in the flight path of Phantoms returning to Standiford Field. At times we would have to halt class until the roar of the F-4s flying overhead subsided. They had such a distinctive growl I can still recall to this day.
Three versions of the F-4 saw action in Desert Storm; F-4E, F-4G, and RF-4C. The Es were in a hunter killer role with the Gs though say limited action. The Gs were there for SEAD and multi role. A bud of mine actually dropped a bomb on an airborne helo. Of course the RF-4C was used for photo and electronic reconnaissance. The F-4 was employed in both northern and southern Iraq. They continued to be deployed after the official end of Desert Storm.
The F4G's saw a boat load of action in Desert storm. They flew some 2,000 plus mission against radar sites. Only lost 1 F4 but not by enemy action as they ran outta fuel trying to land on a fogged out runway they couldn't see. The Weasels all used beer call signs like Miller, Bud, Coors etc and yelled Maverick everytime they fire a Shrike or Harm missle. The Iraqi radar operators figured this out and would shut down their radar sites anytime they heard it. One weasel pilot I talked with said he'd was out of missiles and a site came up. Knowing an inbound strike package heading near it he called out "Maverick" and the sam site went offline allowing the strike package a clear path into Indian country.
It has the pay load that nearly matches the incredible F15E strike eagle. The F4 phantom truly is one of the premier multi role fighters. If given the right upgrades, she would be performing to this day with BVR capabilities and precision strike capabilities
My first airplane model as a kid as the F-16 / F-15 weren't even "born" yet. Those two roaring J79's with their smoke trails were amazing stuff. One of my favorite planes of all time. Thanks for the vid !
Just a side note. I got to fly in one of these air force simulators. My brother was on the air force and I was like 12. It was one of the coolest things I ever got to do.
Always will be one of my favourite aircraft! I have great memories of seeing them at RAF Finningley in the UK of the 74th Squadron of the RAF flying the F4J(UK).
While Steve Ricthie was the 1st USAF Phantom ace, who achieved his fifth kill in August 1972, the first F-4 ace was Duke Cunningham USN, who scored his fifth victory in May 1972.
Dam skippy he did. Duke is an American hero and a really nice guy. He doesn't mind answering any questions you have about his exploits even when he got in trouble. Saw him speak once super dude.
Thanks for the great vid! A couple of points of detail that may need to be addressed: "Out-maneuvering and and out-shooting the Russian MiGs" (10:39) - F-4 pilots were instructed not to engage with MiG- 17's, 19's (and even 21's) in close in combat during the Vietnam War and to accelerate to full AB to disengage since all these aircraft could out maneuver the F-4. Its also one of the reasons why the gun pack mod was rushed in to service as in close air combat, the F-4's missiles were ineffective. You contradict yourself later in the vid stating "lack of maneuverability over its Soviet counterparts" (12:53) which was improved in later models. 1, 450 Kph = 902mph! I think this stat needs to be revised since the J79 engined versions pushed it along at 1,500mph (Mach 2.27 or 2,400Kph) and the Spey engined versions at 1, 386mph - both at high altitude carrying only Sparrow missiles. 41,000ft/m is not 210mph (meant to be 210 m/s?) Australia should not be listed as a user of the aircraft as it was never part of the inventory. The US Airforce leased 24 F-4s to the R.A.A.F. between 1970 -1973 while problems in F-111 deliveries were being resolved - the problems related to the wing pivots. When delivery was finally made of the operational F-111's, the US offered to sell the F-4s to Aus for over $50m (after Aus had already paid over $40m over three years on the lease and on top of the F-111 purchase price!) - the offer was declined. Small details but important ones.
"The F-4 is the one of the most honest airplanes in the world. She will almost talk to a pilot. She will tell you every move she is going to make." -- Commander 'Duke' Cunningham
Love your channel but I think a slight error in this episode. The F4-E was deployed in 1967 after it became clear that a gun was necessary for low level dogfights with North Vietnamese MiGs. Most Phantoms could be vulnerable to.the MiGs superior turning and gun. It was one of the last major modifications and hugely popular in export versions.
Yeah that's crap you want to know how I know that the best performing phantom was the f4j the definitive naval phantom that never received a gun instead it's pilots received a better training with their missiles and a pulse Doppler radar
Just a question when was the last time a gun was ever used to kill another fighter here's the answer 30 years ago by a mirage that was the last time it ever happened all air-to-air kills have been performed with missiles
Very intgeresting. My dad was stationed at NAS Alameda from ~1949 'til ~1959. When I 1st became aware of what he did, he was working on Corsairs (as a Chief Metal Smith, later redesignted as Structural Mechanic). From there he went on to become a Demon Doctor (I still have the nifty shoulder patch he gave me). I was also a fan at the time, 'cause I was too young to know any better, the Chance/Vought Cutlass. Dual jet engines, delta wing a a SERIOUS nose-up attitude on landing. We lived right across the street from a runway paralleling the estuary between Alameda and Oakland. I was fascinated by the Cutlasses landing there, (jets being pretty new then). Something like a 19' nose gear, which was actually one of its downfalls. (and being called the Gutless Cutlas (which I didn't know 'til decades later)). They actually quit letting them land on carriers after several mishaps! :o I think my dad showed me Phantom at some point shortly before he retired from the Navy.
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Also Israel has no F4s operational, certainly not 220! They haven't used the F4 for 20 years!
where's this F-22 video? can't find it.
or you could do it for free. Family Search is free forever
Can you do the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Mig 21, two of the most produced combat aircrafts ever.
A friend of mine told me about an RF-4 with a red star on it. He went in the Air Force and then a reserve unit. He asked a senior NCO about it this is how the story went. The Phantom in question was flying over Hanoi in 1968, it completed the mission. When leaving the area,it and the wing man got jumped by a Mig 21. The lead told the wing man to run,both planes hit the afterburner. The lead plane pulled up and dropped his center line fuel tank, which struck the Mig, destroying it. The wingman had not run but fell back and saw the exchange. Thus a US RF-4 got a confirmed kill. Kills stay with the bird.
@Lyle Slaton Simmilar case happened in '82 fighting the Syrian Air Force. An Israeli pilot used up all the ammo, including the guns. He droppedthe spent centerline fuel tank, hitting the Syrian Migs tail which lost control and crashed. The Israeli "jock" pilot was made fun off for shooting off all his "load" too early !!
Absolutely.
Use what ya got.
Not bad for a recon jet LOL!
@@trespire a corsair pilot in WW2 chopped off a japanese zero's tail after running out of ammo too. iirc there was some damage to the propeller but the corsair pilot was able to land regardless
The F-4 Phantom wasn’t outmaneuvering MiGs. That being said the F-4 became the “World’s greatest distributor of MiG parts”
Of course it was. The F-4C outmaneuvered the MiG-21 and 19 down low. The E even more so.
@@fifteenbyfive
Wrong. It had to rely on strategy to defeat the MiG's because it couldn't outmaneuvere them.
@@whostherehuhk Firstly that depends on payload. A bomb-loaded F-4 vs a clean MiG with gas and bullets, it couldn't outmaneuver them. Phantom had tighter turns above 350 knots at low altitude. If it got too slow, yes the MiG would outmaneuver it. People make the wrong conclusions/comparisons about the aircraft themselves.
flying really fast is technically a maneuver
@@deratomi … F-4 crews did great. Once they had the training to deal with the MiG’s. The improvements on the E model helped a lot.
Started to fly the Phantom in 68' - three combat tours in Nam - logged over 2800 hrs. - in my opinion the best jet fighter of its time!
how is an over 80 year old guy able to use UA-cam?
@@muffty1337 If you are talking to me well I'm only 77 🙂 but feel like I'm still 30!
@@muffty1337 Really?
@@MrPossumeyes It's obvious you have never met a fighter pilot!
@@carlparlatore294 No. I haven't. But I was responding to @mufty halbgar's wondering how anyone over 80 was able to use the internet, not taking a swipe at you. Ageism sucks! As for folks who enter combat for their country - respect!
70 years old and still one of the coolest looking jets
And still in the frontlines as well
Agree. Without even knowing it's history, just the shape, it's an inspiring timeless design.
Except it's not 70 years old.
@@alanjm1234 I think around 1958 , first flights .
@@johnziegelbauer4999 yes, entered service 1961, so it's still a few years away from 70.
I was in the last F-4 training class in the USAF. I flew the F-4E and RF-4C. Great fighter in its time.
Mind if I ask when that was.
It was in 1990-91.
And you flew F-111s if I recall the F-111 video comments
And, EA-6Bs as well as F-15Es
@@sharizabel2582 Tell me about EA-6B. When did you do that? Quite a career change.
This is my bird. I was in VF-154 Black Knights for two Vietnam wartime cruises, 1967-68 and 68-69. The aircraft carrier we were attached to was the USS Ranger. My rate was an AQ, fire control technician, which means I worked on the radar systems. This aircraft was a beast. It was very reliable. I worked on the F4-B and the F4-J. Great bird. Being in the flight deck during night operations is something very few folks get to sea. It is a huge rush being on the flight during flight ops. Go Navy!!!
My dad flew F-4s with the Lancers of VMFA-212, which is how I got my name. Phantoms will always have a place in my heart.
My dad flew in the 555th (Triple Nickel) out of Ubon with the USAF during Nam. The F-4 has a special place in my life too. I also have pictures of Gen Robin Olds painting one of his kills on my Dads plane.
Go NavAir!
In the Corps we called them "the Flying Brick"
ua-cam.com/video/MHXqhi1awbg/v-deo.html
My cousin Sam graduated AF Academy in 68 and in 1972 he took command of his own F-4 and just missed linebacker lol by hours cuz it was career enhancement¡!! He loved he told me of all over the next 30 years, he loved driving the F-4 best!!! His crew chief had one burned out gun barrel chromed and mounted and presented to Sam!! He told me they had like 1672 rounds on board which was just seconds before exhausted!! He said you learned how to fire 200 here and 400 here!!! What an honor he sa it d it was to be able to drive the F-4....an awesome aircraft he said!!
As the former 35th Fighter Wing historian, I'd like to make a correction regarding the F-4G Wild Weasel. The 'G' model was always known within the Air Force as the Wild Weasel it was not a redesignation. The Wild Weasel designation had existed since 1966 when the first F-100F gained the designation as a dedicated SAM killer, and one of the pilots, on learning their mission parameters, exclaimed, "You've gotta be shitting me!" since contracted to YGBSM. It was a unique role later taken up by the F-105F and G, which were replaced by the next iteration of SAM killer in the F-4G. The F-4G arrived too late to serve in combat in Vietnam but performed its mission set nearly flawlessly during Desert Storm. This would be the only time the 'G' model would serve in combat. With the retirement of the F-4G from active service with the Air Force, the role of the Wild Weasel has since moved on to the next generation of Wild Weasels in the F-16CJ and now the F-16CM. If you have any questions regarding the history and heritage of the Wild Weasels, please feel free to contact me and I will answer any questions you might have.
How right you are sir! The video is okay but really rushed over and ignored so many of the F4E/G many accomplishments and history in its later years of service including the great folks who kept them flying often bbn on sc shoestring budget and the awesome aircrews who flew them with such precision and skill!!
I have one of the airforce historians books compiled from when the 561st blackknights were stooddown at George Afb ca. It has a wealth of information!
I found it going thru one of the offices when I was in the 562nd the last active squadron at George before it closed.
Thank you for the information.
It fascinates me to learn that F-4's were in use during Desert Storm. Another example of 'aging' equipment doing the job well enough that it was kept.
My father flew the F-4E during his 20 year USAF career. At one point he was attached to the 20th TFTS / 35th TFS ('Silver Lobos') out at George AFB from 85'-91'. The Wild Weasel squadron was right near his squadron and he knew many of the pilots that went over to the first Gulf War.
I was stationed at George AFB Jan '83-Jul '86, Fuel Systems Specialist in 37 CRS, kept those bent-wing smoke pigs flying LOL.
In 1969, I was in the first large group of USAF navigators to go into the back seat of the F-4. Started out in brand-new E models (which did have an internal gun) and finished up four years later in well-broken-in-D's. Along the way, I did short hops in RF4 D's and E's; and also the West German and Israeli versions. Waiting to take off at St. Louis airport in the Israeli model--U.S. insignia but desert camouflage paint job--every plane that went past us had a face in every window.
Wow great stories . Did you go to work for McDonnell Douglas ferry the export Phantoms? Or still in the USAF?
@@johnned4848 I was but a lowly USAF F-4 GiB, also known as "the tourist" or "the knob-twister." When MacD needed an aircrew to transport one somewhere, they would ask the AF. Then a crew would go TDY to pick it up and take it where they wanted it. Sometimes my number would come up.
Also I got several ocean crossings, IIRC six Pacific and two Atlantic, including the German one.
Seeing limited career prospects in the back seat, I planned to get out, go to Medical School, and go back in as a Flight Surgeon. That didn't work out--long story--and I ended up as an industrial R&D Chemist, and then teaching in community colleges. We now live not far from Luke AFB; and when the Raptors go over, my pulse still goes up a little.
Check Six. 🤠
@@williamwingo4740 thanks for the reply! Sounds like a pretty great time. Moved to Seattle from Salt Lake City so my basketball life is a total mess.
@William Wingo I was structural technician / aviation mechanical fitter in the Israeli Air Force in the early '90s. Got to work a lot on our Kurnass. Those planes served us well and long. The Kurnass in our 69th Hammers squadron were maintained as new condition, and had all the "bells and whistles" on par with F-15's.
An American dignitary from MD or the USAF (don't know which) told our technical officers "You guys are over maintaining you phantoms".
We took pride in keeping them in tip top as new or better condition. Thanks for delivering the jets.
Sounds legit. Cool
There can never be too many Phantom documentaries.
Absolutely...I worked with the 349th MMS as a Weapons Release mechanic on the F-4's of the 49th TFW in 1966-69...We had C, D and E models including two hot-rodded RF-4C's that loved to "accidentally" stray over the Iron Curtain line between West And East Germany...They could outrun anything in the Soviet inventory (including the vaunted MiG-23) like they were nailed to the sky...My favorite version (which I never got to see in person) was an FAC configuration callsigned Chico the Gunfighter...Look up the story because when the bad birds get together at night in the boneyard of Davis-Monthan AFB to swap war stories, they always call Chico the boss...💀👿😁
But this guy bugs the crap out of me with his affectation.
@@1Truckman That's one hell of an interesting job! Thank you for serving and elaborating 👏
@@ismarwinkelman5648 The pleasure (now that it's behind me) and the honor were mine...🤩
@@1Truckman Thanks anyway! Hopefully you’re able to hear the applause all the way from The Netherlands ✌🏾🇳🇱🙂
Correction, the F-4 had no internal gun when in the earlier models and was only given one in later models when deemed necessary.
The F-4C got a gun sight (pod mounted gun).. The F-4D got the internal gun. (Not to be confused with the F4D which was an entirely different US fighter…)
Before that pilots had to use their sidearm to shoot at enemy fighters 😄.
I'm just kidding.
@@joshk.6246 it’s actually happened before
@@adamengroff1967 sometimes yah gotta do, what yah gotta do.
👍
@@joshk.6246 in the beginning of WW1 pilots would duel in the air with revolvers. If you wave your weapon above your head it meant you were out of ammo and the duel was over.
I worked on the F-4F 20 years ago. I was maitenance crew in the German Luftwaffe.
It was an amazing experience to see the old "soot bomber" in action.
Most of the aircrafts felt like they were twice my age back then. ^^
Soot bomber is appropriate, having converted a number of J-79 engines to smokeless models. So many that I came up with a related joke.
Q: How can you tell the difference between an F-4 crew chief and avionics tech?
A: Avionics wash their hands AFTER a bathroom break.
Ahh der Jute "Luftwaffendiesel"....oder fliegender Ziegelstein🤣
We had a squadron of West German Luftwaffe F-4Fs at George AFB (just north of Victorville California in the Mojave desert) in 1977-81. We were told that the flying condition in the Mojave were so much better the those in Germany. This allowed the German pilots to get in far more flying hours.
Did you ever get to work on the ICE phantoms? It's one of my favorite Phantom variants! Especially because it could support AIM-120.
@@IntrusiveThot420 No, that was after my time ('77-'81). I believe the ICE Phantom came in in '83.
I was sitting in a beautiful wood panelled library in the early 80s and looked out the window as a USAF F4 came low towards the window - it was a very strange experience but I’ve been a fan of the F4 ever since - Also the RAF displays of their type were just so much noise - amazing
Bit of Trivia, the photo that was up when you were talking about "Speed is Life" was a Photo of Captain Bob Pardo, and his WSO 1Lt Steve Wayne. On 10 march 1967, Capt Pardo along with his Wingman Capt Earl Aman (WSO 1Lt Robert Houghton) were tasked with a Strike on the Thai Nguyen Steel Works north of Hanoi. Both aircrafr were struck by AAA Fire, Aman's aircraft had a severely damaged fuel tank, and it was Determined that they didn't have the gas to get to one of the Tanker Tracks. In an act of Depseration, as they were over an area considered as a Non-Recovery Zone, Pardo, by balancing Aman's Tailhook against his windscreen, Pushed him, in cyckes of 15-30 seconds before the hook slipped, 88 miles into a safe zone for Recovery. During the Push, One of Pardo's engines caught fire, and had to be shut down. Eventually, Both crews Ejected and were recovered. Pardo was initially Reprimanded. In 1989, USAF Finally reexamined the case, and Lt Col Pardo, and Capt Wayne were Awarded Silver stars for the Incident, now known as "Pardo's Push"
Now I know that the Phantom II I saw demonstrated at the Miramar Air Base Air Show in 1958 was one of the prototypes. After some F-8s had done their best to impress us, and some other air show staples had been put in the air, a single jet, with those unmistakable drooped tail elevators made them all look anemic. I'll never forget the second time I saw one, but now there were two. My time in the U.S. Navy took me to the Philippines in 1962. Two Phantoms took off from Cubi Point and proceeded to emulate a pair of rockets until they disappeared into the clouds directly overhead. Just Wow.
I Love the F-4 (USMC Air) but had a similar experience at Beaufort MCAS, a Marine F-4 base.
The F-16 had just begun production and was being demonstrated to the various fighter squadrons throughout the US.
On day an F-16 showed up at the base and was parked, in full view of the P road, in the HAMS hanger. For a week there was a constant flow of traffic past the building so people could get a look.
Finally on morning the base was closed down and the F-16 showed the Marine pilots what the new plane could do. Geez, the best airshow I have ever seen.
A couple of things that it di that the F-4 was lost at: The F-16 went vertical, reduced airspeed, stopped, CAME DOWN a few feet, than accelerated (still vertical!) out of sight.
Also the F-16 would enter the base at 300 knots, do a tight turn over the runway, and exit the perimeter at 300 kts again. This was a very tight space.
I also want to say the F-16 went vertical on a very short rollout, truly amazing.
I am sure the jocks were very jealous, and a little concerned.
As I said, I love the Phantom, brute force. When it is in the area, you know it.
@@bslturtle We had a quick reaction F-16C squadron, with a few planes on 24hr readiness, to cover the Northern sector of Israels border area facing Syria and other adveseries. These F-16C were fueled and armed with only a few air to air. I've seen them go from standing still on the runway to wheels up in just over 4 seconds. But as a rule our pilots never puched any airframes to their limit.
In the late 80s I went to an airshow at Macguire Air Force Base in New Jersey with my brother. Got there late so had to park way down the road and walk up past the end of the runway and viewing area. As we did pairs of ANG Phantoms screamed directly over our heads at treetop level on mock bombing runs, lighting up their afterburners just as they passed. The people in the stands got to see it from the side at a considerable distance, but me and brother got to see up close these flying freight locomotives of death, I will never forget that sound and power. To this day I can't think of a more intimidating combat aircraft, the Phantom looks like it woke up pissed off and wants to kill you just sitting still on the tarmac.
I worked on the F-4 Pave Spike system and have a similar story. At red/green flag exercises in Las Vegas (80s) I saw a F-16 do a nice tight take - off turn. Then a F-15 do a slightly wider turn. Then a F-4 do an abysmal wide turn. I was embarrased for the beloved old bird. Still my favorite plane.
Love this plane!
A minor correction - Israel retired the F-4 phantom in 2004. Our current inventory of fighter jets includes the F-35A, and different variants of F-15 and F-16.
It's not a minor correction and very odd that he didn't even mention the major role the Phantom played in the Yom Kippur war.
He also didn’t mention the F4E. or the F4EJ which I think was retired in 2019 or somewhere thereabouts
Wow your nose is huge. So it’s true.
My father flew the F-4 while he was a in the U.S.A.F. ( Strategic Air Command ). He got a chance to fly one in an air show by the private owner. He got into trouble for "Buzzing" the crowd, and breaking formation, and doing a 90⁰ climb up to 80,000 ft, stalling it, and recovering engine power while laughing like troll on the radio. I got to meet my father in his prime that day; and he was 66 years old and I was inspired by his insanity. He calls it; "The best Mechanically Jet-powered device ever conceived by our Military Complex.". When I see one on display, I think of my father. He still wants one more go at the stick of the plane that encompassed his youth and training!
I thank him for the his service, legend for sure
I thought all the fighters were under TAC control, but the USAF loves to completely reorganize every 10 years so things may have varied over the years.
Maybe when he turns 88 he can claim to be “mature” enough to have another go without giving the jet’s owner a heart attack ;)
@@goawayihavecommentstomake1488 Dam ! i spit my gadorade when i read this lol
@@Adiscretefirm I'm pretty sure you are correct. There were F4's in TAC and USAFE (USAF Europe) during my stint and none in SAC as I served there as well.
Correction, Iran never had the F-4J variant, they only have F-4D, F-4E and RF-4E variants.
My Father in-law used to fly the F-4D, F-4E before finally transferring to the F-14A in IIAF and IRIAF. Love his stories!
I’m very fond of this aircraft!
Remember seeing them at airshows growing up.
Correct ... Iran never flew USN variants of the F4.
@@philslaton7302 But they flew and still have F-14s!
@@EddyA1337 True Eddy.
The Recce version is the RF-4C. The F-4E had the gun in the chin where the cameras sat in the RF. How do I know? I maintained F-4E's and G's for the 3rd TFW, and RF-4C's for the 62nd Tactical Reconnaissance Training Squadron "Night Owls". Tail 64-026 was my bird.
@@kontractor8295 The export version of the RF-4 was the RF-4E, flown by Iran, Germany, Japan, Turkey, Greece, etc.
G. Warren Hall, author of the book "Demons, Phantoms, and Me" talked about flying the Demon which he had to constantly manage the power and monitor fuel capacity, this jet was sluggish on afterburner and had many deficiencies. When he transitioned to the Phantom, Warren was first hesitant of having a backseat crew member but shortly after said "this is the greatest thing in Naval aviation" because his backseat guy can do all the nav, comms, systems, etc. freeing Warren to only fly the airplane. He also said the Phantom had enormous power and fuel capacity making it easier to fly. Warren also got to fly a new F-4 out of St Louis, "it had that new plane smell."
My Uncle flew the Saber,I believe it was and he attempted to transition to the F4. He was flying out of Dobbins AFB Atlanta. He told me he knew it was time to give up his wings when he was so far behind the aircraft that he ended up over Chattanooga because he couldn't react fast enough to turn the plane and maintaining the course he was suppose to fly. I'm no pilot, but he said, By the time he thought about turning it was already too late. Sounds fast to me.
He flew the F-100 Super Sabre if he was flying out of dobbins, I am not sure if the F-86 flew outta Dobbins but if it did it would've been the reserves back in the late 50s early sixties. I still can remember seeing the Georgia air national guard flying the F-105 Thunderchiefs then the F4s. My uncle flew Ov1 Mohawks outta Dobbins when I was a kid, got me my 1st of many rides in a UH1 Huey there.
@@warrenchambers4819 Yeah, transitioning from the F86 to the F4 Phantom didn't sound right to me.
I am a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving from 1977 to 1981. I was a maintainer, jet engine mechanic, on the Phantom F-4E. We called it the _Flying Brick._
Same years of service for me and I remember that moniker. We also called it the Phaulty Phantom even though that was not entirely true especially when you compare it to some of the other aircraft of that era.
A friend was an 4F pilot he loved the aircraft but definitely said without power it had the glide characteristics of a brick.
@Nietzsche's Mustache I was an Aviation mechanical fitter in the Israeli Air Force in the early '90s. We used to get called over to the Engine Shop at least 1 to 2 times a week to extract stripped bolts, screws and the like from J79 and 110's.
Drilling an inconell bolt is not a simple task. I trained some of the newer engine technicians how to release stubborn 12 star bolts. Always use a new drive bit, correct use of a pneumatic hammer, and when to stop and call us etc..
We had the same name around 1988, when I enrolled in aerospace engineering.
But it was a fast brick
I was a 16E10 Hawk Fire Control Operator ( Radar Operator ) near Biteberg A F B in Germany from 1984-86 , B 2/62 . One of the most beautiful sights I ever witnessed was a F-4 Phantom cruising just below the deck , ( well below 100 ft. that is no B. S. ) , close to our Missile base . You did not hear a thing until that bad boy went past . Then it was like 10 freight trains went by ! The new bees fell off the Radars and us old guys laughed our butts off. We protected Biteberg and Spangdelm air bases with the 32ed ADA . " Raise Up Bravo " !
I was on a visit to RAF Leuchars early 1980s in the Tower (I was based at RCC Pitreavie Castle, HQNORMAR). There was a pairs take off. One of the Phantoms nose wheel wobbled and it left the Runway. With full afterburner it hit the intersecting Runway and took off. The back seat had enough by this point and banged out. The controller said, 'Houston we have a problem' (yeah, daft things you remember). We were all given wide brushes and told to sweep the Runway. Anyone who has been in UK Forces will agree whilst a stupid order, you had to obey it. The Runway sweeper then took over. A rather shaken pilot was left circling then dumping fuel before coming in for an uneventful landing. 40 years on, still remember it like yesterday. Great airplane.
"Banged"?
@@eadweard. ejected
@@Abo999 Ah thank you. The only time I've heard the term is when one of my drug-addicted tenants told his equally drug-addicted wife, "If you don't shut that baby up, I'm gonna bang it out".
I used to work at a hardware store around 1985 that was right below the landing pattern of our local Air National Guard unit. They were flying F4s at the time and some afternoons we were treated to loud, smoky landing aircraft shaking our windows. It was awesome.
Lots of inaccuracies in this video. For example the 10:11 mark the speed record is stated as ~1450 kilometers. This is infact incorrect as its 1450 miles per hour, not kilometers. Another error is stating these planes as being more maneuverable than MiGs in Vietnam. That is wrong, MiGs are more maneuverable, the Phantoms were simply faster and better armed.
There's a PDF available online comparing the Blk 50 F-4E to the MiG-21MF (both from the early 70s) and the Phantom despite having a slightly wider turn radius, it has a faster turn rate except at high altitude where they're evenly matched.
The Phantom will OUT RATE a MiG *all day*. The Phantom has a higher cornering airspeed than a MiG-21, it's chief adversary. The MiG-21 has a smaller turning *radius*. So if you are fighting 1 circle or 2 circle fights what you want differs (rate/radius). The F-4 became more maneuverable as time went on, and the final versions were pretty damn good.
Stop-start was also at 30k feet, not meters.
@@BensonDanneskjold Nope, that one he got right - the climb that pilot did was over 90,000ft.
They also mixed up the internal cannon, which was only on later versions after they realized they needed one.
Growing up in Louisville Kentucky you could set a clock everyday at 7pm a flight of F4s would rocket across our back yard with afterburners burning.. we "kids" even had opportunity to go on the air guard base and the personal in charge of security would let us walk out on the apron near the F4s as they prepared for a flight and start taxing out to the runways..so yeah we got some special treatment and had a good time talking and rubbing elbows with the base personal and pilots..we would even walk around the base at night with MPs checking doors and locks on the headquarters and other buildings..guess they were as bored as we were.
I first saw an F-4 as a Thunderbird when I was a kid in the 70s and I was instantly awestruck. Still my favorite and one of the best preforming jet fighters of all time.
Well....except it's turn radius and slow speed dog fighting
@@nexpro6118 The E model had a far better turn radius due to redesigned slats on the outer wings.
Give it new engines and it would turn as good as an F-15 Eagle.
Me too. We lived out in the country in Illinois and they were putting on a show at the local airport, which meant they buzzed the house over and over. Stood out there staring in awe and loved the plane ever since.
@@3DArchery I lived just outside Homestead AFB in south florida, it was so rad.
@@3DArchery MAC planes from Scott AFB routinely fly over my dads house in landing patterns, as a kid in the 70s I could always tell fighter jets by the sound
I was fortunate to work on one of the systems on the USAF F-4 Phantom. I worked on the RF-4C model in Austin Texas and the F-4C in Keflavik Iceland. It was/is a beautiful aircraft and everyone that worked on them, or flew them, loved it. A great aircraft!
I worked the photosensors at Bergstom. I will never forget the sound of those planes landing over my dorms.
67 CRS, Fuel Shop, 84-92. Best of times!!
I worked on them in the Navy in the 70s they were even dangerous sitting on the ground not moving. I still have scars from doing maintenance on them .
I was USAF in the 70s and also have a head scar where I got bit by a Phantom. But the biggest hell was the hell hole and having to work the "coke bottle" which was an engine mount. You couldn't see it but had to do it all by feel, great on a rainy winter night. But I am sure you have been there as well.
Sounds like the F104 also.
@@mikethompson2650 In the front cockpit, behind the left sub panel where the emergency brake handle is is a little black box that has something to do with the environmental systems. It's been so long, back in the late 70's, that I don't recall what. Anyway, I had to replace it once. The only way to get to it was to literally stand on your head down next to the rudder pedal, feet sticking out of the cockpit in the air, and reach blindly around a corner to undo one cannon plug and four nuts. Like the coke bottle it was done totally by feel and took forever. For me, the biggest problem was a guy came up and asked if he could work in the rear cockpit. I said, "sure, as long as you don't put power on the aircraft". He got in, did his thing and was gone. When I got done and tried to get out I couldn't. He had moved the rudder pedals and now my head was stuck. It took about ten minutes of me hollering and waving my hands as best I could before someone came and saved me.
@@1WillyK Ok now obviously this didn't happen to me but we got this safety brief of a little horror show that killed one guy. Our Phantoms used a purely mechanical ejection seat and had pull before flight tags all over them. But there was one that on this day was missing. Seems the mech was working on the throttles and suddenly heard this clicking sound, he leaned over the back of the seat to see what was going on. Somehow he tripped off this timer device to deploy the chute, it literally threw the heavy plug through his head and the parachute followed. I am not sure if this happened at our base, MacDill in Florida, or another but given I had to get into the back seat during engine run ups for throttle checks I just wasn't happy about things.
@@1WillyK One of the few times I got to work in a Phantom cockpit, was in an RF. Someone had stripped / rounded off the hexagonal key slot in a tiny stainless allen screw in the pilots stick. It must have been a UNC 1/16" or 3/32" at the most, tiny little bugger. I had a small easyout which I had ground down to a tiny point for some other job. The RF was schedualed to launch, so if I messed up, the stick had to come out and mission scrubbed. We couldn't find a portable light in time so I had to gently tap in the sharpend easyout and apply presure in almost darkness, all by feel. Lucky in came out no problem. As I handed the tiny screw to the avionics tech. it was so dark he couldn't see it, he though it was some kind of magic trick.
Servicing F-4 and F-16, ones acrobatical abilities were often called for.
As a 13 year old in the 1970s, I was a member of Civil Air Patrol. The Blue Angels were performing at a local air show. They led all the CAP kids out onto the tarmac before the show began. We were allowed to climb up on the wings and look in the cockpit one at a time. A tremendous experience for a young kid.
I believe the F4 is the only aircraft flown simultaneously by both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds.
I got to do the same thing while in college although they let me sit in the cockpit. So many switches and dials, I came away dejected thinking I could never fly something like that. Two years later I was flying them!
A friend who flew Phantoms claimed he once reached an altitude of 70,000', remembered he and his back seater didn't have pressure suits and decided to descend. He also said the fastest Phantom he ever flew was an RF-4C.
Yes, The RF-4C was the fastest fighter (low level) in the USAF inventory [other than a 'clean', swept-back 111] until the 'large-mouth' 16s came out in the late 80s......due to the nose shape for the cameras, the sealed-up, fuselage sparrow recesses and not much 'stuff' hanging under the wings. The 79s had almost intantaneous throttle response and shoving the trottles just to MIL would push you back in the seat sometimes.
@eb37 You are correct. I was structural technician in the Israeli Air Force in the early '90s. Got to work on the few RF-4 we had on base, one of them was special. It had no leading edge slats, an odd shaped intake, the pannels were very clean and well fitted. This RF was in all light gray and looked amazing. Rumour was could fly high and fast, very fast.
@@jaysonpida5379 The speed limit was Duct Temp Hi light or 750 kts whatever comes first as I recall. The F-104 did pretty good low level as well as the F-105.
The pressure suits weren’t the issue, the J-79’s need air to burn the jp4 fuel and there isn’t enough oxygen to get more altitude. The coolest thing is that at that altitude you can see the curvature of the earth.
One of them flying in from behind you was the beast sound a Marine could here. No other sound like it. Great craft. Thanks
So much is wrong here. This video started off ok but then took a very strange nose dive after the 6:00 mark (no pun intended).
6:20: Initial F-4's delivered to the Navy and marines did not include laser bomb guidance systems.
7:03 The F-4N upgraded variant of the B pre-dated the J
7:20 What is "operational lock on capability?" Acquiring, locking, and *FIRING* on a target *without a human in the loop?* Is this a confused misinterpretation of the VTAS system? That's my best guess at what happened here in the research phase. Or are you referring to semi-active radar guidance for missiles? In which case, that was not pioneered on the F-4J, or even the F-4 in general, it pre-dates the F-4. 5 seconds of google will clarify what SARH is, (and the pilot still needs to pull the trigger or pickle it off, folks)
7:44 No, the F-4N is a further development of the F-4B, and pre-dates the J. The S is a post-Vietnam upgrade of the J
7:50 How specifically did smokeless engine improve the reliability and aerodynamic capability? The performance of the engine was better, but not necessarily because it was smokeless. This is confusing
8:20 The F-4S did not serve in Vietnam
9:03 No. Incorrect. Iran does not operate F-4J's. They received F-4D's, followed by F-4E's and R-F4E's. They have never operated an F-4J.
10:33 Easily outmaneuvering and outshooting the MiGs *after improvements to the equipment and pilot training.* The initial reputation wasn't that good, and that is an important part of the history of the Phantom that directly led to the creation of TOP GUN by Dan Pederson and the rest of the bros. Would have been a nice tie-in here
10:47 What specifically about the Phantom was modular? It wasn't any more modular than other fighters, upgrades like slats and radars required substantial re-fit, it wasn't like you could just snap things on and off like lego.
11:11 From *birth* the F-4 Phantom was fitted with a PULSE radar, *not a DOPPLER radar.* It did see a doppler radar in later variants, but it absolutely did not start life with a doppler radar, this is just plain disinformation
11:28 You said meters per second but the screen shows mph
11:47 EIGHT air to air missiles total, not twelve. 4 sparrows in recessed fuselage nacelles, and 2 pairs of sidewinders on the inboard pylons. The Navy variants had launchers on the inboard pylons as well that could fit one sparrow each as well, so a total of 6 sparrows, or 4 sparrows and 4 sidewinders. Unless you're referring to some modern frankenjet, there is no ordnance chart of a phantom with more than 8 A2A missiles
11:58 Initial production versions of the Phantom did not have a cannon. Initial prototypes did have colt cannons, but these were removed from the design. This is what was controversial - it was a fighter that went into production and hit the fleet without a gun. There are plenty of other sources that discuss this so I won't get into it here, but the way you present it in the video is incorrect.
12:10 Which historians?
12:29 Interesting that you mention this here, but you never once mention the F-4E anywhere else in the video up until this point, especially given that was the definitive export version and the backbone of the USAF until the Eagle came along
12:41 I am going to start a drinking game where every time someone says that their jet drivers coined the term "speed is life" I take a shot, as well as "one pass, haul ass". These did not originate in the Phantom community
12:45 in truth, it was true - Phantom drivers kept their speed up to both achieve their best rate speed, and out-energy their MiG counterparts with their thrust to weight gained from the J79's. Also, at 10:33 you literally said the exact opposite statement and you don't back it up either time lmfao
13:03 I think at this point my sanity is slipping away - *THE F-4 PHANTOM IS NOT AND HAS NEVER BEEN THE PRIMARY TRAINER OF THE USAF OR NAVY*
14:45 They weren't RE-designated the F-4G, the F-4G WAS the wild weasel. YGBSM!
15:23 ………. No. Just no. They retired it in 2004. Phantoms are going strong in Turkey and Greece however.
I need a drink
@_BringTheRain_ - Wow! And I thought I had found a few errors. I'll join you in you 12:41 drinking game! 😃👍
you missed the 60,000 pounds of ordinance blunder...
I live in St. Louis and I have NEVER seen a "smokeless" Phantom in my life
RIP VIDEO!
Simon should take this one down and try again. I am surprised he completely ignored the Spey power RAF/RN models.
The F-4 phantom II was the first airplane model I ever glued together. Marvelled at the twin canopy sleek design compared to the ridiculous looking F-104 starfighter and 106 Delta Darts. I did like the F-105 Thunderchief. Sort of similar look to the Phantom I guess.
When I was a kid F4s used to do low flies over the fields around our house in West KY. Sonic booms were not uncommon. Very cool plane.
Im 57 years old, when I was a kid my dad brought me to airshows whenever possible.
The one and only time that I saw the USAF Thunderbirds, they were flying the F4 Phantom. I've never forgotten how cool that was.
I think you may have gotten the gun fact wrong....there was originally no internal guns. Just heat seekers, and radar guided missiles. The reason they added the rotary cannon was close range combat. The initial us pilots only had early versions of heat seekers, and they still had a minimum range. On more than one occasion a phantom pilot would find himself snuggly behind the tailpipe of a MiG, only to not have anything to kill him with....so they americanized it, and added a mini gun. Thanks for the read, and thank you Simon for the great vids!
I flew Phantoms in the RAF in the 80s and thought that was a good run-through of its history. I am surprised, though, that you missed out the K and M models (FG1 and FGR2) flown by the RN and RAF), especially as you were talking about its adaptability. Ours had the much larger Rolls Royce Spey engines which required widening of the fuselage and larger engine intakes; they were also much less smoky than the J79 engines in the US models.
It was an amazing aircraft. Thanks for the review.
Did you know Chris James, a back seater?
You brits improved the f4s in my opinion
Always thought it was odd seeing your aux air doors on top of the fuselage vs on the bottom with the J-79s.
@@Scon1990 Naw they made it uglier Andy.
My favorite part of the F4 is the J-79 engine that powered it. Not only one of the greatest jet engines ever made, it has an unmistakable howling that is just one of the most amazing sounds ever.
When they did the overhead pattern to land,when they reduced power that engine gave a bark noise(don't know how else to describe it)that was unmistakable,I grew to know that sound well,I can still remember it.
Also the honk of a dash 60 starting up(ground power unit. That honk could be heard over a mile away, because our barracks was over a mile from the flight line,and you'd hear them firing up.
I grew up outside NAS Oceana in the 70s and remember those J-79 being static tested. They got your attention.
Thanks for the nostalgia piece. I flew F4E, and yes I am old and indeed it did have a 30mm gatling gun. It was an amazing experience.
It was and is a rugged and mighty fighting aircraft.
20mm
Hey Simon, I live in St. Louis where these aircraft were made. Many called this Fighter Town, USA. But, I must take exception with several of you comments. First, McDonnell Aircraft Company "merged" with Douglas in 1975 not '55. At the time James McDonnell owned the largest block of Douglas stock, in the world. Next, you omit any reference of the F-3J design. My uncle William Elmore and another young engineer drew that plane for Mr. Mac. The Boss personally proposed it to a gaggle of generals and the rest became history. The Pentagon called Mr. Mac to order a couple prototypes be built. Several months later, the Pentagon called back to tell Mr. Mac from then on the plane would be called Phantom. All these were very proud company events. Uncle Bill and his partner worked closely for decades at McDonnell Douglas. Oh, one more fact you may not know. Phantom was the first plane capable of carrying and delivery of two monster size nuclear bombs, long distances, at mach 2. That factor had a significant impact on international diplomacy.
St. Louis, MO REPRESENT! Son of a Mac employee, and current Boeing employee!
Yes it definitely had nuclear capability. It certainly wasn't exported with it but circumstantial evidence suggests Isreal installed it on their Phantoms. In 1982 in the Lebanon war, as part of a plan to fool the Syrians into turning on their air defense radars, Phantoms launched decoy gliders using supersonic lob-- a main way use nukes
@MrMockingbird1313 Phantoms could carry "big sticks". Not sure if the F-15 could do that. I saw some interesing payloads in '91 on Kurnass fueled & ready to go. They were as long as the centerline fuel tank, one on each wing. Only ever saw that one time.
@@trespire wow this in reaction to events in the Gulf War? Or some other kind of alert?
@@johnned4848 Yes, it was the first Gulf War. Our base was targeted every evening at around 8:00 to 8:20 for close on 2 weeks. All the planes were out of the shops and put ready, we were just waiting for the operation to start. At that time our Phantoms were the long arm of justice, the tip of the spear. What I saw hanging on the wings that one time was enough to get my heart racing.
I was a crew chief on F-4Es at Korat RTAB in '72-73, worked heavy maintenance on RF-4Cs at Shaw AFB, and then taught RF-4C maintenance at the Shaw AFB Field Training Detachment. Love those aircraft!
I'm curious about the A-6 intruders, my old man flew them during the gulf war and even had to eject from on. It would be awesome to see a video on them.
Dark skies you tube channel has all you need .
@@tim.iteland.9447
A lot of the video's on that channel are loaded with incorrect information just like all the Dark channels.
@@rorschach7507 well this is much better than what just watched . Like no mention of English RAF F4's having rolls Royce engine .
ua-cam.com/video/eyQ8FnreVvQ/v-deo.html
@@tim.iteland.9447 unsubbed from that ages ago because of misinformation. I can tolerate the wrong aircraft in the b-roll, but outright wrong info is just bad.
@@rorschach7507 over 4 incorrect stats in this video & no mention that the RAF used rolls Royce Spey engines , hence they did not smoke and were a tad faster than the U.S version .
The best way to win a pitch to the US military is to say its "modular". It doesn't matter if you actually deliver on the modular element: the cheapest load out will become the only load out.
Simon, I was stationed at Ubon, Thailand, 1970-71, during the war. I calibrated the radar and weapons system of the F4-D's at Ubon. Your featured photo of F4-D tail number FP 680 was one of the planes I calibrated. The amount of ordinance the craft carried was astounding, and I often commented the plane should have been designated the FB-4, for fighter-bomber. The Air Force had the F-4C, RF-4C (reconnaissance), F-4D, and later the F-4E, which had a smaller, solid-state radar package and carried a "Vulcan" Gatling gun built into the fuselage . The D had a Gatling pod mounted on the center-line. The letter designation of the F-4 referred to the avionics system onboard. It carried four AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided missiles, set into the fuselage, hard-point mounted Sidewinders (heat seeking), iron bombs, LGB's (laser guided bombs, the largest being a 3,000 pounder on the center-line, termed a "Fat Albert", CBU's (cluster bomb units), OGB's (optically guided bombs), and napalm canisters. The D was a true workhorse during the war and a fine aircraft. Ubon was known as "The Wolf Pack" and the squadrons called "The Gun Fighters" in their confrontations with Migs. Thanks for the video.
You’ve really rekindled my childhood fascination with fighter jets.
Many moons ago I visited RAF Coningsby and got to sit in a Black Phantom and a Tornado. I wanted to be a fighter pilot for years after that.
Keep up the good work. Looking forward to a video on the Panavia Tornado 😉😉 🙂.
there is a black F4 in the little museum at the former RAF St Athan near Cardiff, dont remember the details but it had an interesting history as I remember sometimes it is available to sit in the cockpit as I was there on a lucky day I did just that.
Ace Combat 4: Skies Unknown was my introduction to this plane. Still love seeing her.
I remember as a child regularly scanning the sky in anticipation whenever those magnificent machines announced themselves with their distinctive roar and leaving a thick black streak in the blue sky over the german low mountains. I totally get why they nicknamed them "sky diesel"
I crewed the F-4D at Holloman AFB Jan. 1975 through Aug. 1976. Then the F-4E at Osan AB S. Korea Sept. 1976-Aug. 1977. The D model had no internal gun The E model had an internal 20MM cannon and a 7th fuel cell on the back end of the fuselage to help counter balance the weight of the nose mounted cannon. Got a chance to go up in the D model at Holloman in May of 1976 when I was awarded the crew chief of the month award for the month of May 1076. At 34,000 feet we did 1.2 mach about 920 mph. I was fortunate to live out a 7 year boys dream of being a fighter pilot at that moment. The photo you see is of me on that exact day getting ready to go up. I have great memories of my six years in the USAF. After Osan I was sent to England AFB Alexandria LA and spent my last three years crewing the A-7D Corsair that the 23rd TFW AKA The Flying Tigers had. Same Tigers from WW2. My last job with the Tigers was being in charge of the end of the runway crew. None on the A-7D's we had could take off until I made the final inspection at the end of the runway and found the jet to be air worthy. I would then give my two weapons mechanics a thumbs up to arm the jet. I was letting it go. An incredible amount of responsibility for at the time a 24 year old. I'm very proud of that and I loved it!!!!
I've never heard the back seater called a GIB. In the Air Force we called them Wizzos for Weapons System Officer or WSO. Also, the direct replacement for the F-4 is the F-15, not the F-16. I worked on both F-4's and F-15's during my enlistment.
It was an acronym for "Guy in Back," and was pretty standard in our neck of the woods.
I heard the F-111 equivalent was "YOT" for "You over there."
This channel is about the same stock "garbage candy" that your grandma knew about global politics.
They were slang called GIBs and Bananas.
The general NATO export availability went from F4 to F16, whilst only the US and some close partners had F15 availability as well, although hardly anyone else could afford them. Also for a long time the F15 was pure air superiority so all the fighter-bomber roles went to F16. In pure air superiority, certainly F4 went to F15 but that wasn't as much about succession as it was about getting the F15 into service in numbers as quickly as possible to face "the most dangerous interceptor in the wold today" according to Secretary of the Air Force, Robert Seamans, referring to the Foxbat. The F4 wasn't even nearly done in its intended front line service life yet, not by decades. I think of the F15 as a different direction than a successor, personally, the Eagle is just that special but also, the Phantom is also just that special, advanced and unique. It was trying to be ten years ahead of its time and mostly succeeded.
Americans have made some really incredible fighter aircraft. Just awesome.
F-15 is the better plane. F-16 was good too but we mainly exported it. We used alot of F-16s though.
I was an armament systems specialist on F-4’s G and E models specifically. Bad ass jet.
This plane was already old when i was a kid and now still flying is incredible.
Great lessons on the Phantom. I'm 65 and I still love this jet.
When I was a youngster I was obsessed with the F4. I read every book, memorized every stat, had pictures of it all over my walls. In my early teens I was on the starting gate of a supercross race waiting for the my main event, when I heard a jet taking off from the adjacent airforce base. I looked up to see a Phantom screaming over my head. I won that race. One of my favorite memories ever. Still gives me chills, 30 years later.
I live in South Wales UK..and we had countless low fly bys around and following the valleys and hills by military aircraft...but the RAF tornados will always be an awesome memory...I know exactly how you feel..
Dad was a crew chief on an F4 in Vietnam. "A bus with jets," but he loved it anyways. The need for a gun pod was highlighted by battles with MiG21 over Vietnam where sharper turning MiGs made missile lock difficult. In general the MiGs wouldn't tangle with F4s, only 105s (a misused airframe). Which is how later Gen Robin Olds came up with one of the best rouses of modern aerial combat, Operation Bolo. It's worth a watch of any video on that.
To this day, the F4 is my favorite jet. But I must admit I thought all of them had been scraped. Impressive they still are used (the airframe still does all you want short of stealth). Between the B52 & F4 it says something about American beginner during the early stages of Cold War they can up with two such airframes that still do the work today.
A marvelous experience to sit five feet from the runway and have an F4 spool up, hit the afterburners and take off. This right before the APs came and escorted you away. Anyone ever see an F4 with two stars and the “ant ester “ on the tail fin?
@Eric haskell I've worked on a Kurnass (IAF Phantom) in the 69th Hammers squadron that had a one or two (can't be sure) kill rondells. Tail Nr. was either 312 or 316. When ground maintenance ran the engines at full power inside a HAS, we couldn't get nearer than 30 meters, sound was too intense could feel your whole chest vibrating. Five feet would be maddness.
Our Phantoms had a hammer on the fin, with a sheild in black & yellow squares.
@@trespire My guess on the Phantom I mentioned was that two stars denoted a general or admiral although having their own private plane is a stretch. Whoever sat in the plane had chops as the APs showed up quite quickly which was the only time this happened although sitting next to the runway was something we did frequently.
One of my favorite aircrafts... and episodes I must confess..
Good job
Loved the F4. The sound when the compressor stalled. X-rayed many engine bay and variable ramps looking of foreign objects that would damage the engines
Pause it @4:57. Look how freakin' huge this plane was and they still made it supersonic. Thats like what they did to the '67 Mercury Cougar. "Its a house that thinks its a race car!"
I remember them using them in the early 90s the wild weasel. I read in Vietnam they were called the Mig killers.
Whatever these incredible machines are called, aircraft are incredible!! It looks to me, pilots don't climb into a plane, the plane accepts a pilot. Its like suiting up, with the most amazing back pack ever!! I went on a school trip once to North Wales, in the 80s. We were sitting in the sun, chatting. Out of nowhere, 2 F14's flew right over the top of us, ridiculously low. The fascinating part was initially......silence, apart from a rushing sound then BOOM, leaving 6 English school children from Brighton absolutely *****ng themselves. It was an honour!
I asked a month ago if you would do the F-4 phantom and you are! Cheers mate!
Kinda funny, because i was asking for it last year and then he also made a video about the F-4 Phantom, but i guess it wasn't on this specific channel, so maybe he's bringing them all to this channel so that he can reference to them without "shilling" for his other channels (or he just forgot about it).
As a young sailor assigned to the Seabees at Tan Son Nhut airbase on the outskirts of Saigon, I used to watch in awe as F4s shook the ground when they kicked in their afterburners and took off on various missions.
Time for an A-6E Intruder video please. I want to hear Simon call it's refueling probe by it's well-known nickname haha. Also, that bomber was a beloved, almost indestructible workhorse from the folks at Grummun Ironworks.
Yes, give us an intruder video fact boy! My dad flew these and they're damn cool planes
What was the probes nickname?
@@p_campbell affectionately known as the donkey dick. find a pic of an A-6E and you immediately know why.
Good video but I felt you could have covered more of the USAF versions. I was an aircraft mechanic on the F-4G Wild Weasel in Desert Storm. We flew out of Bahrain and we had a sister squadron flying out of Turkey. We also had RF-4C's from National Guard units at our base. The F-4G's flew bombing missions with GBU's after they ran out of SAM sites to blow up. They didn't fly reconnaissance missions. The RF-4C's flew the reconnaissance missions. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
Nice, the F-4 Phantom II is my favorite plane, and you had already done a video on it (probably also by my request) last year or so, but i happily watch more stuff about it, and kudos for (maybe unknowingly) delving into the Phantom twice.
EDIT: I cannot find the other video anymore on here or on your other channels, so i guess you're bringing them under one umbrella on here.
The fact that the JSDF Uses the Phantom to a degree where is matches the F18 in training engagements time and time again tell you how amazing the Aircraft is!
Always interesting videos, thank you for posting. Should the speed record (mentioned at 10:14) be 1,452 mph and not kph? (The official top speed of Mach 2.23 is 1,700 mph or 2,700 kph.) Also, at 11:48, you mention the Phantom could carry 60,000 pounds, but that's the maximum takeoff weight (including the plane, of course). I believe the maximum load out is about 18,000 pounds. Anyway, thanks again for the videos.
You're right it should be mph not kph. They really need to proof read their scripts more because mistakes like that just make them look sloppy.
The 1400 kph speed is about 900 mph approximately which was the speed achieved in the highly risky low level "sageburner"speed record while the high altitude "Skyburner" record was over 1600 mph (with water injection to cool inlet air)an incredible performance even today.
Note to self,read comments b4 comment, commenting. Apparently I'm not the first one to notice the low speed mentioned. Phantoms were fast and often times deadly. 👍
@@AWMJoeyjoejoe No, that 1452 km/h is accurate. That was achieved at altitudes of less than 125 feet for the entire run, which means the air was very dense. The top speed of Mach 2.23 is at 40,000 feet which is 1471.35 mph (thinner air up at altitude; Mach 1 at 40k feet is 659.8 mph) .
You're forgetting something: the speed of sound varies with altitude (air density) and the Mach 2.23 number is at 40,000 feet, not at sea level and that equates to 1471 mph under standard conditions for that altitude. The 1452 km/h run was done on a course where the entire flight happened at under 125 feet altitude and one crew was killed making an attempt for that record.
I loved some of the nicknames they gave the Phantom like “Rhino” and “Double Ugly.” It was also said to be proof of an amazing aeronautical principle: that “a brick can fly if you stick a big enough engine on it.”
I've heard the 'Brick' comment about the Phantom from an F111 pilot.
On the gun issue, you might want to do a little research. You might notice that almost all newer fighters have a gun. Many air-to-air battles are fought at low altitudes at sub-sonic speeds. In fact, the Phantom was often equipped with a gun pod on the centerline for this purpose. Later versions of the Phantom had a gun installed internally.
I've been in love with this plane for over 20 years, ever since seeing one in person as a kid. To this day, it's still my favorite aircraft on aesthetics along. Something about that silhouette is just incredibly pleasing.
Great video, Simon. Someone else caught the gun issue, so I will mine. Douglas Aircraft and McDonnell Aircraft merged in 1967, not the early 1950s as you stated in the video. I watch a lot of your channels, and I rarely catch a mistake a simple Google search would have fixed. Otherwise, keep up the good work.
Good catch. I missed this one. Was focusing on the other errors in video.
A legend of an aircraft! Thank you for the video. Love it.
The Phantom is such a timeless beauty. To me, it's like the Lamborghini Countach of fighter jets.
I can't find a source right now, but I recall hearing of another F-4 record, which was that of any model of aircraft ever produced, it has the most hours of combined flight time of any aircraft ever produced.
As a kid on the farm in the 80s , Phantoms would fly over our farm at tree top heights from the fighter base in Terra Haute Ind. They looked and sounded like the wrath of God as they screamed over. Awesome fighter and still my favorite jet fighter.
I worked on F4-E models. The were the first model to use leading-edge slats instead of le-flaps on the wings, which greatly enhanced the plane's lift, turn radius and maneuverability. They were used at Kadena AFB in Okinawa until they were replaced in the earliest '80s by the F16.
When I was in the Air Cadets, I came VERY close to getting a back seat ride in a Phantom FGR.2 of 74 Sqn at RAF Wattisham. Sadly someone else went instead. I got some satisfaction from hearing that he'd spent most of the flight with his head between his knees vomiting, and that he'd actually shit himself as soon as the full afterburner takeoff happened. I'd probably have done the same LOL.
I went in the back seat of a Phanny of 54 sqn based at Coningsby. Best ride I ever had whilst in the Air Cadets.
@@rogercamp2910 Awesome!! Lucky you!! I never really got much in the way of interesting / out of the ordinary flying in the cadets. Did a good few flights in the Chipmunk, a BGT gliding course on a Grob 109B motor glider, and a British Airways flight in the cockpit to Belfast, but that was about all. Got to fire a few weapons that weren't usually available to air cadets though SLR (After it had been banned for cadet use), Bren Gun, Browning 9mm, and 66mm LAW, Enfield Enforcer sniper rifle as well as the usual .22 Cadet rifle, L89, L81 and Anschults target rifle. Would have loved a phantom flight though, you really did get the ultimate Air Cadet experience there!!
@@24934637 I was lucky to be in a good Sqn. We had RAF Debden and 614 GS on our doorstep. We got to go gliding most weekends, on the ranges with the RAF so yep I enjoyed the ATC before joining the Army due to the RAf having a recruiting freeze at the time.
Greece still have Phantoms operational, and Japan farewelled their final Phantom Phinal on November 20th 2020. A detail you´ve missed.
McDonnell Douglas was formed in 1969 when the two separate companies merged
I was a aircraft mechanic in USAF back in the 1980s. While in tech school I got chance to work on both the F-4 and A-10. Both were amazing aircraft. One thing Simon failed to mention was the screaming sound of the F-4's engines. You just knew that trouble was coming!
I ended up being specialized on the C-141B. Far from glamorous, like the F-4, but had solid track record of use for decades. "Ol' Pig in a Blanket".
My Uncle was an Avaition Electronics Tech that worked on the F4 in the US Air Force. In 1994, while visiting him on summer break, he took me to the official F4 retirement ceremony held at Hill AFB in Salt Lake City. It is still one of my favorite planes.
And, it wasn't until 3 or so years ago, that the USAF finally retired the last of them.
That says something.
The Kentucky Air National Guard still used these in the late 80s/early 90s. My High School was right in the flight path of Phantoms returning to Standiford Field. At times we would have to halt class until the roar of the F-4s flying overhead subsided. They had such a distinctive growl I can still recall to this day.
Always flew low over Paoli
Crazy to think its almost 70 years old.
Quite an amazing jet fighter.
My absolutely favorite plane as a kid. Something about the design of the rear stabilizer and wings. Classically beautiful design
Three versions of the F-4 saw action in Desert Storm; F-4E, F-4G, and RF-4C. The Es were in a hunter killer role with the Gs though say limited action. The Gs were there for SEAD and multi role. A bud of mine actually dropped a bomb on an airborne helo. Of course the RF-4C was used for photo and electronic reconnaissance. The F-4 was employed in both northern and southern Iraq. They continued to be deployed after the official end of Desert Storm.
The F4G's saw a boat load of action in Desert storm. They flew some 2,000 plus mission against radar sites. Only lost 1 F4 but not by enemy action as they ran outta fuel trying to land on a fogged out runway they couldn't see. The Weasels all used beer call signs like Miller, Bud, Coors etc and yelled Maverick everytime they fire a Shrike or Harm missle. The Iraqi radar operators figured this out and would shut down their radar sites anytime they heard it. One weasel pilot I talked with said he'd was out of missiles and a site came up. Knowing an inbound strike package heading near it he called out "Maverick" and the sam site went offline allowing the strike package a clear path into Indian country.
It has the pay load that nearly matches the incredible F15E strike eagle. The F4 phantom truly is one of the premier multi role fighters.
If given the right upgrades, she would be performing to this day with BVR capabilities and precision strike capabilities
First time I ever heard the term "The Flying Brick" was from an F-4 pilot.
I never understood the brick moniker.
The F-4 is very sleek.
Double Ugly
My first airplane model as a kid as the F-16 / F-15 weren't even "born" yet. Those two roaring J79's with their smoke trails were amazing stuff. One of my favorite planes of all time. Thanks for the vid !
One of my all time favourite warbirds. This, and the F14. Sometimes you can't beat perfection
My favorite two nicknames for it were "World's Largest Distributor of MIG Parts" and "The Triumph of Thrust over Aerodynamics".
Just a side note. I got to fly in one of these air force simulators. My brother was on the air force and I was like 12. It was one of the coolest things I ever got to do.
hell yeah that's super cool
Same here , I got 15 minutes in the RAF coningsby simulation on my 9th birthday and an official pilot's license ( RAF GREEN CARD )
Always will be one of my favourite aircraft! I have great memories of seeing them at RAF Finningley in the UK of the 74th Squadron of the RAF flying the F4J(UK).
While Steve Ricthie was the 1st USAF Phantom ace, who achieved his fifth kill in August 1972, the first F-4 ace was Duke Cunningham USN, who scored his fifth victory in May 1972.
Very true.
Dam skippy he did. Duke is an American hero and a really nice guy. He doesn't mind answering any questions you have about his exploits even when he got in trouble. Saw him speak once super dude.
Thanks for the great vid! A couple of points of detail that may need to be addressed:
"Out-maneuvering and and out-shooting the Russian MiGs" (10:39) - F-4 pilots were instructed not to engage with MiG- 17's, 19's (and even 21's) in close in combat during the Vietnam War and to accelerate to full AB to disengage since all these aircraft could out maneuver the F-4. Its also one of the reasons why the gun pack mod was rushed in to service as in close air combat, the F-4's missiles were ineffective. You contradict yourself later in the vid stating "lack of maneuverability over its Soviet counterparts" (12:53) which was improved in later models.
1, 450 Kph = 902mph! I think this stat needs to be revised since the J79 engined versions pushed it along at 1,500mph (Mach 2.27 or 2,400Kph) and the Spey engined versions at 1, 386mph - both at high altitude carrying only Sparrow missiles.
41,000ft/m is not 210mph (meant to be 210 m/s?)
Australia should not be listed as a user of the aircraft as it was never part of the inventory. The US Airforce leased 24 F-4s to the R.A.A.F. between 1970 -1973 while problems in F-111 deliveries were being resolved - the problems related to the wing pivots. When delivery was finally made of the operational F-111's, the US offered to sell the F-4s to Aus for over $50m (after Aus had already paid over $40m over three years on the lease and on top of the F-111 purchase price!) - the offer was declined.
Small details but important ones.
"The F-4 is the one of the most honest airplanes in the world. She will almost talk to a pilot. She will tell you every move she is going to make." -- Commander 'Duke' Cunningham
I'm always impressed when Simon reads off a long list of things super rapid fire.
Love your channel but I think a slight error in this episode. The F4-E was deployed in 1967 after it became clear that a gun was necessary for low level dogfights with North Vietnamese MiGs. Most Phantoms could be vulnerable to.the MiGs superior turning and gun. It was one of the last major modifications and hugely popular in export versions.
Not just that but in the title. The F4 was developed in 1958 and issued into service in 1960. Last I checked, 1958 was 64 years ago
There was a gun pod that could mount on the centerline, but it was a less-than-ideal solution.
Yeah that's crap you want to know how I know that the best performing phantom was the f4j the definitive naval phantom that never received a gun instead it's pilots received a better training with their missiles and a pulse Doppler radar
Just a question when was the last time a gun was ever used to kill another fighter here's the answer 30 years ago by a mirage that was the last time it ever happened all air-to-air kills have been performed with missiles
Very intgeresting. My dad was stationed at NAS Alameda from ~1949 'til ~1959. When I 1st became aware of what he did, he was working on Corsairs (as a Chief Metal Smith, later redesignted as Structural Mechanic). From there he went on to become a Demon Doctor (I still have the nifty shoulder patch he gave me). I was also a fan at the time, 'cause I was too young to know any better, the Chance/Vought Cutlass. Dual jet engines, delta wing a a SERIOUS nose-up attitude on landing. We lived right across the street from a runway paralleling the estuary between Alameda and Oakland. I was fascinated by the Cutlasses landing there, (jets being pretty new then). Something like a 19' nose gear, which was actually one of its downfalls. (and being called the Gutless Cutlas (which I didn't know 'til decades later)). They actually quit letting them land on carriers after several mishaps! :o I think my dad showed me Phantom at some point shortly before he retired from the Navy.