F-4 Phantom II
by Staff EditorThe Phantom was the first multi-service aircraft, flying with the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The Phantom was first used by the U.S. Navy as an interceptor but also was capable of flying as a ground-support bomber for the U.S. Marine Corps. The aircraft flew every traditional military mission: air superiority, close air support, interception, air defense suppression, long-range strike, fleet defense, attack and reconnaissance. The Phantom was the first and only aircraft to be flown concomitantly by both the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. In 1996 the Phantom was retired after 38 years of U.S. service, but continues to fly in the defense of eight nations.
F-4G Specifications
| Manufacturer: | McDonnell Douglas |
| First Flight: | 5/1958 |
| Wingspan: | 38.9 ft. (11.8 m) |
| Height: | 16.4 ft. (5.0 m) |
| Length: | 62.9 ft. (19.1 m) |
| Payload: | 16,000 lbs. (7,257 kg) |
| Thrust: | 17,900 lbs. (80 kN) x two engines |
| Top Speed at Altitude: | Mach 2.0 |
| Ceiling: | 60,000 ft. (18,182 m) |
| Range: | 1,130 nm (2,093 km) |
| Crew: | Two |
