Phantom F-4 at Empire State Aerosciences Museum

The F-4 Phantom was designed during the 1950’s as a carrier-based interceptor for the U.S. Navy. It subsequently evolved into one of the most powerful, versatile, and numerous American fighters since World War II, and served as the standard tactical fighter for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

The F-4 entered operational service with the U.S. Navy in 1961, and with the Air Force the following year. When production of the Phantom ended in 1979, over 5,000 had been built in a number of versions and supplied not only to U.S. forces, but the air arms of ten foreign countries as well. With two General Electric J-79 turbojet engines, the F-4 became one of the most powerful and heaviest fighters of its day, able to achieve a maximum speed of nearly 1,500 mph (Mach 2.2). The Phantom had a crew of two; pilot and radar intercept officer, and featured an extensive avionics and radar suite. It was also very recognizable by its cranked outer wing and tailplane. For air superiority missions, the F-4 typically carried four AIM-7 Sparrow and four AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles; for ground attack missions, it could carry up to 15,000 lbs. of bombs. Most F-4’s were not equipped within an internally-mounted gun, which presented a disadvantage during a close-range dogfight.

During its operational career, the F-4 was closely associated with the Viet Nam conflict, where it emerged as a jack-of-all-trades fighter, performing air superiority, ground attack, defense suppression, and reconnaissance missions. The F-4 was eventually retired from operational service by the U.S. Air Force in 1996, being replaced by the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Apart from a small number used by the Air Force as pilotless target drones, the German Air Force is among the last users of this great plane.

ESAM’s F-4 is a “D” version, delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1965. It served with a number of units, including the 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron and 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, which was deployed to Takhli Air Base, Thailand from its home base at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico during the Viet Nam conflict. In 1972, during this deployment, it was flown by Lt. Steven Caine, an ESAM volunteer who played an active role in restoring this great aircraft; and is dedicated to two other Air Force aviators who flew it during 1972 – Capt. Don Morris (pilot) and Capt. Hal Brown (Weapons System Officer). Later in its career, it served with the New York Air National Guard at Niagara Falls International Airport.

This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force

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