The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was designed as a missile-armed fleet defense fighter for the United States Navy. The F-4B became the primary Navy and Marine fighter in the first half of the 1960s. In late 1964 three F-4Bs were converted to test numerous improvements to the basic design and designated YF-4J. Improved aerodynamics to lower take-off distances and decrease landing speeds, improved engines, upgraded radar, and better ground attack ability were the primary changes. Over 500 of this version of the Phantom were built between 1966 and 1972.
Service History
Built by McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri as a F-4B and delivered to the U.S. Navy on September 17, 1964.
September 1964 Retained at the factory and converted to YF-4J standards.
October 1964 To Navy Program Office, St. Louis, Missouri.
April 1970 To Naval Aeronautical Recovery Facility, Naval Auxiliary Air Station El Centro, California.
October 1970 To Naval Air Testing Facility Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey.
January 1975 To Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona for storage.
October 1982 Loaned to Pima Air & Space Museum by the National Naval Aviation Museum.
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Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas
Markings
Naval Air Test Facility, Naval Air Station, New Jersey, 1974
Designation
YF-4J
Serial Number
151497