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F-4E Phantom II Fighter

F-4E Phantom II Fighter

Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
Category: Fighter Jets
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Discontinued

Generation 3rd
Maximum Speed Mach 2.2
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range ~45–60 miles (varies by variant)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	F-4E Phantom II
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas
Country of Origin	United State
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter-Bomber
Generation	3rd Generation
Status	Retired (US); Limited service abroad
First Flight	1965 (F-4E variant)
Introduction / In Service Since	1967
Number Built	5,195 (all Phantom variants)
Operators	USAF (retired), Israel, Turkey, Greece, South Korea, Iran, Japan (retired)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	63 ft
Wingspan	38 ft 5 in
Height	16 ft 6 in
Wing Area	530 sq ft
Empty Weight	30,300 lb
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	61,800 lb
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	9

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.2
Range	~1,300 miles
Combat Radius	400–500 miles
Service Ceiling	60,000 ft
Rate of Climb	41,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~0.86
G Limits	+7.33

Powerplant

Engine Type	GE J79-GE-17A turbojets
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	17,900 lbf with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	1,994 gal internally

Armament

Gun	M61A1 Vulcan 20mm
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-7, AIM-9
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-65, AGM-45
Bombs	Mk-82/83/84, Paveway LGBs
Hardpoints	9
Payload Capacity	18,000 lb

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AN/APQ-120
Radar Range	~45–60 miles
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	ALR-46/ALQ-119 (varies)
Targeting System	Pave Spike/othe
Helmet Display	No
Navigation	Inertial + TACAN
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Basic autopilot
Communication	UHF/VHF secure radios

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	High
Stealth Features	None
Infrared Signature Reduction	Minimal
Sensor Fusion	No
Networking Capabilities	Limited (upgrade dependent)

Variants

Special Export Versions

F-4EJ (Japan), Kurnass 2000 (Israel)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Vietnam War, Yom Kippur War, Gulf War
Notable Operators	USAF, Israel, Turkey, Greece
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Interception, Strike, CAS, SEA

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$2–7 million (refurbished historic cost)
Development Cost	Not publicly specified
Program Name	Phantom II Program
Funding Countries	United States

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Varies by operator
Future Replacement	F-15, F-16, modern 4.5/5th gens
Export Restrictions	Based on U.S. surplus policies
Notable Achievements	One of the most produced and longest-serving fighters
Competitors	MiG-21, MiG-23, Mirage III

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

6.8

Technology 2 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

F-4E Phantom II Multirole Fighter-Bomber

The F-4E Phantom II stands as one of the most iconic American combat aircraft of the Cold War era, blending long-range strike capability with powerful air-to-air performance. Developed by McDonnell Douglas, the F-4E emerged as an evolutionary improvement of earlier Phantom variants, introducing significant advancements that made it a backbone of U.S. air power for decades.

Equipped with a M61A1 20mm internal cannon, upgraded avionics, and enhanced maneuverability, the F-4E addressed limitations of previous models that relied solely on missiles. Powered by two General Electric J79 turbojet engines, the aircraft reaches speeds over Mach 2.2, giving it a potent advantage in both aerial interception and deep-strike missions. Its multirole design allowed it to carry a wide mix of air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, unguided bombs, and electronic warfare pods.

Operationally, the F-4E served extensively with the U.S. Air Force, participating in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and various overseas deployments. Its long combat record also extends to allied operators such as Israel, Turkey, Greece, Japan, and South Korea—many of which continue to upgrade and operate Phantom variants today. With a range exceeding 1,300 miles and a robust radar suite, the F-4E proved capable of handling interception, close air support, and strike missions across diverse environments.

F-4E Phantom II Price

While no longer produced, the F-4E’s legacy remains strong. Modernized units occasionally appear in foreign military sales data, with refurbished airframes historically ranging from $2 million to $7 million depending on avionics and upgrade packages. The aircraft continues to serve as a reference point in U.S. aviation history and remains one of the most influential fighters ever built.

Reviews

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