Why was the f4 Phantom so good?

The McDonnell two-place, twinjet, all-weather F-4 Phantom II, with top speeds more than twice that of sound, was one of the most versatile fighters ever built. It served in the first line of more Western air forces than any other jet. The F-4 established 16 speed, altitude and time-to-climb records.

What causes an airplane to achieve a sustained climb?

When an airplane enters a climb, excess lift must be developed to overcome the weight or gravity. An airplane can only sustain a climb when there is sufficient thrust to offset increased drag; therefore, climb rate is limited by the excess thrust available.

Why was arming the F-4 with missiles and no guns a mistake?

The Phantom had been designed without a gun because the Pentagon thought the age of the missile had arrived. This was a catastrophic mistake-so a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan ‘GatIing’ gun was belatedly slung under the nose of the F-4E model.

Was the f104 any good?

The F-104 had good acceleration, rate of climb, and top speed, but its sustained turn performance was poor.

Did the F4 Phantom have flares?

Yes, the F-4 carried the AN/ALE 29 chaff/flare dispenser. It consisted two dispensers, a chaff programmer and a cockpit control unit. Each dispenser of the ALE-29A carried 30 RR-129/RR-144 chaff cartridges or 30 MK46/47 IR decoy flares.

Who still uses F-4 Phantoms?

As of 2021, 63 years after its first flight, the F-4 remains in active service with the air forces of Iran, South Korea, Greece and Turkey….McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.

Why does lift decrease in a climb?

Therefore, a climbing aircraft requires less lift. To maintain this direction and velocity, this pilot must reduce lift by reducing the angle of attack, and increase thrust such that the vectors add to zero and there’s no net force on the aircraft. Reducing lift will also reduce drag.

How many F-4 Phantoms were lost in Vietnam?

When combined with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps losses of 233 Phantoms, 761 F-4/RF-4 Phantoms were lost in the Vietnam War. On 28 August 1972, Captain Steve Ritchie became the first USAF ace of the war.

When did the F-4 get a gun?

The Air Force started arming their F-4’s with gunpods in late 1966. and shoot them down with the then long-ranged AIM-7 SParrow. The F-4 also carried AIM-9 in case something got close. The Air Force started arming their F-4’s with gunpods in late 1966.

Why was the F-104 called the flying coffin?

In service, American pilots called it the “Zipper” or “Zip-104” because of its prodigious speed. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force called it Eiko (“Glory”). A less charitable name appeared, “The Flying Coffin” from the translation of the common German public name of Fliegender Sarg.

How fast is the F-104 Starfighter?

1,688 mph
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter/Top speed

Why is the F-4 so important?

It served in the first line of more Western air forces than any other jet. Just 31 months after its first flight, the F-4 was the U.S. Navy’s fastest, highest flying and longest range fighter.

What happened to the F-4 Phantom II?

By then, the numeral “II” had been discontinued; it had become the only Phantom. The F-4 established 16 speed, altitude and time-to-climb records. In 1959, its prototype set the world altitude record at 98,556 feet (30,000 meters).

When did the F-4 make its first appearance?

It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. During the Vietnam War the F-4 was used extensively; it served as the principal air superiority fighter for both the Navy and Air Force, and became important in the ground-attack and reconnaissance roles late in the war.

Is the F-4 Phantom II the most versatile fighter ever?

The McDonnell two-place, twinjet, all-weather F-4 Phantom II, with top speeds more than twice that of sound, was one of the most versatile fighters ever built. It served in the first line of more Western air forces than any other jet.