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The F-4 Phantom II is one of the most important fighter aircraft of the jet era. Begun as a derivative of the McDonnell F3H Demon in 1953, the Phantom II evolved over the next two years into a significant new design. It incorporated a second crew station for a dedicated radar intercept officer, two General Electric J79 afterburning turbojets, and an all-missile armament in the form of four radar-guided Sparrow missiles. The result was a world-class fighter with exceptional performance.
Following first flight in May 1958, the F-4 was selected by the U.S. Navy as a fleet defense interceptor. Soon, its remarkable capabilities led to adoption by the Air Force and Marine Corps as well. As the preeminent American combat aircraft of the 1960s, it fulfilled the roles of interceptor, air superiority fighter, tactical bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft. It became the standard by which all other fighters were judged until superseded by the McDonnell-Douglas F-15 and General Dynamics F-16 in the late 1970s. McDonnell produced 5,068 Phantoms in many variants, and numerous versions were produced for foreign governments.
The F-4C version was developed specifically for the Air Force and was externally similar to the Navy F-4B, including the tailhook. Differences included full dual controls, low pressure tires and deeper wheel wells, anti-skid braking, revised radar systems, and a refueling boom receptacle. It carried four AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles and was also capable of delivering multiple air-to-ground ordnance packages, including guided and unguided missiles and bombs. Up to three external fuel tanks provided additional range.
The Museum's F-4C was built in 1965 and served in Vietnam. It is depicted as it appeared in May 1967 while flying with the USAF 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, when this aircraft shot down three North Vietnamese MiG-21 aircraft. Two crews were responsible for these aerial victories: Major Robert D. Anderson and Captain Fred D. Kjer (1), and Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Titus and First Lieutenant Milan Zimer (2). After its active Air Force duty, this Phantom served with the 123rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard for nine years, flying air defense missions from Portland International Airport. It was transferred to The Museum of Flight following its retirement in 1994.
This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force, through the cooperation and assistance of the Oregon National Guard and the Oregon Military Museum.
The F-4 Phantom II is one of the most important fighter aircraft of the jet era. Begun as a derivative of the McDonnell F3H Demon in 1953, the Phantom II evolved over the next two years into a significant new design. It incorporated a second crew station for a dedicated radar intercept officer, two General Electric J79 afterburning turbojets, and an all-missile armament in the form of four radar-guided Sparrow missiles. The result was a world-class fighter with exceptional performance.
Following first flight in May 1958, the F-4 was selected by the U.S. Navy as a fleet defense interceptor. Soon, its remarkable capabilities led to adoption by the Air Force and Marine Corps as well. As the preeminent American combat aircraft of the 1960s, it fulfilled the roles of interceptor, air superiority fighter, tactical bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft. It became the standard by which all other fighters were judged until superseded by the McDonnell-Douglas F-15 and General Dynamics F-16 in the late 1970s. McDonnell produced 5,068 Phantoms in many variants, and numerous versions were produced for foreign governments.
The F-4C version was developed specifically for the Air Force and was externally similar to the Navy F-4B, including the tailhook. Differences included full dual controls, low pressure tires and deeper wheel wells, anti-skid braking, revised radar systems, and a refueling boom receptacle. It carried four AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles and was also capable of delivering multiple air-to-ground ordnance packages, including guided and unguided missiles and bombs. Up to three external fuel tanks provided additional range.
The Museum's F-4C was built in 1965 and served in Vietnam. It is depicted as it appeared in May 1967 while flying with the USAF 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, when this aircraft shot down three North Vietnamese MiG-21 aircraft. Two crews were responsible for these aerial victories: Major Robert D. Anderson and Captain Fred D. Kjer (1), and Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Titus and First Lieutenant Milan Zimer (2). After its active Air Force duty, this Phantom served with the 123rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard for nine years, flying air defense missions from Portland International Airport. It was transferred to The Museum of Flight following its retirement in 1994.
This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force, through the cooperation and assistance of the Oregon National Guard and the Oregon Military Museum.
