Photorecon

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom Scrapbook

by · Published

RF-4B

Story and photos by Ken Kula 

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II entered service with the U. S. Navy in 1961. Later, the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force adopted the supersonic fighter-bomber as one of the main weapons in aerial and air-to-ground fighting in Viet Nam.

The last operational U. S. Phantom fighters were retired in 1988, but the use of the jets as Full Scale Aerial Targets (FSATs) continued into 2016. 

Altogether, 5,068 airframes were built in the U. S. The Phantom enjoyed a wide export market too, with 11 other countries equipping their air forces (and the U. K.’s Royal Navy too) flying the jet. Japan built 127 more airframes under license as well. 

Here are two dozen photos of the classic McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Enjoy!

F-4B
NF-4E-
NF-4E-2
GAF-RF-4E
F-4G
F4G
F-4E-
F-4G-2
F-4D
F-4C
Drag-Chute-door
63-7633-F-4C
QF-4N
RF-4B
RF4C
VM-NASM
RF-4C-X2
RF-4C-SUNSET
RF-4B-CEF
Pt-Mugu-QF-4
QF-4E
QF-4E-4
QF-4E-heritage-jet
QF-4E-3

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Ken Kula

Assignment and Content Editor, writer and photographer A New Englander all of my life, I've lived in New Hampshire since 1981. My passion for all things aviation began at a very early age, and I coupled this with my interest of photography during college in the late 1970s. I spent 35 years in the air traffic control industry, and concurrently, enjoyed my aviation photography and writing adventures, which continue today. I've been quite fortunate to have been mentored by some generous and gifted individuals. I enjoy contributing to this great site and working with some very knowledgeable and equally passionate aviation followers.

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