McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II
McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II
McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II
McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II
McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II
McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II
McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II
McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II
McDonnel-Douglas 4-4S Phantom II

Specifications

Manufacturer: McDonnell-Douglas
Year/Model: F-4S Phantom II (Converted from F-4J)
S/N: 155890
Tail Number: 5890
Power Plant: Two 18,00*-lb J79-GE-8C/10 turbojets
*In full after-burner
Wingspan: 38 feet 5 inches
Length: 58 feet 4 inches
Height: 16 feet 3 inches
Gross Weight: 56,833 pounds
Maximum Speed: 1,428 mph
Maximum Range: 900 statute miles
Service Ceiling: 70,000 feet
Crew: 2
Status: Static Display
Owner: Estrella Warbirds Museum

In Action

History

This particular plane in the last two photos shows VF-143 F-4J 155890 prior or just after one of its cruises during the Vietnam war on board USS Constellation and in its' Marine Corps markings with VMFA-212. It was later upgraded to F-4S.

McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II Bu.No 155890 served with U.S Navy VF-143 “Pukin’ Dogs” as NK-114 in 1969 and into 1970 before being sent to VF-21 “Freelancers” as NE-106 later that year. In 1977 F-4J 155890 went to USMC VMFA-212 'Lancers' as WD-10. From 1974 until 1987 VMFA-212 operated from Japan. In 1985 155890 was sent to VMFA-251 “Thunderbolts” and in 1987 the aircraft was retired. It is now displayed at Estrella Warbird Museum in Paso Robles, CA with a VMFA-333 “Shamrocks” paint scheme.

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat twin-engine jet fighter originally developed for the U.S. Navy in the 1950s. Proven to be highly adaptable, it also became a major part of the air wings of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force. The Phantom was used extensively by all three of these services in the Vietnam War, serving as the principal fighter / bomber for the Navy and Air Force and in ground-attack and reconnaissance roles. The F-4 Phantom II was also sold to and operated by the armed forces of 11 other nations.

The F-4 Phantom entered service in 1960 and continued to form a major part of U.S. military air power throughout the 1970s and 1980s, being gradually replaced by more modern aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16 in the U.S Air Force; the F-14 and F/A-18 in the U.S. Navy and the F/A-18 in the U.S Marine Corps. The F-4 was used in the reconnaissance and Wild Weasel roles in the 1991 Gulf War, finally leaving service in 1996. It was produced from 1958 to 1981 with a total of 5,195 built in several variants.

The F-4J Phantom II was produced for the U.S Navy and U.S Marine Corps. The “J” variant was basically an upgraded “B” with new radar and avionics as well as a better engine that required a longer afterburner nozzle. One of the noticeable changes to the “J” variant is what isn’t there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. Also missing was an internal gun, but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. Between 1966 and 1972 there were 522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in South East Asia. In mid-1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new F-14 Tomcat.

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