The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was designed as a missile-armed fleet defense fighter for the United States Navy. In 1962, the U.S. Air Force selected the F-4 for its own use as both a fighter and a fighter-bomber. Originally designated F-110 by the Air Force the plane became the F-4C under the unified designation scheme ordered by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. The F-4E is a greatly improved version of the Phantom with numerous improvements to the engines and electronic systems. The most recognizable change is the addition of an internally mounted gun for air-to-air combat mounted under the nose of the aircraft. This addressed the greatest combat weakness of the Phantom. The F-4E is the most produced version of the Phantom with a total of 1,387 built for the U.S. Air Force and foreign customers.
Service History
Built by McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, MO and delivered to the Air Force on December 16th 1967.
December 1967 To 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida.
February 1969 Returned to McDonnell Douglas factory for modifications for use by U.S. Air Force “Thunderbirds” demonstration team.
May 1969 To 4525th Fighter Weapons Wing, Nellis AFB, Nevada. Accepted by Thunderbirds on May 3, 1969.
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Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas
Markings
United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds,” Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, 1973
Designation
F-4E
Serial Number
66-0329