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F-4E Phantom II

2022-08-02T23:09:10Z

U4885444: updates

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4e
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

The mighty F-4E Phantom II is a famous US aircraft from the Vietnam War era and a reliable workhorse of many militaries around the world. Powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 jets, each producing an incredible 8,010 kgf on maximum afterburner, the F-4E boasts high speed and a solid climb rate. Leading-edge "Agile Eagle" slats increase its turning capability and somewhat mitigate the reputation of the Phantom family as flying bricks. In the weapons department, the F-4E has access to AIM-7E-2 Sparrows for medium-to-long range combat, AIM-9J Sidewinders for close-in work, and an enormous array of ground attack ordnance including AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles and AGM-62 Walleye glide bombs. This multi-role vehicle is a supremely capable ground attacker and a competitive fighter, though in air combat pilots must account for its lack of a pulse-Doppler radar.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,097 || 2,074 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 160.8 || 151.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,202 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 221.6 || 190.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:F-4E Phantom II deploying drogue chute.png|right|thumb|420x420px|A ROKAF F-4E Phantom II from to 153th Combat Squadron deploying its drogue chute for landing]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 607 || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,027 kg || 20,069 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,010 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.67
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf (0 km/h) || 10,170 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.27 || 1.13 || 1.01 || 0.85
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The survivability features of the {{PAGENAME}} have grown compared to its [[F-4C Phantom II|predecessor]] with an armour plate and missile countermeasures attached.

By this stage in the high-rank battles, all the fuel tanks are self-sealing. While this will assist with any fuel tank punctures from machine gun calibre weapons, the presence of fast-firing autocannons and missiles mean that these self-sealing tanks are only an accessory to the overall survival of the aircraft.

The addition of an armour plate is a minor benefit as it is only an 8.5 mm steel plate just below the forward fuel tank in the fuselage. This is only thick enough to block a glancing shot to the fuselage. Its most effective use seems to when the {{PAGENAME}} as it is pulling up from an attack run, as it is in that angle where the armour plate can potentially block any shot threatening the fuselage fuel tanks and engine. However, considering the small size it is made up of and the large plane overall, this armour plate should not be relied upon for the overall survival of the aircraft.

The biggest change from previous version is the countermeasure flares, which are greatly useful at deterring incoming infrared-homing missiles like the [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|Sidewinders]] or [[R-60]]s. To utilise the flares, one must turn off their engine afterburners to eliminate that as a significant source of heat, deploy the flares in a suitable manner, then bank away from the flares to that the missile lock onto the remaining heat source rather than the plane's engine.

A survivability feature shared with its predecessor is the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The RWR will ping the player in the source of any incoming radar scans, and will also notify if the radar source have achieved a lock-on with the player. Keep an eye on this as it may signify to the player that an enemy semi-active radar homing missile may be launched soon and evasive actions should be taken.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 90 x countermeasures

Due to this cannon's high rate of fire, trigger discipline is a must.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|GBU-15(V)1/B (2,000 lb)|AGM-12C Bullpup|AGM-65B}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
* 4 x 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs (2,020 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)1/B bombs (4,000 lb total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)1/B bombs
| || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* ||
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* ||
|-
! AGM-65B missiles
| || 3* || || || || || || || || 3* ||
|-
! AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2* || || || || || || 1, 2* || ||
|-
! AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2* || || || || || || 2* || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Marked options for hardpoints 2/10 cannot be used in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-4E Phantom II is well-suited for most in-game situations. For attacking ground targets, the plane is armed with an assortment of bombs, rockets, and missiles. And against air targets, players may employ the vehicle's deadly air-to-air missiles and frontal cannon(s). If desired, three externally-mounted gunpods may be equipped, but note that these may not be useful in certain situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. In many situations, one front-facing cannon is all that is required to dispatch an opponent aircraft. As for the missiles, the ones used by this plane are average at its rank, comparable to the [[R-60]] missiles equipped by the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)]] and the [[MiG-21SMT]] (albeit with worse maneuverability). The AIM-9J missiles are most effective when fired from between 1 to 3 km away from the target. Any closer and they will struggle to track and likely veer off target for a miss.

The F-4E has one of the highest rates of climb out of any vehicle in the game. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not the best top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4 has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft's heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.

=== Air-to-Air ===
In air realistic battles, it is recommended to take a balanced fuel load of 20 or 30 minutes, depending on how aggressive you fly (this will also allow you to liberally use the afterburner without fear of premature fuel exhaustion). The most useful default Air RB armament for the F-4E are the 4 AIM-9Js or 4 AIM-7E-2s, though both missiles can be used under a custom loadout setting. As the F-4E's dogfighting abilities are rather lackluster, the Sparrows may prove more useful in the long run compared to the AIM-9J Sidewinders. The best strategy is to accelerate to a speed of roughly 900-1100km/h on the deck and then zoom climb to altitude (5km or higher), where the pilot should accelerate to the highest speed possible. Lock on to targets with your radar and use your Sparrows to shoot down enemy aircraft when in range; and remember to keep an eye on your RWR as being at altitude makes you an easy target for the long range missiles prevalent at this tier. Sparrows should ideally be launched above Mach 1 to take maximum advantage of their range and manoeuvrability. After using up all your Sparrows, return to base to rearm, with the Sidewinders (if brought along) used moreso for self-defense rather as a primary weapon. It is important to note that because of its poor flight characteristics, the Phantom will struggle in one-on-one fights, making it vital to keep your teammates around and to avoid dogfighting whenever possible. The Phantom should target enemies turnfighting its friendlies, as not only the enemy may be distracted and slow, but it provides you a chance to save your teammate, who in turn may down another enemy chasing you later in the match.

To reiterate, dogfighting should be avoided as much as possible. The Phantom was designed around missiles, so they will naturally be your main way of getting kills, with the gun being a backup weapon for opportune targets. Furthermore, most of the enemies you will face at 11.0 or above can and will be able to easily maneuver around you, if they haven't already fired a high performance AAM at you. Although if one has unlocked the triple SUU-23/A gunpods, that is an almost surefire way to earn at least one kill in the classic head-on (in addition to its usefulness in attacking ground targets, possibly being the best option in Air Realistic).

==== Notable Air RB enemies ====

* [[MiG-21bis]]: the most advanced Soviet MiG-21, with amazing acceleration that can catch up to the F-4E quite easily and evade missiles with flares. The German [[MiG-21bis-SAU]] has access to all-aspect R-60MK missiles as well. Neither has competitive radar-guided missiles however.
* [[JA37C|JA37C Viggen]]: a Swedish powerhouse that boasts high low-altitude speed, good turning performance, similar weapons to the F-4E, and a Pulse-Doppler radar.
* [[Mirage IIIC]]/[[Mirage IIIE|IIIE]]: armed with two of the best infrared missiles in the game, the R.550 Magic, and a long-range radar-guided missile with similar performance to the AIM-7. Strong short-term turning capabilities make them dangerous in snapshots. The former does not have countermeasures, however.
* [[Phantom FGR.2]]/[[Phantom FG.1|FG.1]]: British Phantoms with more powerful engines, can out accelerate and outrun the F-4E. They also have pulse-Doppler radars and are superior in BVR.
* [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II|F-4EJ Kai]]: Japanese Phantom with an excellent pulse-Doppler radar and the same armament as the F-4E.
* F-4E Phantom II: This very aircraft, as a result you simply play around its weaknesses as described in the "[[F-4E Phantom II#Pros and cons|Pros and cons]]" section.
* [[F-4J Phantom II]]: Later American Phantom variant, sacrifices ATGM/GBU capability for generally improved dogfighting performance/armaments over the F-4E.
* [[F-14A Early]]: American successor to the F-4 with the ultra-long range and fire-and-forget Phoenix missiles, a superior radar, and overall better dogfighting performance.
* [[MiG-23M]]/[[MiG-23MF (Germany)|MF]]/[[MiG-23MLD|MLD]]: swing-wing fighters with potent missiles, good avionics, and superior agility to the F-4E on lower sweep settings. Avoid dogfighting and keep an eye out for sneak attacks with the R-23T/24T missiles. The MiG-23M and MiG-23MF have very limited countermeasures, which the F-4E can exploit with its large missile capacity. The MiG-23MLD has excellent speed and climb performance that can match or exceed the F-4E.
* [[J-7E]]: a light and nimble Chinese fighter with exceptional agility but no radar-guided missiles. Avoid dogfighting whenever possible.

=== Ground Realistic ===
While the AA threat at this BR is significant, this aircraft can still find great utility if used properly and is among the top aircraft for CAS in the American tech tree when the appropriate modifications are unlocked. However, like most aircraft at this BR it has little utility in ground RB when stock/without countermeasures unlocked and even when spaded is still heavily pressured by SAMs, which on some maps can even immediately engage the aircraft as it spawns. In the ground attack role, while its 20mm cannon can do significant damage against the thinly armored topsides of most vehicles at this BR, the strafing runs required to do so put you at immense risk of being shot down by radar guided AAA, any SAM, or even some tanks with proximity fused ammunition/ATGMs/autocannons. As a result, you want to rely on quick strikes that put you in the line of fire for as little time as possible or long range attacks that eliminate the need to enter enemy AA range at all. The latter is most prominently done with its advanced guided munitions, the best of which are the AGM-65 Mavericks. To significantly make use of these guided weapons, you often need to put several kilometers worth of distance between you and the target so you can properly aim, fire and pull away (and optimally against a stationary target). With the GBU and [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)|Walleye]], this is can be difficult as the launch parameters for them put you in the range of most radar guided SAMs due to the limited zoom of its seeker head. As for quick strikes, this is best done through the use of the Bullpups (in a similar manner to the previous [[F-4C Phantom II|F-4C]], and all other aircraft that use the Bullpup). Bombs are also suitable for this this via high-speed treetop attacks with the ballistic computer. Rockets meanwhile are only slightly better than the cannon as while you can equip a large amount of them, they do little damage individually and have engagement distances similar to gun-runs, putting you at similar risk.

Air-to-air ordinance on planes is often dead weight in Ground Realistic battles as dogfighting is rare and nearly always limited to low altitude visual range, with most air kills being claimed by AA vehicles. With that in mind and the prevalence of countermeasures at this BR, you can often omit such ordinance. However, against helicopters at/above this BR and high performance planes the Sidewinders can sometimes be of use, as it would often be quite risky to dogfight either with guns. The Sparrows have little use due to BVR combat being exceedingly rare and often non-viable due to: small map sizes and/or map layout. Seeing as such ordinance also adds to the SP costs of air to ground loadouts, its generally worth it to entirely omit or take a reduced loadout of said weapons.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry up to eight missiles, allowing a total of four AIM-9Js and AIM-7E-2 (DF) for fighting either manoeuvring aircraft or at close-medium range head-on engagements respectively.
* Equipped with flares and chaff for evading enemy missiles
* Can carry a vast range of deadly ground attack ordinance (including fire-and-forget ATGMs)
* Deadly frontal armament with high burst mass and high damage
* Has a ballistic computer for assisting in the aim of cannons, rockets, and bombs
* Better manoeuvrability than most other Phantoms due to slats
* Has better CAS loadouts than any other Phantoms in the US tree.

'''Cons:'''

* Susceptible to wing rip, especially when doing negative G manoeuvres or rolls
* Limited ammunition in the frontally-mounted cannon
* Large target for aircraft and AA alike
* Despite having slats, it is still a heavy aircraft which will struggle in dogfights versus lighter fighters
* Two engines make for a strong heat signature, making it harder to dodge missiles
* Flight performance suffers immensely when carrying large amounts of ordnance
* Radar lacks pulse-Doppler or look-down capabilities, meaning it is difficult to lock and engage enemies below the horizon and/or at low altitudes
* In Air Battles, is often uptiered to top-rank where it can become outclassed in armament and maneuverability
* Has a high repair cost compared to contemporary aircraft
* Has low battlefield endurance in ground realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA

== History ==

[[File:F-4E Phantom.jpg|thumb|400x400px|An F-4E of Holloman Air Force base.]]
The F-4E was initially designed as an incremental upgrade to the standard F-4C airframe used by the US Air Force. The aircraft carried a new radar in a redesigned radome, and more importantly, an internal M61 cannon mounted in the nose. As well, later-production aircraft featured the Agile Eagle upgrade, which gave the Phantom leading edge slats which improved manoeuvrability at the expense of top speed. The addition of an internal cannon was a highly anticipated upgrade, as it fixed a problem that F-4C squadrons faced when operating over Vietnam.

The first F-4Es entered service in the 1960s and were dispatched to serve in Vietnam, where they complemented the existing inventories of F-4C and D variant aircraft. The aircraft type was credited with 21 kills in Vietnam, most of which were achieved using the AIM-7E-2 'Dogfight Sparrow'. Several pilots achieved Ace status while flying the F-4 in Vietnam, including Charles B. DeBellevue, who was the highest-scoring American ace in Vietnam. The F-4 went on to form the backbone of the US fighter force for the bulk of the 1960s and 70s. As well, F-4E was flown by the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team between 1969 and 1974. The large, noisy Phantom performed around the world until 1974, when rising fuel costs forced the Thunderbirds to convert to the smaller T-38 Talon.

The F-4E was exported to a variety of countries. Israel was the largest foreign user of the F-4 Phantom, having purchased 124 F-4 Phantoms from the United States betwen 1971 and 1974; the Israelis were credited with at least 115 kills using the F-4 Phantom during various conflicts. As well, Germany and Japan both procured modified versions of the F-4E, being the F-4F and F-4EJ, respectively. Other notable foreign users of the F-4E include Australia (24 aircraft), Egypt (35 aircraft), Greece (34 aircraft), and Turkey (40 aircraft).

During service, the Phantom gained a number of nicknames, including "Rhino" (referencing its titanium construction and long nose), "Double-Ugly", and even "The world's largest distributor of MiG Parts", referencing the 277 MiGs downed by the Phantom during various conflicts. The USAF retired the aircraft in 1996, and the aircraft was used as a target drone until 2016. The aircraft remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece and Turkey, 62 years after its maiden flight.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=f-4e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|TWT-ETcU_No|'''The Shooting Range #198''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:33 discusses the F-4E Phantom II.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479889-f-4e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2022-08-02T21:57:46Z

U4885444: General corrections, plus readdition of removed useful gameplay information

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are okay missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons an attempt can be made to try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, the best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where there is the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|}

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 Showtime-100 F-4C unloading bombs in Vietnam]]
The {{PAGENAME}} frankly, not a dogfighter. That is because the F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, large size and lack of countermeasures leave it heavily disadvantaged and an easy target should one catch it in weapons range. The F-4C's best friend is its good speed and armaments. As a result, F-4C pilots are forced to act as vultures, staying fast and using missiles or gunpods to pick off hapless targets of opportunity.

If playing this aircraft in Air Battles from stock the first modification you should focus on unlocking are the AIM-7Ds (or even the AIM-9Es). If one does not want to spend the [[Golden Eagles|golden eagles]] to unlock them immediately, then ground attack in Air Realistic Battles is often the fastest avenue for advancement, as on most maps one can easily rack up an immense amount of [[Research Points|RP]] and [[Silver Lions|SL]] from the large number of targets (as a short burst from the 20 mm cannon is more than capable of destroying high value targets such as light pillboxes or tanks).

In Ground Realistic Battles this aircraft has next to no utility while stock due to: the powerful AA at this BR and the inability to penetrate most tanks with the stock 20mm cannon. At most you may only be able to harass aircraft or thinly armored vehicles before you are shot down, therefore it is recommended that you first unlock some basic ground ordinance before adding this to your Ground RB lineup (see [[F-4C Phantom II#Ground pounding|"Ground Pounding"]] for further information).

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, it is heavily recommended not to turn-fight in the F-4C. As stated earlier, speed and its weapons systems will be the F-4C’s best friend. The two best weapons for air combat on the F-4C are its AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, with the three gun pods creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs meanwhile are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect missiles that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If it is mandatory to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and while they aren't deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed). The AIM-9Es on the other hand are a moderate improvement all around, but top out as average at this BR due to their small seeker cone and rear-aspect only lock angle. Regardless, the AIM-9Es can make for a reliable backup anti-air missile and both Sidewinders will be your primary air combat missile that can at the very least force an enemy into a disadvantageous position.[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
While the F-4C’s specialty is its AIM-7D Sparrow SARH (Semi-Active Radar Homing) missiles, in game (as they were in real life) they are quite ineffective, especially at this BR or above where nearly all your enemies will have an RWR to alert them the moment you lock them and/or countermeasures (as the missile is easily decoyed).

Furthermore, three major factors significantly reduce the effectiveness of this missile, and one may find it simply constantly missing. First, perhaps the AIM-7D’s biggest downside is that it has a 1 kilometer warmup range before it starts tracking. What this means it that, once fired, it will always travel in a straight line for one kilometer (around 2-3 seconds) before it starts manoeuvring itself towards the target. While at longer ranges (7km+) this generally isn’t a problem, it is most problematic when the missile is launched at close ranges (with usual speed and at around 4 kilometers or less); in these cases, the missile won’t start manoeuvring until it’s very close to the enemy (less than 1.5km), which usually isn’t enough time for the missile to turn into the now very close enemy. Additionally, this initial straight line travel means that there is a chance the enemy can move out of the missile’s field of view before it can track, in which case the missile will simply self-destruct. Second, the F-4C’s own unreliable radar. Despite it having a maximum listed range of over 150km, in-game, you typically will only see the radar start picking up targets at less than 20km. Commonly, the radar fails to see a target directly in front of it until it gets closer (less than 9km). This is a significant downside, as oftentimes the radar will pick up a target too late to reliably launch an AIM-7D (due to it’s 1km initial straight line travel). Additionally, the radar can easily lose lock on a target (often due to enemy maneuvers reducing their radar signature or diving below you, hiding among ground clutter), which instantly ruins your missile attack. The latter is especially common when engaging aircraft with RWR and/or countermeasures, as the moment they are radar locked they can instantly begin dumping chaff and manoeuvring to avoid the missile. Overall, the radar generally struggles to do it’s job, even under ideal conditions. As a result, the majority of your air kills with missiles will be from the Sidewinders as they are far more reliable and give no warning to the enemy.

But, seeing as the Sparrow has its own dedicated pylons that don't interfere with your ability to equip other weapons, there is often little reason to not equip them (even if they're marginally effective). A common strategy for their use is to zoom climb to high altitude (at least 5km) at the start of the match and/or sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. By side climbing, you can avoid the major furball, keeping the plane out of danger. Once the plane climbs up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use the radar to lock onto someone, and start launching the AIM-7Ds. The thinner air at altitude also significantly increases your missiles' range, while aircraft will have trouble manoeuvring and regaining speed, increasing the chance your missile will hit the enemy. Furthermore, early match tends to be the only time where enemy targets will be at these high altitudes as later on, the fight goes to low altitudes where the radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unable to lock low flying enemies. Retaining high speed is important as the faster the F-4C goes, the farther missiles go due to the higher launch speed. To actually use the AIM-7, you must first radar lock a target, and then launch the AIM-7. You must then keep the radar target locked for the entire duration of the missile’s flight, or else it will stop tracking, as a result you want to avoid launching from your maximum range to limit the time the enemy has to avoid the missile. The AIM-7D has great range and under ideal conditions, can hit non-manoeuvring targets from upwards of a 10 Kilometer launch. It has a 15G manoeuvring capability, meaning it can follow targets in a turn decently well. And since they are radar guided, assuming you can get and maintain lock, they can engage targets from any angle. But remember that your lack of countermeasures makes high altitudes dangerous for you as well, as the thinner air limits your ability to dodge missiles. An alternative strategy, often used while/after attacking ground targets, is to fly in at treetop level to where you expect the enemies to be dogfighting and quickly popup and engage them from below/behind. Staying low will help hide you from enemy radar and allow you to engage your ground targets with ease, while doing so (largely dependent on the map) you're likely to spot enemies flying over you to engage the rest of your team at altitude, here your Sparrows can be quite useful as you can popup, quickly lock the target above you, and fire. This has the advantage of giving the enemy little time or room to evade as the missile will be coming from below them rather than above, meaning there's no chance for the lock to be lost in ground clutter. The obvious downsides is this will greatly reduce the range of your Sparrow seeing as such a tactic: often entails a far slower launch speed, forces the missile to expend much of its energy climbing rather than gaining speed, forces it to traverse much thicker air (even further limiting its terminal performance), and can leave you in a very vulnerable position while guiding the missing as another enemy could swoop in and engage you while you're stuck unable to manoeuvr.

After your AIM-7s are gone or no targets at altitude can be found, move down to lower altitudes to fight. Below 2 kilometers, your primary weapons will be your cannons and AIM-9s; don’t even consider the AIM-7s at low altitude. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to utilize the phantom’s great top speed to make high speed passes, as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming at high speed. Try to make sure no one can/will bother following you though these passes so you aren’t forced to turn into a dogfight.

The powerful M61 Vulcan is another tool you'll often use to engage air targets, especially if playing from stock. (consider it your backup weapon if your missiles fail you/are unavailable). The cannon itself is quite powerful and you are given a decent pool of ammo. It's greatest and most common use will be in the classic head on, where you'll often come out on top due to its decent punch, high rate of fire, and massive spread. But again, remember to not dogfight as your poor manoeuvrability hinders your ability to line up a shot, especially if heavily loaded.

Unguided rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat. While extremely large amounts of FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets can be carried, they are highly inaccurate for air-to-air combat, and even with a timed fuse, you generally won’t be routinely hitting anything as aircraft are very fast at this BR (don’t expect an F-89D-like experience). The Zuni rockets, on the other hand, create large explosions, and when the timed fuse is used correctly, they can be used somewhat reliably. However, the main downside of these rockets are that they are both carried in rocket pods which stay attached to the aircraft even after the rockets are fired. These rocket pods are large and heavy and significantly impact manoeuvrability and performance. This impact on performance is why it isn’t recommended to use them in air combat; stick to using them for ground strikes.

In a downtier, the F-4C can act independently as it can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing you to radar lock them and launch AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until they spot the missile. The F-4C's high top speed and high speed controllability allows the plane to boom-and-zoom and quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. Again, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, as nearly all subsonics encountered in a downtier will out-maneuver you

In a full uptier, it is recommended to fly near teammates, as the F-4C's inferior top speed, manoeuvrability, and weapon systems make it very difficult to dogfight any high-tier fighter. As a result, the best chance at obtaining any significant amount of score will be to focus on ground targets and avoiding enemies as much as possible. Your lack of countermeasures generally means that if a high tier fighter gets on your tail, you are guaranteed to die. Therefore, you should avoid air combat at all costs, staying with the team should you be forced to do so. If you do get into air combat, keep your speed up as it will be your best (and only) defense against missiles, and make high speed passes with your M61 cannon. AIM-7Ds still can be used in fashions as described before, but know that your BVR capability is outclassed by much of the opposition, and all likely have countermeasures, making BVR combat of any type generally a waste with your horrendously outdated AIM-7Ds. In summary, try your best not to catch the attention of anyone and stay with your team should you do so, as you'll be largely ineffective against air targets and generally be considered free score due to your lack of of countermeasures and exceptionally poor dogfighting performance.

In Air Arcade battles, this aircraft's flaws are a lot more forgiving and it can see far more utility, especially with its gunpods. As with nearly all aircraft in Air Arcade, the minimum fuel option should be your default choice, as you will rarely if ever run out of fuel due to low survival time and overall match time in arcade battles. Even if you do run out, your airfield is a short distance away once you notice your fuel is low. The recommended armaments remain the same as in Air RB, but with much more leeway to tack on ground ordinance to quickly destroy large groups of armor (especially at the start of the "Domination" gamemode). Even the lack of countermeasures can be worked around via clever use of terrain on most maps (with the great exceptions being all the flat "Domination" maps). As for your opponents, you may encounter anything from top rank aircraft all the way down to lowly rank 1's. Be aware of the aircraft you're fighting, even if its a low rank propeller aircraft as all carry the risk of sniping your pilot (especially the Americans with their .50 cals and Germans with their cannons); all propeller aircraft also have a superior turn rate on the F-4C, so instead simply boom-and-zoom as you would with anyone else. Tactics for fighting aircraft around your BR remain the same as in Air RB, albeit they're much easier to execute and you have unlimited missiles. Because of the latter, you'd think side climbing could be a legitimate tactic, but due to the poor radar of the F-4C, the rarity of high-altitude fighting in Arcade, and/or the heavy terrain clutter on most maps you'll rarely find many targets to shoot at.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although in War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can carry countermeasures in addition to its ground ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in destroying ground units in air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest of targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best anti-tank ordinance in Ground Realistic battles and should be your first modification to unlock before usage in said battles. But know that while these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and, at this BR, puts the F-4C at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting the F-4C down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line, the F-4C pilot can easily line the nose up to the targets, fire the bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B. Dogfighting in Ground Realistic battles is somewhat rare and nearly always limited to low altitude visual range (where the radar of the F-4C has trouble locking any target), as a result the Sparrows can usually be omitted for a performance improvement. The Sidewinders on the other hand can be useful should enemy air be encountered and don't incur as much of a performance penalty, but do add extra SP cost to loadouts with them.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG-17 and MiG-19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match the F-4C in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

In Ground realistic battles, the most dangerous ground enemies are all SAM vehicles, but especially the radar SAM vehicles such as the [[FlaRakPz 1|FlaRakPz 1 Roland 2]] and [[2S6|2S6 Tunguska]] as they outrange the F-4C's Bullpups and on some maps can even immediately fire at the plane seconds after spawning. Due to the lack of countermeasures the F-4C's only defense against any missile is maneuvering and/or the terrain; so if using this aircraft while such threats are active, dive to the ground to get below their radar horizon and spend as little time as possible over the battlefield (as loitering increases the chance someone will spot and engage you). Radar guided AAA is also prevalent at this rank, but can be much more easily worked around due to their limited range (especially when using Bullpups).

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM do not turn as the SRAAM, unlike most other missiles, uses thrust vectoring instead of control surfaces. This gives the SRAAM extreme agility, but at the cost of range, meaning pilots that can outrun the missile are far more likely to survive as the SRAAM self destructs once it runs out of fuel. At the other end of the spectrum, AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at the F-4C from 4 km the plane must manoeuvre in order to lose it. An F-4C pilot can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), the plane can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and the F-4C will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, the F-4C can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so the F-4C's wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at the F-4C. However, a F-4C pilot should not turn to the sky as the plane will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Impressive variety and maximum payload of ordinance, including: 20 mm cannon gunpods, bombs, rockets, and air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles
** Can equip the AIM-7D Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles at the same time (with a maximum of four each) in addition to five pylons for ground attack ordinance
* Has BVR (Beyond Visual Range) engagement capability with the radar-guided AIM-7D Sparrow
* Has a ballistic computer, which allows for accurate usage of unguided air-to-ground weapons and cannon(s)
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Good top speed
* Great acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan has excellent fire rate, ballistics and damage, as well as a generous ammo pool

'''Cons:'''

* As it has no internal gun, some sort of weapon must be equipped on the pylons, meaning flight performance will always be lower than listed due to drag and/or G-limits
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it flies against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* Manoeuvrability suffers greatly with fully loaded pylons
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach 1.10+
* Has a low negative G limit, meaning wings can snap easily
* The gunpods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* No countermeasures
** As a result has low battlefield endurance in ground RB battles, as SAM vehicles are quite prevalent at its BR
* Radar has difficulty finding and locking aircraft, even in ideal conditions
** Most enemies have a RWR at this BR, eliminating any surprise from semi-active radar guided missiles (such as the AIM-7D)
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are unreliable and easily dodged
** Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM-7D has a 1 km warm up time where it flies completely straight, only after which it can begin tracking (but if the target is no longer within the missile's sights it will automatically self destruct (, requiring the F-4C to lead the missile). This also makes it very unreliable in a short range engagement as the missile often cannot react in time
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are notoriously poor performing, while the AIM-9Es are below average at this BR
* Has little utility in a full uptier, as it is heavily outclassed by nearly all other aircraft above 10.0

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)

2022-07-24T06:22:21Z

U4885444: Undid accidental reversion of my previous edits

{{About
| about = "extended-range" '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the original TV-guided munition of the same designation
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I ER guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I ER''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 510 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}

The Walleye is physically large, as big as a the [[LDGP_Mk_84_(2,000_lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb]]. This is due to the guidance system in the ordnance, with the explosive amount more analogous to a [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb bomb]]. In fact, while its appearance and Tri-Service missile designation (AGM-62) makes the Walleye seem like a missile, that's actually a misnomer as it's unpowered (simply gliding itself to the locked target using guidance avionics, like all other guided bombs).

=== Effective damage ===


As mentioned earlier, the explosive amount in the Walleye is closer to equivalent to the [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb]]. The Walleye contains a TNT equivalent of 264.36 kg in its warhead, compared to the LDGP Mk 83's 272.43 kg TNT equivalent. However, its combat utility can be much higher than a LDGP Mk 83 due to the TV guidance in the Walleye, allowing precise targeting of ground targets from a high-altitude.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==


The AGM-62A has a TV guidance sensor similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It's most effective against ground targets, with the guidance system allowing the bomb to target both static and moving targets due to its tracking ability after a lock. However, an issue with the AGM-62A is that it can be difficult to discern whether the AGM-62A locked onto the vehicle or just the ground, which would leave one wondering if the lock is on the vehicle (in which case the guidance system will track it if moving), or just the ground where it will not adjust for the moving target. This is especially problematic in ground realistic battles if the AGM-62A is trying to lock onto a static target and it moves after release (as there is no way to verify whether the lock was made on the target or on the ground).

During Ground Realistic Battles, it is important to check whether the enemy has SAM units present. SAMs are a big threat to players trying to utilize the AGM-62A, as in a SAM heavy environment the launching aircraft will likely get shot down by the time it: gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it. SAMs and radar-guided AAA may even destroy a falling AGM-62A if they spot it due to the bomb's slow moving, predictable nature.

Some considerations when spawning with a AGM-62A loadout. First, if the battle is a night battle the AGM-62's sensors cannot lock onto anything and so their capabilities are useless (choose a different, non-Walleye loadout during the night). Second, set the bomb fuse to "0.0s" on Walleye loadouts to make sure the bomb will explode once it hits the ground, as there is no purpose for a precision-guided bomb to have a delay after landing.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good for precision drops on static targets and can lock onto moving targets
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Can be dropped onto slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Locking onto targets (especially moving ones) can be difficult due to distance and/or ground obstructions
* Cannot be dropped without lock
* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* The TV-sensor views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting
** Said sensor is also in black and white only, hindering target identification

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)

2022-07-24T06:17:57Z

U4885444: /* Usage in battles */ grammar

{{About
| about = "extended-range" '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the original TV-guided munition of the same designation
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I ER guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I ER''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 510 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}

The Walleye is physically large, as big as a the [[LDGP_Mk_84_(2,000_lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb]]. This is due to the guidance system in the ordnance, with the explosive amount more analogous to a [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb bomb]]. In fact, the design makes the ordnance look like a missile, though it would be a misnomer to label it as such since it does not contain any of its own propulsion, simply gliding itself to the locked-on target.

=== Effective damage ===


As mentioned earlier, the explosive amount in the Walleye is closer to equivalent to the [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb]]. The Walleye contains a TNT equivalent of 264.36 kg in its warhead, compared to the LDGP Mk 83's 272.43 kg TNT equivalent. However, its combat utility can be much higher than a LDGP Mk 83 due to the TV guidance in the Walleye, allowing precise targeting of ground targets from a high-altitude.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==


The AGM-62A has a TV guidance sensor similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It's most effective against ground targets, with the guidance system allowing the bomb to target both static and moving targets due to its tracking ability after a lock. However, one issue with the AGM-62A is that it can be difficult to discern whether the AGM-62A locked onto the ground target or just the ground, which would leaves one wondering if the lock is made on the vehicle (in which case the guidance system will track it if moving), or just the ground where it will not adjust for the moving target. This is especially problematic in ground realistic battle if the AGM-62A is trying to lock onto a static target and it moves after release (as there is no way to verify whether the lock was made on the target or on the ground).

During Ground Realistic Battles, it is important to check whether the enemy has SAM units present. SAM are a big threat to players trying to utilize the AGM-62A, as in a SAM heavy environment will likely get the launching aircraft shot down by the time one gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it. SAMs and radar-guided AAAA may even destroy a falling AGM-62A if they spot it due to the bomb's slow moving, predictable nature.

Some considerations when spawning with a AGM-62A loadout. First is if the battle is a night battle. The AGM-62 sensors cannot lock onto anything at night and so their capabilities are useless so choose a different, non-Walleye loadout during the night. Second is if bringing Walleye to set the bomb fuse to "0.0s" to make sure the bomb will explode once it hits the ground, as there is no purpose for a precision-guided bomb to have a delay after landing.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good for precision drops on static targets and can lock onto moving targets
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Can be dropped onto slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Locking onto targets (especially moving ones) can be difficult due to distance and/or ground obstructions
* Cannot be dropped without lock
* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* TV-guided camera views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)

2022-07-24T06:15:51Z

U4885444:

{{About
| about = TV-guided '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the "extended-range" Walleye
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_early_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 505 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}
=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==

In War Thunder, the AGM-62 has a TV guidance sensor similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It is best used against ground targets, moving or static, and when there are no SAM threats present. Attempting to use the AGM-62 in a SAM heavy environment will likely get the launching aircraft shot down, as by the time one gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it, a SAM system will have likely already spotted and engaged you (often while you're busy searching for a target). Furthermore, the slow moving, predictable nature of the Walleye means that radar guided AAA can easily destroy it should they spot it.

The AGM-62 can also lock positions on the ground making it difficult to determine when the guidance system has locked onto a vehicle/target or the position near the vehicle/target. This is an issue for ground realistic battles where a stopped target may start moving at any moment making it important that the vehicle is being tracked, and with no way to determine whether the target or the ground is locked, it can make these weapons somewhat annoying to use in ground RB. Furthermore, the AGM-62 uses whatever bomb timer you have set, so remember to reset it to "0.0s" when selecting Walleye loadouts, as a bomb delay for the Walleye serves no purpose.

Also remember that in night battles the sensor on the AGM-62 cannot lock anything, making it useless, so choose a non-Walleye loadout in said battles.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Precision-guided bomb allows for greater flexibility on where to release weapon
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Costs a low amount of spawn points per weapon
* Can be used against slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot be dropped without a lock
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* The nature of the Walleye almost always exposes the launching aircraft to the enemy as you must climb above the battlefield before launching the weapon
*The TV-sensor views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting
** Said sensor is also in black and white only, hindering target identification

== History ==


The original concept of a glide-bomb was a bomb that was essentially equipped with wings to allow a bombardier in the cockpit of an aircraft to guide the bomb into the target by means of wires or radio control, typically by using a joystick. Examples include the early VB-1 AZON, which was in essence a bolt-on tail assembly for the [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M65A1]] thousand-pound general purpose bomb that could steer the bomb left and right, to the gargantuan VB-13/ASM-A-1 TARZON, which mated a radio-control system for an earlier development of AZON called RAZON to the massive British-designed 12,000-pound Tallboy Bomb, designed to be dropped from the [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]] on large, hard targets, such as enemy ships and factory complexes. The two bombs, for their time, were relatively successful, but still exposed several inherent vulnerabilities to their design.[[File:Walleye Seeker Display.png|alt=Rifle! An early Walleye's seeker display from footage, presumably from combat in vietnam.note the footage grain and the eight lines running crosswise transposed over the screen. These eight lines show where azimuth and elevation are in relation to the bomb, as well as outlining a square that shows what the bomb is currently guiding onto.|thumb|Rifle! An early Walleye's seeker footage, presumably from combat in Vietnam. Note the footage grain and the eight lines running crosswise transposed over the screen. These eight lines show where azimuth and elevation are in relation to the bomb, as well as outlining a square that shows what the bomb is currently guiding onto.]]The first problem was that in order to guide such a weapon, an aircraft '''must''' fly straight and level, as well as staying in a position where the bomb can still be seen from the bombardier's sight, or at the very least, the cockpit. The technology of the time limited the AZON and TARZON to Azimuth Only, which meant that the bomb required the bombardier to aim the bomb like a regular bomb, and then provide minor course corrections using the azimuth system. The bomb could not, for example, be steered into the path of an oncoming train, nor track and eventually hit a ship moving towards the dropping aircraft. AZON and TARZON were thus usually employed against large, wide targets, like railway bridges, marshalling yards, factories, and dams, with great success. Destroying a moving target was very much. Other attempts at self-guided bombs of the era, such as the ASM-N-2 "Bat", used radar. Radar technology, while having come far since the turn of the century, was very much still in its infancy compared to the modern day, and the Bat was easily confused by ground clutter.

The Walleye's genesis came about thanks to a TV-loving NAS China Lake engineer named Norman Kay. In his spare time, Kay enjoyed creating television sets, and in 1958, he developed a camera that could follow and trace moving items in a picture by using a "blip" that it could project. By using a piece of circuit-board, Kay had just created the first device capable of tracking moving objects by using the difference in contrast between said item and the background. Later refinements would follow, and with a team of fellow engineers including Jack Crawford, Dave Livingston, George Lewis, Larry Brown, Steve Brugler, Bob Cunningham and long-time friend William H. Woodworth, would engineer the bomb that would eventually become Walleye. Among other challenges that they faced and defeated were refining the bomb's trajectory, eliminating the use of vacuum tubes in order to both simplify production and to ensure that the bomb was capable of making the turns and twists needed by a guided weapon, and withstand the shock of carrier catapult takeoffs, and the dilemma of procuring funding- initially by wheedling funding away from the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9 Sidewinder]] project, which was concurrent to the tv seeker's development. By 1963, the development of the bomb had become official, and after a period of competition between various firms, Martin-Marietta won the contract in 1966 for full-rate production.

The AGM-62 was engineered to have a link between the seeker and a small TV monitor in the launch aircraft's cockpit, which is what would be used to select the target for the seeker. In the words of one of the engineers- the seeker "wasn't smart enough" to know that "a bridge was a bridge", but it could use the contrast between the bridge and whatever surrounded it and home in on the patch of contrast differential. Proposed features for the first iteraton included a datalink, which would not be integrated on initial Walleye I variants. However, the camera could still be used to see where the bomb was going, which would be important for allowing fire-and-forget capability. Pilots could now drop a bomb and then immediately turn away from the target, monitoring the bomb's progress, and once the data-link ability was integrated, provide course corrections for the bomb.

Walleye I used a thousand-pound warhead from the [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb Mark 83]] General-Purpose bomb, recently developed in the 1950s in response to the need for lower-drag bombs. The unit was initially powered by a heavy set of lithium-ion batteries, but these were soon replaced by a ram air turbine on the back of the bomb, giving it the distinctively large propellor, different from propellor-driven tail and nose fuzes on older GP bombs like the [[AN-M65A1]] that its predecessors had used. Large, triangular fins driven by hydraulic actuators were attached onto the rear, allowing the bomb to move left and right, and stabilize on the target. The seeker was the first-ever fully solid-state TV camera in existence. The bomb was meant to incorporate a revolutionary new data-link feature to allow the pilot to aim and steer the bomb while in flight, but tihs feature was temporarily dropped due to time constraints. Later versions of the bomb would reincorporate this feature into the bomb, allowing mid-flight course corrections. The bombs would find great success in Vietnam, chalking up successful missions such as the final destruction of the infamous Thanh Hoa Bridge and several successful missions against power plants, including a raid that destroyed Hanoi's main source of power a mere two days after Ho Chi Minh's birthday. The bomb would continue to be used, including with the data-link upgrade, during the Gulf War in 1991, after which it was gradually retired from US Navy and Air Force service as newer warshots, such as the GBU-15, AGM-65, JDAM and improved Paveway Variants came into service, and improved targeting pods allowed for laser-guided bombs to be more easily guided onto target.
== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)]] - Another variant of the Walleye bomb
* [[KAB-500 (500 kg)]] - Soviet guided bomb
* [[Mk.13 (546 kg)]] - British guided bomb
* [[BGL-400 (400 kg)]] - French guided bomb
* [[BGL-1000 (970 kg)]] - French guided bomb

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)

2022-07-24T06:14:58Z

U4885444: corrections

{{About
| about = "extended-range" '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the original TV-guided munition of the same designation
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I ER guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I ER''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 510 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}

The Walleye is physically large, as big as a the [[LDGP_Mk_84_(2,000_lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb]]. This is due to the guidance system in the ordnance, with the explosive amount more analogous to a [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb bomb]]. In fact, while its appearance and Tri-Service missile designation (AGM-62) makes the Walleye seem like a missile, that's actually a misnomer as it's unpowered (simply gliding itself to the locked target using guidance avionics, like all other guided bombs).

=== Effective damage ===


As mentioned earlier, the explosive amount in the Walleye is closer to equivalent to the [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb]]. The Walleye contains a TNT equivalent of 264.36 kg in its warhead, compared to the LDGP Mk 83's 272.43 kg TNT equivalent. However, its combat utility can be much higher than a LDGP Mk 83 due to the TV guidance in the Walleye, allowing precise targeting of ground targets from a high-altitude.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==


The AGM-62A has a TV guidance system similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It is to be used on ground targets, but the guidance system allows the bomb to target both static and moving targets due to its tracking ability after a lock. However, one issue dealing with the AGM-62A is that it can be difficult to discern whether the AGM-62A locked onto the ground target or just the ground, which would leave players wondering if the lock is made on the vehicle (in which case the guidance system will track it if moving), or just the ground where it will not adjust for the moving target. This is especially a problem in ground realistic battles if the AGM-62A is trying to be locked onto a static target and it moves after release as there is no way to verify whether the lock was made on the target or on the ground.

During Ground Realistic Battles, it is important to check whether the enemy has SAM units present. SAMs are a big threat to players trying to utilize the AGM-62A, as in a SAM heavy environment the launching aircraft will likely get shot down by the time it: gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it. SAMs and radar-guided AAA may even destroy a falling AGM-62A if they spot it due to the bomb's slow moving, predictable nature.

Some considerations when spawning with a AGM-62A loadout. First, if the battle is a night battle the AGM-62's sensors cannot lock onto anything and so their capabilities are useless (choose a different, non-Walleye loadout during the night). Second, set the bomb fuse to "0.0s" on Walleye loadouts to make sure the bomb will explode once it hits the ground, as there is no purpose for a precision-guided bomb to have a delay after landing.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good for precision drops on static targets and can lock onto moving targets
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Can be dropped onto slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Locking onto targets (especially moving ones) can be difficult due to distance and/or ground obstructions
* Cannot be dropped without lock
* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* The TV-sensor views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting
** Said sensor is also in black and white only, hindering target identification

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)

2022-07-24T06:09:32Z

U4885444: grammar

{{About
| about = "extended-range" '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the original TV-guided munition of the same designation
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I ER guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I ER''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 510 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}

The Walleye is physically large, as big as a the [[LDGP_Mk_84_(2,000_lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb]]. This is due to the guidance system in the ordnance, with the explosive amount more analogous to a [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb bomb]]. In fact, the design makes the ordnance look like a missile, though it would be a misnomer to label it as such since it does not contain any of its own propulsion, simply gliding itself to the locked-on target.

=== Effective damage ===


As mentioned earlier, the explosive amount in the Walleye is closer to equivalent to the [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb]]. The Walleye contains a TNT equivalent of 264.36 kg in its warhead, compared to the LDGP Mk 83's 272.43 kg TNT equivalent. However, its combat utility can be much higher than a LDGP Mk 83 due to the TV guidance in the Walleye, allowing precise targeting of ground targets from a high-altitude.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==


The AGM-62A has a TV guidance system similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It is to be used on ground targets, but the guidance system allows the bomb to target both static and moving targets due to its tracking ability after a lock. However, one issue dealing with the AGM-62A is that it can be difficult to discern whether the AGM-62A locked onto the ground target or just the ground, which would leave players wondering if the lock is made on the vehicle (in which case the guidance system will track it if moving), or just the ground where it will not adjust for the moving target. This is especially a problem in ground realistic battles if the AGM-62A is trying to be locked onto a static target and it moves after release as there is no way to verify whether the lock was made on the target or on the ground.

During Ground Realistic Battles, it is important to check whether the enemy has SAM units present. SAMs are a big threat to players trying to utilize the AGM-62A, as in a SAM heavy environment the launching aircraft will likely get shot down by the time it: gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it. SAMs and radar-guided AAA may even destroy a falling AGM-62A if they spot it due to the bomb's slow moving, predictable nature.

Some considerations when spawning with a AGM-62A loadout. First, if the battle is a night battle the AGM-62's sensors cannot lock onto anything and so their capabilities are useless (choose a different, non-Walleye loadout during the night). Second, set the bomb fuse to "0.0s" on Walleye loadouts to make sure the bomb will explode once it hits the ground, as there is no purpose for a precision-guided bomb to have a delay after landing.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good for precision drops on static targets and can lock onto moving targets
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Can be dropped onto slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Locking onto targets (especially moving ones) can be difficult due to distance and/or ground obstructions
* Cannot be dropped without lock
* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* The TV-sensor views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting
** Said sensor is also in black and white only, hindering target identification

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)

2022-07-24T06:08:34Z

U4885444: additional con

{{About
| about = TV-guided '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the "extended-range" Walleye
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_early_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 505 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}
=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==

In War Thunder, the AGM-62 has a TV guidance system similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It is best used against ground targets, moving or static, and when there are no SAM threats present. Attempting to use the AGM-62 in a SAM heavy environment will likely get the launching aircraft shot down, as by the time one gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it, a SAM system will have likely already spotted and engaged you (often while you're busy searching for a target). Furthermore, the slow moving, predictable nature of the Walleye means that radar guided AAA can easily destroy it should they spot it.

The AGM-62 can also lock positions on the ground making it difficult to determine when the guidance system has locked onto a vehicle/target or the position near the vehicle/target. This is an issue for ground realistic battles where a stopped target may start moving at any moment making it important that the vehicle is being tracked, and with no way to determine whether the target or the ground is locked, it can make these weapons somewhat annoying to use in ground RB. Furthermore, the AGM-62 uses whatever bomb timer you have set, so remember to reset it to "0.0s" when selecting Walleye loadouts, as a bomb delay for the Walleye serves no purpose.

Also remember that in night battles the sensor on the AGM-62 cannot lock anything, making it useless, so choose a non-Walleye loadout in said battles.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Precision-guided bomb allows for greater flexibility on where to release weapon
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Costs a low amount of spawn points per weapon
* Can be used against slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot be dropped without a lock
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* The nature of the Walleye almost always exposes the launching aircraft to the enemy as you must climb above the battlefield before launching the weapon
*The TV-sensor views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting
** Said sensor is also in black and white only, hindering target identification

== History ==


The original concept of a glide-bomb was a bomb that was essentially equipped with wings to allow a bombardier in the cockpit of an aircraft to guide the bomb into the target by means of wires or radio control, typically by using a joystick. Examples include the early VB-1 AZON, which was in essence a bolt-on tail assembly for the [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M65A1]] thousand-pound general purpose bomb that could steer the bomb left and right, to the gargantuan VB-13/ASM-A-1 TARZON, which mated a radio-control system for an earlier development of AZON called RAZON to the massive British-designed 12,000-pound Tallboy Bomb, designed to be dropped from the [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]] on large, hard targets, such as enemy ships and factory complexes. The two bombs, for their time, were relatively successful, but still exposed several inherent vulnerabilities to their design.[[File:Walleye Seeker Display.png|alt=Rifle! An early Walleye's seeker display from footage, presumably from combat in vietnam.note the footage grain and the eight lines running crosswise transposed over the screen. These eight lines show where azimuth and elevation are in relation to the bomb, as well as outlining a square that shows what the bomb is currently guiding onto.|thumb|Rifle! An early Walleye's seeker footage, presumably from combat in Vietnam. Note the footage grain and the eight lines running crosswise transposed over the screen. These eight lines show where azimuth and elevation are in relation to the bomb, as well as outlining a square that shows what the bomb is currently guiding onto.]]The first problem was that in order to guide such a weapon, an aircraft '''must''' fly straight and level, as well as staying in a position where the bomb can still be seen from the bombardier's sight, or at the very least, the cockpit. The technology of the time limited the AZON and TARZON to Azimuth Only, which meant that the bomb required the bombardier to aim the bomb like a regular bomb, and then provide minor course corrections using the azimuth system. The bomb could not, for example, be steered into the path of an oncoming train, nor track and eventually hit a ship moving towards the dropping aircraft. AZON and TARZON were thus usually employed against large, wide targets, like railway bridges, marshalling yards, factories, and dams, with great success. Destroying a moving target was very much. Other attempts at self-guided bombs of the era, such as the ASM-N-2 "Bat", used radar. Radar technology, while having come far since the turn of the century, was very much still in its infancy compared to the modern day, and the Bat was easily confused by ground clutter.

The Walleye's genesis came about thanks to a TV-loving NAS China Lake engineer named Norman Kay. In his spare time, Kay enjoyed creating television sets, and in 1958, he developed a camera that could follow and trace moving items in a picture by using a "blip" that it could project. By using a piece of circuit-board, Kay had just created the first device capable of tracking moving objects by using the difference in contrast between said item and the background. Later refinements would follow, and with a team of fellow engineers including Jack Crawford, Dave Livingston, George Lewis, Larry Brown, Steve Brugler, Bob Cunningham and long-time friend William H. Woodworth, would engineer the bomb that would eventually become Walleye. Among other challenges that they faced and defeated were refining the bomb's trajectory, eliminating the use of vacuum tubes in order to both simplify production and to ensure that the bomb was capable of making the turns and twists needed by a guided weapon, and withstand the shock of carrier catapult takeoffs, and the dilemma of procuring funding- initially by wheedling funding away from the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9 Sidewinder]] project, which was concurrent to the tv seeker's development. By 1963, the development of the bomb had become official, and after a period of competition between various firms, Martin-Marietta won the contract in 1966 for full-rate production.

The AGM-62 was engineered to have a link between the seeker and a small TV monitor in the launch aircraft's cockpit, which is what would be used to select the target for the seeker. In the words of one of the engineers- the seeker "wasn't smart enough" to know that "a bridge was a bridge", but it could use the contrast between the bridge and whatever surrounded it and home in on the patch of contrast differential. Proposed features for the first iteraton included a datalink, which would not be integrated on initial Walleye I variants. However, the camera could still be used to see where the bomb was going, which would be important for allowing fire-and-forget capability. Pilots could now drop a bomb and then immediately turn away from the target, monitoring the bomb's progress, and once the data-link ability was integrated, provide course corrections for the bomb.

Walleye I used a thousand-pound warhead from the [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb Mark 83]] General-Purpose bomb, recently developed in the 1950s in response to the need for lower-drag bombs. The unit was initially powered by a heavy set of lithium-ion batteries, but these were soon replaced by a ram air turbine on the back of the bomb, giving it the distinctively large propellor, different from propellor-driven tail and nose fuzes on older GP bombs like the [[AN-M65A1]] that its predecessors had used. Large, triangular fins driven by hydraulic actuators were attached onto the rear, allowing the bomb to move left and right, and stabilize on the target. The seeker was the first-ever fully solid-state TV camera in existence. The bomb was meant to incorporate a revolutionary new data-link feature to allow the pilot to aim and steer the bomb while in flight, but tihs feature was temporarily dropped due to time constraints. Later versions of the bomb would reincorporate this feature into the bomb, allowing mid-flight course corrections. The bombs would find great success in Vietnam, chalking up successful missions such as the final destruction of the infamous Thanh Hoa Bridge and several successful missions against power plants, including a raid that destroyed Hanoi's main source of power a mere two days after Ho Chi Minh's birthday. The bomb would continue to be used, including with the data-link upgrade, during the Gulf War in 1991, after which it was gradually retired from US Navy and Air Force service as newer warshots, such as the GBU-15, AGM-65, JDAM and improved Paveway Variants came into service, and improved targeting pods allowed for laser-guided bombs to be more easily guided onto target.
== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)]] - Another variant of the Walleye bomb
* [[KAB-500 (500 kg)]] - Soviet guided bomb
* [[Mk.13 (546 kg)]] - British guided bomb
* [[BGL-400 (400 kg)]] - French guided bomb
* [[BGL-1000 (970 kg)]] - French guided bomb

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)

2022-07-24T06:06:14Z

U4885444: grammar + additional con

{{About
| about = "extended-range" '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the original TV-guided munition of the same designation
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I ER guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I ER''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 510 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}

The Walleye is physically large, as big as a the [[LDGP_Mk_84_(2,000_lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb]]. This is due to the guidance system in the ordnance, with the explosive amount more analogous to a [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb bomb]]. In fact, the design makes the ordnance look like a missile, though it would be a misnomer to label it as such since it does not contain any of its own propulsion, simply gliding itself to the locked-on target.

=== Effective damage ===


As mentioned earlier, the explosive amount in the Walleye is closer to equivalent to the [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb]]. The Walleye contains a TNT equivalent of 264.36 kg in its warhead, compared to the LDGP Mk 83's 272.43 kg TNT equivalent. However, its combat utility can be much higher than a LDGP Mk 83 due to the TV guidance in the Walleye, allowing precise targeting of ground targets from a high-altitude.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==


The AGM-62A has a TV guidance system similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It is to be used on ground targets, but the guidance system allows the bomb to target both static and moving targets due to its tracking ability after a lock. However, one issue dealing with the AGM-62A is that it can be difficult to discern whether the AGM-62A locked onto the ground target or just the ground, which would leave players wondering if the lock is made on the vehicle (in which case the guidance system will track it if moving), or just the ground where it will not adjust for the moving target. This is especially a problem in ground realistic battles if the AGM-62A is trying to be locked onto a static target and it moves after release as there is no way to verify whether the lock was made on the target or on the ground.

During Ground Realistic Battles, it is important to check whether the enemy has SAM units present. SAMs are a big threat to players trying to utilize the AGM-62A, as in a SAM heavy environment the launching aircraft will likely get shot down by the time it: gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it. SAMs and radar-guided AAA may even destroy a falling AGM-62A if they spot it due to the bomb's slow moving, predictable nature.

Some considerations when spawning with a AGM-62A loadout. First, if the battle is a night battle the AGM-62's sensors cannot lock onto anything and so their capabilities are useless (choose a different, non-Walleye loadout during the night). Second, set the bomb fuse to "0.0s" on Walleye loadouts to make sure the bomb will explode once it hits the ground, as there is no purpose for a precision-guided bomb to have a delay after landing.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good for precision drops on static targets and can lock onto moving targets
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Can be dropped onto slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Locking onto targets (especially moving ones) can be difficult due to distance and/or ground obstructions
* Cannot be dropped without lock
* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* TV-guided camera views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting
** Said camera is also in black and white only, hindering target identification

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

F-4C Phantom II

2022-07-21T00:58:28Z

U4885444: didn't realize I reverted a ton of my own previous edits

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are okay missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons an attempt can be made to try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, the best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where there is the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|}

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 Showtime-100 F-4C unloading bombs in Vietnam]]
The {{PAGENAME}} is, frankly, not a dogfighter. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. The F-4C's best friend is its raw acceleration and Sparrow missiles (should those be unlocked). As a result, F-4C pilots are forced to act as vultures, using missiles or gunpods to pickoff hapless targets of opportunity. If enemies attack a F-4C (especially one out of air-to-air ordinance), the enemy is almost always guaranteed good hit in all but the least maneuverable of aircraft at this rank. The F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, combined with its atrocious dogfighting armaments, and lack of countermeasures leave it a mostly helpless target should one catch it in weapons range. If playing this aircraft in Air Battles from stock your first modification to unlock are the AIM-7Ds. If one does not want to spend the [[Golden Eagles|golden eagles]] to unlock them (or even the AIM-9Es), then ground attack in Air Realistic Battles is the most profitable avenue for advancement (as the 20 mm cannon is more than capable of destroying high value targets such as light pillboxes). If lucky, the F-4C pilot may be able to catch someone in a low speed turn off guard, or win a head-on engagement. On the other hand, in Ground Realistic Battles this aircraft has next to no utility while stock due to: the powerful AA at this BR and the inability to penetrate most tanks with the stock 20mm cannon. At most you may only be able to harass aircraft or thinly armored vehicles before you are shot down, therefore it is recommended that you first unlock some basic ground ordinance before adding this to your Ground RB lineup (see [[F-4C_Phantom_II#Ground_pounding|"Ground Pounding"]] for further information).

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom-&-Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect variants of the Sidewinder that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If it is mandatory to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and that the enemy is not deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed). The AIM-9Es on the other hand are a moderate improvement, but top out as average at this BR due to their small seeker cone and rear-aspect only lock angle. Regardless, the AIM-9Es can make for a reliable backup anti-air missiles that can at the very least force an enemy into a disadvantageous position.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are to be exclusively used in the ground attack role as they can be quite powerful when fired en-masse. This can be especially useful in Ground-Realistic battles. For attacking ground targets in Air battles, anything other than the triple gunpods is sub-optimal, although with a custom loadout the plane can equip both rockets and gunpods at the same time. The triple gunpods are especially useful as they can easily destroy enemy aircraft and most ground targets with ease.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster the F-4C goes, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, the F-4C can avoid the major furball, keeping the plane out of danger. Once the plane climbs up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use the radar to lock onto someone, and start launching the AIM-7Ds as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where the radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, the F-4C pilot can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons. Once the plane is out of Sparrows, the choice can be made to transition to ground pounding (with the cannon or any other ground ordinance equipped) for score or returning to the base to rearm. Depending on the loadout, the F-4C can destroy a significant amount of enemies before having to return to the airfield.
[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
In a downtier, the F-4C can be independent as it can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing the plane to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until they spot the missile. The F-4C's high top speed and high speed controllability allows the plane to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around the F-4C. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near teammates, supporting them as the F-4C has inferior top speed, manoeuvrability, and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). But often the best chance at obtaining any significant amount of score will be to focus on ground targets. But if the {{PAGENAME}} must dogfight, being near friendly aircraft, the F-4C generally becomes a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so the F-4C pilot can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with the chosen loadout.

In Air Arcade battles, this aircraft's flaws are a lot more forgiving and it can see far more utility (especially with its gunpods). As with nearly all aircraft in Air Arcade, the minimum fuel option should be your default choice as you will rarely (if ever) run out of fuel (and even if you do, your airfield is a short distance away once you notice your fuel is low) as the average survival time (let alone overall match time) is far shorter than the minimum fuel amount (especially without unlimited afterburner). The recommended armaments remain the same as in Air RB, but with much more leeway to tack on ground ordinance to quickly destroy large groups of armor (especially at the start of the "Domination" gamemode). Even the lack of countermeasures can be worked around via clever use of terrain on most maps (with the great exceptions being all the flat "Domination" maps). As for your opponents, you may encounter anything from top rank aircraft all the way down to lowly rank 1's. Be aware of the aircraft you're fighting, even if its a low rank propeller aircraft as all carry the risk of sniping your pilot (especially the Americans with their .50 cals and Germans with their cannons); all propeller aircraft also have a superior turn rate on the F-4C, so instead simply boom-and-zoom as you would with anyone else. Tactics for fighting aircraft around your BR remain the same as in Air RB, albeit they're much easier to execute and you have unlimited missiles. Because of the latter, you'd think side climbing could be a legitimate tactic, but due to the poor radar of the F-4C, the rarity of high-altitude fighting in Arcade, and/or the heavy terrain clutter on most maps you'll rarely find many targets to shoot at and instead become an easy target for other aircraft with radar guided missiles.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although in War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can carry countermeasures in addition to its ground ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in destroying ground units in air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest of targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best anti-tank ordinance in Ground Realistic battles and should be your first modification to unlock before usage in said battles. But know that while these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and, at this BR, puts the F-4C at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting the F-4C down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line, the F-4C pilot can easily line the nose up to the targets, fire the bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B. Dogfighting in Ground Realistic battles is somewhat rare and nearly always limited to low altitude visual range (where the radar of the F-4C has trouble locking any target), as a result the Sparrows can usually be omitted for a performance improvement.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG-17 and MiG-19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match the F-4C in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

In Ground realistic battles, the most dangerous ground enemies are all SAM vehicles, but especially the radar SAM vehicles such as the [[FlaRakPz 1|FlaRakPz 1 Roland 2]] and [[2S6|2S6 Tunguska]] as they outrange the F-4C's Bullpups and on some maps can even immediately fire at the plane seconds after spawning. Due to the lack of countermeasures, the F-4C's only defense against any missile is maneuvering and/or the terrain so if using this aircraft while such threats are active, dive as low as possible to get below their radar horizon. Radar guided AAA is also prevalent at this rank, but can be much more easily worked around due to their limited range (especially when using the Bullpups).

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, do not try turn. Instead, the F-4C must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at the F-4C from 4 km, the plane must manoeuvre in order to lose it. An F-4C pilot can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), the plane can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and the F-4C will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, the F-4C can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so the F-4C's wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at the F-4C. However, a F-4C pilot should not turn to the sky as the plane will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Impressive variety and maximum payload of ordinance, including: 20 mm cannon gunpods, bombs, rockets, and air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles
** Can equip the AIM-7D Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles at the same time (with a maximum of four each) in addition to five pylons of ground ordinance
* Has BVR (Beyond Visual Range) engagement capability with the radar-guided AIM-7D Sparrow
* Has a ballistic computer, which allows for accurate usage of unguided air-to-ground weapons and the cannon
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Great acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan has excellent fire rate, ballistics and damage, as well as a generous ammo pool

'''Cons:'''

* As it has no internal gun, some sort of weapon must be equipped on the pylons, meaning flight performance will always be lower than listed due to drag and/or G-limits
* Radar has difficulty finding and locking aircraft (even in ideal conditions)
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it flies against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* Manoeuvrability suffers greatly with fully loaded pylons
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* The gunpods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* No countermeasures
* Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM-7D has a 1 km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring the F-4C to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are unreliable
** Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM-7D has a 1 km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring the F-4C to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
** The AIM-7D’s rocket motor burns for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile (easily dodged)
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are notoriously poor performing, while the AIM-9Es are below average for its BR
* Has very poor battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)

2022-07-20T06:10:29Z

U4885444: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = "extended-range" '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the original TV-guided munition of the same designation
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I ER guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I ER''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 510 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}

The Walleye is physically large, as big as a the [[LDGP_Mk_84_(2,000_lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb]]. This is due to the guidance system in the ordnance, with the explosive amount more analogous to a [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb bomb]]. In fact, the design makes the ordnance look like a missile, though it would be a misnomer to label it as such since it does not contain any of its own propulsion, simply gliding itself to the locked-on target.

=== Effective damage ===


As mentioned earlier, the explosive amount in the Walleye is closer to equivalent to the [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb]]. The Walleye contains a TNT equivalent of 264.36 kg in its warhead, compared to the LDGP Mk 83's 272.43 kg TNT equivalent. However, its combat utility can be much higher than a LDGP Mk 83 due to the TV guidance in the Walleye, allowing precise targeting of ground targets from a high-altitude.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==


In War Thunder the AGM-62 has a TV guidance system similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It is best used against ground targets, moving or static, and while there are no SAM threats present. Attempting to use the AGM-62 in a SAM heavy environment will likely get the launching aircraft shot down, as by the time one gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it, a SAM system will have likely already spotted and engaged you (often while you're busy searching for a target). Furthermore, the slow moving, predictable nature of the Walleye means that radar guided AAA can easily destroy it should they spot it.

The AGM-62 can also lock positions on the ground making it difficult to determine when the guidance system has locked onto a vehicle/target or the position near the vehicle/target. This is an issue for ground realistic battles where a stopped target may start moving at any moment making it important that the vehicle is being tracked, and with no way to determine whether the target or the ground is locked, it can make these weapons somewhat annoying to use in ground RB. Furthermore, the AGM-62 uses whatever bomb timer you have set, so remember to reset it to "assault fuse" when selecting Walleye loadouts, as a bomb delay for the Walleye serves no purpose.

Also remember that in night battles the sensor on the AGM-62 cannot lock anything, making it useless, so choose a non-Walleye loadout in said battles.
=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good for precision drops on static targets and can lock onto moving targets
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Can be dropped onto slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Locking onto targets (especially moving ones) can be difficult due to distance and/or ground obstructions
* Cannot be dropped without lock
* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* TV-guided camera views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)

2022-07-20T06:10:26Z

U4885444: updates

{{About
| about = TV-guided '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the "extended-range" Walleye
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_early_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_iaf}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 505 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}
=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
In War Thunder the AGM-62 has a TV guidance system similar to the [[AGM-65B]] missile. It is best used against ground targets, moving or static, and while there are no SAM threats present. Attempting to use the AGM-62 in a SAM heavy environment will likely get the launching aircraft shot down, as by the time one gets to a proper release altitude and speed, found a target, and then dropped it, a SAM system will have likely already spotted and engaged you (often while you're busy searching for a target). Furthermore, the slow moving, predictable nature of the Walleye means that radar guided AAA can easily destroy it should they spot it.

The AGM-62 can also lock positions on the ground making it difficult to determine when the guidance system has locked onto a vehicle/target or the position near the vehicle/target. This is an issue for ground realistic battles where a stopped target may start moving at any moment making it important that the vehicle is being tracked, and with no way to determine whether the target or the ground is locked, it can make these weapons somewhat annoying to use in ground RB. Furthermore, the AGM-62 uses whatever bomb timer you have set, so remember to reset it to "assault fuse" when selecting Walleye loadouts, as a bomb delay for the Walleye serves no purpose.

Also remember that in night battles the sensor on the AGM-62 cannot lock anything, making it useless, so choose a non-Walleye loadout in said battles.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Precision-guided bomb allows for greater flexibility on where to release weapon
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Costs a low amount of spawn points per weapon
* Can be used against slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* Cannot be dropped without a lock
* Cannot adjust its magnification level
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed/altitude is too low
* Is relatively easy to intercept with radar guided AAA/SAMs
* The nature of the Walleye almost always exposes the launching aircraft to the enemy as you must climb above the battlefield before launching the weapon

== History ==


The original concept of a glide-bomb was a bomb that was essentially equipped with wings to allow a bombardier in the cockpit of an aircraft to guide the bomb into the target by means of wires or radio control, typically by using a joystick. Examples include the early VB-1 AZON, which was in essence a bolt-on tail assembly for the [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M65A1]] thousand-pound general purpose bomb that could steer the bomb left and right, to the gargantuan VB-13/ASM-A-1 TARZON, which mated a radio-control system for an earlier development of AZON called RAZON to the massive British-designed 12,000-pound Tallboy Bomb, designed to be dropped from the [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]] on large, hard targets, such as enemy ships and factory complexes. The two bombs, for their time, were relatively successful, but still exposed several inherent vulnerabilities to their design.[[File:Walleye Seeker Display.png|alt=Rifle! An early Walleye's seeker display from footage, presumably from combat in vietnam.note the footage grain and the eight lines running crosswise transposed over the screen. These eight lines show where azimuth and elevation are in relation to the bomb, as well as outlining a square that shows what the bomb is currently guiding onto.|thumb|Rifle! An early Walleye's seeker footage, presumably from combat in Vietnam. Note the footage grain and the eight lines running crosswise transposed over the screen. These eight lines show where azimuth and elevation are in relation to the bomb, as well as outlining a square that shows what the bomb is currently guiding onto.|link=]]The first problem was that in order to guide such a weapon, an aircraft '''must''' fly straight and level, as well as staying in a position where the bomb can still be seen from the bombardier's sight, or at the very least, the cockpit. The technology of the time limited the AZON and TARZON to Azimuth Only, which meant that the bomb required the bombardier to aim the bomb like a regular bomb, and then provide minor course corrections using the azimuth system. The bomb could not, for example, be steered into the path of an oncoming train, nor track and eventually hit a ship moving towards the dropping aircraft. AZON and TARZON were thus usually employed against large, wide targets, like railway bridges, marshalling yards, factories, and dams, with great success. Destroying a moving target was very much. Other attempts at self-guided bombs of the era, such as the ASM-N-2 "Bat", used radar. Radar technology, while having come far since the turn of the century, was very much still in its infancy compared to the modern day, and the Bat was easily confused by ground clutter.

The Walleye's genesis came about thanks to a TV-loving NAS China Lake engineer named Norman Kay. In his spare time, Kay enjoyed creating television sets, and in 1958, he developed a camera that could follow and trace moving items in a picture by using a "blip" that it could project. By using a piece of circuit-board, Kay had just created the first device capable of tracking moving objects by using the difference in contrast between said item and the background. Later refinements would follow, and with a team of fellow engineers including Jack Crawford, Dave Livingston, George Lewis, Larry Brown, Steve Brugler, Bob Cunningham and long-time friend William H. Woodworth, would engineer the bomb that would eventually become Walleye. Among other challenges that they faced and defeated were refining the bomb's trajectory, eliminating the use of vacuum tubes in order to both simplify production and to ensure that the bomb was capable of making the turns and twists needed by a guided weapon, and withstand the shock of carrier catapult takeoffs, and the dilemma of procuring funding- initially by wheedling funding away from the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9 Sidewinder]] project, which was concurrent to the tv seeker's development. By 1963, the development of the bomb had become official, and after a period of competition between various firms, Martin-Marietta won the contract in 1966 for full-rate production.

The AGM-62 was engineered to have a link between the seeker and a small TV monitor in the launch aircraft's cockpit, which is what would be used to select the target for the seeker. In the words of one of the engineers- the seeker "wasn't smart enough" to know that "a bridge was a bridge", but it could use the contrast between the bridge and whatever surrounded it and home in on the patch of contrast differential. Proposed features for the first iteraton included a datalink, which would not be integrated on initial Walleye I variants. However, the camera could still be used to see where the bomb was going, which would be important for allowing fire-and-forget capability. Pilots could now drop a bomb and then immediately turn away from the target, monitoring the bomb's progress, and once the data-link ability was integrated, provide course corrections for the bomb.

Walleye I used a thousand-pound warhead from the [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb Mark 83]] General-Purpose bomb, recently developed in the 1950s in response to the need for lower-drag bombs. The unit was initially powered by a heavy set of lithium-ion batteries, but these were soon replaced by a ram air turbine on the back of the bomb, giving it the distinctively large propellor, different from propellor-driven tail and nose fuzes on older GP bombs like the [[AN-M65A1]] that its predecessors had used. Large, triangular fins driven by hydraulic actuators were attached onto the rear, allowing the bomb to move left and right, and stabilize on the target. The seeker was the first-ever fully solid-state TV camera in existence. The bomb was meant to incorporate a revolutionary new data-link feature to allow the pilot to aim and steer the bomb while in flight, but tihs feature was temporarily dropped due to time constraints. Later versions of the bomb would reincorporate this feature into the bomb, allowing mid-flight course corrections. The bombs would find great success in Vietnam, chalking up successful missions such as the final destruction of the infamous Thanh Hoa Bridge and several successful missions against power plants, including a raid that destroyed Hanoi's main source of power a mere two days after Ho Chi Minh's birthday. The bomb would continue to be used, including with the data-link upgrade, during the Gulf War in 1991, after which it was gradually retired from US Navy and Air Force service as newer warshots, such as the GBU-15, AGM-65, JDAM and improved Paveway Variants came into service, and improved targeting pods allowed for laser-guided bombs to be more easily guided onto target.
== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)]] - Another variant of the Walleye bomb
* [[KAB-500 (500 kg)]] - Soviet guided bomb
* [[Mk.13 (546 kg)]] - British guided bomb
* [[BGL-400 (400 kg)]] - French guided bomb
* [[BGL-1000 (970 kg)]] - French guided bomb

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)

2022-07-20T05:48:26Z

U4885444: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = "extended-range" '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the original TV-guided munition of the same designation
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I ER guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I ER''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 510 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}

The Walleye is physically large, as big as a the [[LDGP_Mk_84_(2,000_lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb]]. This is due to the guidance system in the ordnance, with the explosive amount more analogous to a [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb bomb]]. In fact, the design makes the ordnance look like a missile, though it would be a misnomer to label it as such since it does not contain any of its own propulsion, simply gliding itself to the locked-on target.

=== Effective damage ===


As mentioned earlier, the explosive amount in the Walleye is closer to equivalent to the [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb]]. The Walleye contains a TNT equivalent of 264.36 kg in its warhead, compared to the LDGP Mk 83's 272.43 kg TNT equivalent. However, its combat utility can be much higher than a LDGP Mk 83 due to the TV guidance in the Walleye, allowing precise targeting of ground targets from a high-altitude.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==


The AGM-62 has a TV guidance system similar to the AGM-65B missile. It is best used against ground targets, moving or static. However, the AGM-62 can also lock positions on the ground making it difficult to determine when the guidance system has locked onto a vehicle/target or the position near the vehicle/target. This is an issue for ground realistic battles where a stopped target may start moving at any moment making it important that the vehicle is being tracked, and with no way to determine whether the target or the ground is locked, it can make these weapons somewhat annoying to use in ground RB. Furthermore, the AGM-62 uses whatever bomb timer you have set, so remember to reset it to "assault fuse" when selecting Walleye loadouts, as having a bomb delay for the Walleye has no utility.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good for precision drops on static targets and can lock onto moving targets
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Costs a low amount of spawn points per weapon
* Can be dropped onto slow moving/hovering helicopters

'''Cons:'''

* Locking onto targets (especially moving ones) can be difficult due to distance and/or ground obstructions
* Cannot be dropped without lock
* Large size means only a few can be carried by aircraft
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed is too slow
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)
* TV-guided camera views from the aircraft's frontal arc, requires pointing the aircraft at the general location of the enemy to begin targeting

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AGM-62A Walleye I ER (510 kg)

2022-07-20T05:43:44Z

U4885444: /* Pros and cons */ updates

{{About
| about = "extended-range" '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the original TV-guided munition of the same designation
| link = AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage {{PAGENAME}}.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-62A Walleye I ER guided bomb (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''AGM-62A Walleye I ER''' is an American guided bomb for aircraft use. It is one of the first guided bombs introduced into War Thunder in [[Update "Ground Breaking"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_late_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_4n}}
* {{Specs-Link|a_7e}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Guidance''' || TV
|-
| '''Mass''' || 510 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 201.8 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type''' || Composition B
|-
| '''TNT equivalent''' || 264.36 kg
|-
|}

The Walleye is physically large, as big as a the [[LDGP_Mk_84_(2,000_lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb]]. This is due to the guidance system in the ordnance, with the explosive amount more analogous to a [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb bomb]]. In fact, the design makes the ordnance look like a missile, though it would be a misnomer to label it as such since it does not contain any of its own propulsion, simply gliding itself to the locked-on target.

=== Effective damage ===


As mentioned earlier, the explosive amount in the Walleye is closer to equivalent to the [[LDGP_Mk_83_(1,000_lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb]]. The Walleye contains a TNT equivalent of 264.36 kg in its warhead, compared to the LDGP Mk 83's 272.43 kg TNT equivalent. However, its combat utility can be much higher than a LDGP Mk 83 due to the TV guidance in the Walleye, allowing precise targeting of ground targets from a high-altitude.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==


The AGM-62 has a TV guidance system similar to the AGM-65B missile. It is best used against ground targets, moving or static. However, the AGM-62 can also lock positions on the ground making it difficult to determine when the guidance system has locked onto a vehicle/target or the position near the vehicle/target. This is an issue for ground realistic battles where a stopped target may start moving at any moment making it important that the vehicle is being tracked, and with no way to determine whether the target or the ground is locked, it can make these weapons somewhat annoying to use in ground RB. Furthermore, the AGM-62 uses whatever bomb timer you have set, so remember to reset it to "assault fuse" when selecting Walleye loadouts, as having a bomb delay for the Walleye has no utility.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good for precision drops on static targets and can lock onto moving targets
* Explosive payload is large enough for close hits to do devastating damages to ground targets.
* Can be lobbed onto a target from quite a long distance if deployed at high speed and altitude
* Costs a low amount of spawn points per weapon.

'''Cons:'''

* Locking onto moving targets can be difficult due to distance and/or ground obstructions
* Cannot be dropped without lock
* Will undershoot the target if the release speed is too slow
* Cannot lock targets at night (even if the target is illuminated)

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7398-development-new-guided-aircraft-bombs-en|[Devblog] New guided aircraft bombs]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

F-4C Phantom II

2022-07-20T01:11:20Z

U4885444: grammar

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are okay missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons an attempt can be made to try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, the best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where there is the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|}

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 Showtime-100 F-4C unloading bombs in Vietnam]]
The {{PAGENAME}} is, frankly, not a dogfighter. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. The F-4C's best friend is its raw acceleration and Sparrow missiles (should those be unlocked). As a result, F-4C pilots are forced to act as vultures, using missiles or gunpods to pickoff hapless targets of opportunity. If enemies attack a F-4C (especially one out of air-to-air ordinance), the enemy is almost always guaranteed good hit in all but the least maneuverable of aircraft at this rank. The F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, combined with its atrocious dogfighting armaments, and lack of countermeasures leave it a mostly helpless target should one catch it in weapons range. If playing this aircraft in Air Battles from stock your first modification to unlock are the AIM-7Ds. If one does not want to spend the [[Golden Eagles|golden eagles]] to unlock them (or even the AIM-9Es), then ground attack in Air Realistic Battles is the most profitable avenue for advancement (as the 20 mm cannon is more than capable of destroying high value targets such as light pillboxes). If lucky, the F-4C pilot may be able to catch someone in a low speed turn off guard, or win a head-on engagement. On the other hand, in Ground Realistic Battles this aircraft has next to no utility while stock due to: the powerful AA at this BR and the inability to penetrate most tanks with the stock 20mm cannon. At most you may only be able to harass aircraft or thinly armored vehicles before you are shot down, therefore it is recommended that you first unlock some basic ground ordinance before adding this to your Ground RB lineup (see [[F-4C_Phantom_II#Ground_pounding|"Ground Pounding"]] for further information).

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom-&-Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect variants of the Sidewinder that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If it is mandatory to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and that the enemy is not deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed). The AIM-9Es on the other hand are a moderate improvement, but top out as average at this BR due to their small seeker cone and rear-aspect only lock angle. Regardless, the AIM-9Es can make for a reliable backup anti-air missiles that can at the very least force an enemy into a disadvantageous position.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are to be exclusively used in the ground attack role as they can be quite powerful when fired en-masse. This can be especially useful in Ground-Realistic battles. For attacking ground targets in Air battles, anything other than the triple gunpods is sub-optimal, although with a custom loadout the plane can equip both rockets and gunpods at the same time. The triple gunpods are especially useful as they can easily destroy enemy aircraft and most ground targets with ease.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster the F-4C goes, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, the F-4C can avoid the major furball, keeping the plane out of danger. Once the plane climbs up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use the radar to lock onto someone, and start launching the AIM-7Ds as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where the radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, the F-4C pilot can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons. Once the plane is out of Sparrows, the choice can be made to transition to ground pounding (with the cannon or any other ground ordinance equipped) for score or returning to the base to rearm. Depending on the loadout, the F-4C can destroy a significant amount of enemies before having to return to the airfield.
[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
In a downtier, the F-4C can be independent as it can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing the plane to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until they spot the missile. The F-4C's high top speed and high speed controllability allows the plane to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around the F-4C. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near teammates, supporting them as the F-4C has inferior top speed, manoeuvrability, and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). But often the best chance at obtaining any significant amount of score will be to focus on ground targets. But if the {{PAGENAME}} must dogfight, being near friendly aircraft, the F-4C generally becomes a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so the F-4C pilot can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with the chosen loadout.

In Air Arcade battles, this aircraft's flaws are a lot more forgiving and it can see far more utility (especially with its gunpods). As with nearly all aircraft in Air Arcade, the minimum fuel option should be your default choice as you will rarely (if ever) run out of fuel (and even if you do, your airfield is a short distance away once you notice your fuel is low) as the average survival time (let alone overall match time) is far shorter than the minimum fuel amount (especially without unlimited afterburner). The recommended armaments remain the same as in Air RB, but with much more leeway to tack on ground ordinance to quickly destroy large groups of armor (especially at the start of the "Domination" gamemode). Even the lack of countermeasures can be worked around via clever use of terrain on most maps (with the great exceptions being all the flat "Domination" maps). As for your opponents, you may encounter anything from top rank aircraft all the way down to lowly rank 1's. Be aware of the aircraft you're fighting, even if its a low rank propeller aircraft as all carry the risk of sniping your pilot (especially the Americans with their .50 cals and Germans with their cannons); all propeller aircraft also have a superior turn rate on the F-4C, so instead simply boom-and-zoom as you would with anyone else. Tactics for fighting aircraft around your BR remain the same as in Air RB, albeit they're much easier to execute and you have unlimited missiles. Because of the latter, you'd think side climbing could be a legitimate tactic, but due to the poor radar of the F-4C, the rarity of high-altitude fighting in Arcade, and/or the heavy terrain clutter on most maps you'll rarely find many targets to shoot at and instead become an easy target for other aircraft with radar guided missiles.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although in War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can carry countermeasures in addition to its ground ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in destroying ground units in air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest of targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best anti-tank ordinance in Ground Realistic battles and should be your first modification to unlock before usage in said battles. But know that while these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and, at this BR, puts the F-4C at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting the F-4C down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line, the F-4C pilot can easily line the nose up to the targets, fire the bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B. Dogfighting in Ground Realistic battles is somewhat rare and nearly always limited to low altitude visual range (where the radar of the F-4C has trouble locking any target), as a result the Sparrows can usually be omitted for a performance improvement.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG-17 and MiG-19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match the F-4C in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

In Ground realistic battles, the most dangerous ground enemies are all SAM vehicles, but especially the radar SAM vehicles such as the [[FlaRakPz 1|FlaRakPz 1 Roland 2]] and [[2S6|2S6 Tunguska]] as they outrange the F-4C's Bullpups and on some maps can even immediately fire at the plane seconds after spawning. Due to the lack of countermeasures, the F-4C's only defense against any missile is maneuvering and/or the terrain so if using this aircraft while such threats are active, dive as low as possible to get below their radar horizon. Radar guided AAA is also prevalent at this rank, but can be much more easily worked around due to their limited range (especially when using the Bullpups).

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, do not try turning. Instead, the F-4C must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at the F-4C from 4 km, the plane must manoeuvre in order to lose it. An F-4C pilot can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), the plane can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and the F-4C will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, the F-4C can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so the F-4C's wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at the F-4C. However, a F-4C pilot should not turn to the sky as the plane will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Impressive variety and maximum payload of ordinance, including: 20 mm cannon gunpods, bombs, rockets, and air-to-air and guided air-to-ground missiles
* Has a ballistic computer, which allows for accurate usage of unguided air-to-ground weapons
* M61 Vulcan has excellent fire rate, ballistics and damage, as well as a generous ammo pool
* Has BVR (Beyond Visual Range) engagement capability with the radar-guided AIM-7D Sparrow
* Lots of air-to-air missiles; up to 4x AIM-7D Sparrow and 4x AIM-9Es
* Custom loadout feature allows pilots to choose their ideal payload from the large list of ordinance (For example, less missiles can be taken to improve performance, or multiple gunpods can be fitted for devastating firepower)
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Excellent top speed
* Great acceleration
* Good roll rate, especially for a large aircraft

'''Cons:'''

* As it has no internal gun, it is highly recommended to take at least one M61 Vulcan gunpod, which means flight performance will always be lower than listed due to the extra drag
* Poor energy retention means that turning or dodging missiles bleeds quite a lot of speed and hinders reaching top speed (it will often get caught by common supersonic aircraft such as the MiG-21, A-5C, J35A and F-104)
* Below average maneouvrability
* Wings susceptible to snapping off in hard turns
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* The more ordinance it carries, the more its performance and manoeuvrability degrades
* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying above Mach 1.10
* No countermeasures
* Radar even in ideal conditions has substantial trouble finding, locking or keeping lock on aircraft, substantially reducing the effectiveness of the AIM-7D Sparrow missile
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are unreliable
** Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM-7D has a 1 km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring the F-4C to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
** The AIM-7D’s rocket motor burns for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile (easily dodged)
* AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles are only basic air-to-air missiles which are easily dodged

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-07-20T01:02:46Z

U4885444: corrections

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event your allies don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which takes your elevator control to a next level at low speeds.

When flying this jet against contemporaries you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a Close Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft. While you have average ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air-to-air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==


Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, and/or most significantly, countermeasures. Quite often it's all four of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR) or get lucky in the classic head-on with your cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft. In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly manoeuvre on the deck, hoping to get them in front of you and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out manoevre you if they haven't already fired their AAMs).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the Sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry maximum of four radar guided AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* Wide variety of payloads for versatile playstyle
** Can equip both Sidewinders and Sparrows for variety in attacking enemy aircraft
** Can equip both a pair of missiles or ground attack ordnance for dual-purpose role
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option despite having a wide variety of payload options
* AIM-7C missiles are unreliable
* Sluggish acceleration
* Loses loads of speed when manoeuvring
* Rarely reaches its top speed
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in armament and performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR, even more so when uptiered
* Has no countermeasures (no Flares/chaff or RWR)
* Is subsonic while it commonly faces supersonic aircraft
* High repair cost

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4E Phantom II

2022-07-20T00:53:28Z

U4885444:

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4e
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

The mighty F-4E Phantom II is a famous US aircraft from the Vietnam War era and a reliable workhorse of many militaries around the world. Powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 jets, each producing an incredible 8,010 kgf on maximum afterburner, the F-4E boasts high speed and a solid climb rate. Leading-edge "Agile Eagle" slats increase its turning capability and somewhat mitigate the reputation of the Phantom family as flying bricks. In the weapons department, the F-4E has access to AIM-7E-2 Sparrows for medium-to-long range combat, AIM-9J Sidewinders for close-in work, and an enormous array of ground attack ordnance including AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles and AGM-62 Walleye glide bombs. This multi-role vehicle is a supremely capable ground attacker and a competitive fighter, though in air combat pilots must account for its lack of a pulse-Doppler radar.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,097 || 2,074 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 160.8 || 151.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,202 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 221.6 || 190.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:F-4E Phantom II deploying drogue chute.png|right|thumb|420x420px|A ROKAF F-4E Phantom II from to 153th Combat Squadron deploying its drogue chute for landing]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 607 || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,027 kg || 20,069 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,010 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.67
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf (0 km/h) || 10,170 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.27 || 1.13 || 1.01 || 0.85
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The survivability features of the {{PAGENAME}} have grown compared to its [[F-4C Phantom II|predecessor]] with an armour plate and missile countermeasures attached.

By this stage in the high-rank battles, all the fuel tanks are self-sealing. While this will assist with any fuel tank punctures from machine gun calibre weapons, the presence of fast-firing autocannons and missiles mean that these self-sealing tanks are only an accessory to the overall survival of the aircraft.

The addition of an armour plate is a minor benefit as it is only an 8.5 mm steel plate just below the forward fuel tank in the fuselage. This is only thick enough to block a glancing shot to the fuselage. Its most effective use seems to when the {{PAGENAME}} as it is pulling up from an attack run, as it is in that angle where the armour plate can potentially block any shot threatening the fuselage fuel tanks and engine. However, considering the small size it is made up of and the large plane overall, this armour plate should not be relied upon for the overall survival of the aircraft.

The biggest change from previous version is the countermeasure flares, which are greatly useful at deterring incoming infrared-homing missiles like the [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|Sidewinders]] or [[R-60]]s. To utilise the flares, one must turn off their engine afterburners to eliminate that as a significant source of heat, deploy the flares in a suitable manner, then bank away from the flares to that the missile lock onto the remaining heat source rather than the plane's engine.

A survivability feature shared with its predecessor is the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The RWR will ping the player in the source of any incoming radar scans, and will also notify if the radar source have achieved a lock-on with the player. Keep an eye on this as it may signify to the player that an enemy semi-active radar homing missile may be launched soon and evasive actions should be taken.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 90 x countermeasures

Due to this cannon's high rate of fire, trigger discipline is a must.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|GBU-15(V)1/B (2,000 lb)|AGM-12C Bullpup|AGM-65B}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
* 4 x 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs (2,020 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)1/B bombs (4,000 lb total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)1/B bombs
| || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* ||
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* ||
|-
! AGM-65B missiles
| || 3* || || || || || || || || 3* ||
|-
! AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2* || || || || || || 1, 2* || ||
|-
! AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2* || || || || || || 2* || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Marked options for hardpoints 2/10 cannot be used in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-4E Phantom II is well-suited for any in-game situation. For attacking ground targets, the plane is armed with an assortment of bombs and rockets, and against air targets, players may employ the vehicle's deadly air-to-air missiles and frontal cannon. If desired, three externally-mounted gunpods may be equipped, but note that these may not be useful in certain situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. In many situations, one front-facing cannon is all that is required to dispatch an opponent aircraft. As for the missiles, the ones used by this plane are average at its rank, comparable to the [[R-60]] missiles equipped by the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)]] and the [[MiG-21SMT]] (albeit with worse maneuverability). The AIM-9J missiles are most effective when fired from between 1 to 3 km away from the target. Any closer and they will struggle to track and likely veer off target for a miss.

The F-4E has one of the highest rates of climb out of any vehicle in the game. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not the best top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4 has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft's heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.

In air realistic battles, it is recommended to take a balanced fuel load of 20 or 30 minutes, depending on how aggressive you fly (this will also allow you to liberally use the afterburner without fear of premature fuel exhaustion). The most useful default Air RB armament for the F-4E are the 4 AIM-9Js or 4 AIM-7E-2s, though both missiles can be used under a custom loadout setting. As the F-4E's dogfighting abilities are rather lackluster, the Sparrows may prove more useful in the long run compared to the AIM-9J Sidewinders. The best strategy is to accelerate to a speed of roughly 900-1100km/h on the deck and then zoom climb to altitude (5km or higher), where the pilot should accelerate to the highest speed possible. Lock on to targets with your radar and use your Sparrows to shoot down enemy aircraft when in range; and remember to keep an eye on your RWR as being at altitude makes you an easy target for the long range missiles prevalent at this tier. Sparrows should ideally be launched above Mach 1 to take maximum advantage of their range and manoeuvrability. After using up all your Sparrows, return to base to rearm, with the Sidewinders (if brought along) used moreso for self-defense rather as a primary weapon. It is important to note that because of its poor flight characteristics, the Phantom will struggle in one-on-one fights, making it vital to keep your teammates around and to avoid dogfighting whenever possible. The Phantom should target enemies turnfighting its friendlies, as not only the enemy may be distracted and slow, but it provides you a chance to save your teammate, who in turn may down another enemy chasing you later in the match.

To reiterate, dogfighting should be avoided as much as possible. The Phantom was designed around missiles, so they will naturally be your main way of getting kills, with the gun being a backup weapon for opportune targets. Furthermore, most of the enemies you will face at 11.0 or above can and will be able to easily maneuver around you, if they haven't already fired a high performance AAM at you. Although if one has unlocked the triple SUU-23/A gunpods, that is an almost surefire way to earn at least one kill in the classic head-on (in addition to its usefulness in attacking ground targets, possibly being the best option in Air Realistic).

;Notable Air RB enemies include:

* [[MiG-21bis]]: the most advanced Soviet MiG-21, with amazing acceleration that can catch up to the F-4E quite easily and evade missiles with flares. The German [[MiG-21bis-SAU]] has access to all-aspect R-60MK missiles as well. Neither has competitive radar-guided missiles however.
* [[JA37C|JA37C Viggen]]: a Swedish powerhouse that boasts high low-altitude speed, good turning performance, similar weapons to the F-4E, and a Pulse-Doppler radar.
* [[Mirage IIIC]]/[[Mirage IIIE|IIIE]]: armed with two of the best infrared missiles in the game, the R.550 Magic, and a long-range radar-guided missile with similar performance to the AIM-7. Strong short-term turning capabilities make them dangerous in snapshots. The former does not have countermeasures, however.
* [[Phantom FGR.2]]/[[Phantom FG.1|FG.1]]: British Phantoms with more powerful engines, can out accelerate and outrun the F-4E. They also have pulse-Doppler radars and are superior in BVR.
* [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II|F-4EJ Kai]]: Japanese Phantom with an excellent pulse-Doppler radar and the same armament as the F-4E.
* F-4E Phantom II: This very aircraft, as a result you simply play around its weaknesses as described in the section below.
* [[F-4J Phantom II]]: Later American Phantom variant, sacrifices ATGM/GBU capability for generally improved dogfighting performance/armaments over the F-4E.
* [[F-14A Early]]: American successor to the F-4 with the ultra-long range and fire-and-forget Phoenix missiles, a superior radar, and overall better dogfighting performance.
* [[MiG-23M]]/[[MiG-23MF (Germany)|MF]]/[[MiG-23MLD|MLD]]: swing-wing fighters with potent missiles, good avionics, and superior agility to the F-4E on lower sweep settings. Avoid dogfighting and keep an eye out for sneak attacks with the R-23T/24T missiles. The MiG-23M and MiG-23MF have very limited countermeasures, which the F-4E can exploit with its large missile capacity. The MiG-23MLD has excellent speed and climb performance that can match or exceed the F-4E.
* [[J-7E]]: a light and nimble Chinese fighter with exceptional agility but no radar-guided missiles. Avoid dogfighting whenever possible.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry up to eight missiles, allowing a total of four AIM-9Js and AIM-7E-2 (DF) for fighting either manoeuvring aircraft or at close-medium range head-on engagements respectively.
* Equipped with flares and chaff for evading enemy missiles
* Can carry a vast range of deadly ground attack ordinance (including fire-and-forget ATGMs)
* Deadly frontal armament with high burst mass and high damage
* Has a ballistic computer for assisting in the aim of cannons, rockets, and bombs
* Better manoeuvrability than most other Phantoms due to slats

'''Cons:'''

* Susceptible to wing rip, especially when doing negative G manoeuvres or rolls
* Limited ammunition in the frontally-mounted cannon
* Large target for aircraft and AA alike
* Despite having slats, it is still a heavy aircraft which will struggle in dogfights versus lighter fighters
* Two engines make for a strong heat signature, making it harder to dodge missiles
* Flight performance suffers immensely when carrying large amounts of ordnance
* Radar lacks pulse-Doppler or look-down capabilities, meaning it is difficult to lock and engage enemies below the horizon and/or at low altitudes
* In Air Battles, is often uptiered to top-rank where it can become outclassed in armament and maneuverability
* Has a high repair cost compared to contemporary aircraft
* Has low battlefield endurance at its BR in ground realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA

== History ==

[[File:F-4E Phantom.jpg|thumb|400x400px|An F-4E of Holloman Air Force base.]]
The F-4E was initially designed as an incremental upgrade to the standard F-4C airframe used by the US Air Force. The aircraft carried a new radar in a redesigned radome, and more importantly, an internal M61 cannon mounted in the nose. As well, later-production aircraft featured the Agile Eagle upgrade, which gave the Phantom leading edge slats which improved manoeuvrability at the expense of top speed. The addition of an internal cannon was a highly anticipated upgrade, as it fixed a problem that F-4C squadrons faced when operating over Vietnam.

The first F-4Es entered service in the 1960s and were dispatched to serve in Vietnam, where they complemented the existing inventories of F-4C and D variant aircraft. The aircraft type was credited with 21 kills in Vietnam, most of which were achieved using the AIM-7E-2 'Dogfight Sparrow'. Several pilots achieved Ace status while flying the F-4 in Vietnam, including Charles B. DeBellevue, who was the highest-scoring American ace in Vietnam. The F-4 went on to form the backbone of the US fighter force for the bulk of the 1960s and 70s. As well, F-4E was flown by the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team between 1969 and 1974. The large, noisy Phantom performed around the world until 1974, when rising fuel costs forced the Thunderbirds to convert to the smaller T-38 Talon.

The F-4E was exported to a variety of countries. Israel was the largest foreign user of the F-4 Phantom, having purchased 124 F-4 Phantoms from the United States betwen 1971 and 1974; the Israelis were credited with at least 115 kills using the F-4 Phantom during various conflicts. As well, Germany and Japan both procured modified versions of the F-4E, being the F-4F and F-4EJ, respectively. Other notable foreign users of the F-4E include Australia (24 aircraft), Egypt (35 aircraft), Greece (34 aircraft), and Turkey (40 aircraft).

During service, the Phantom gained a number of nicknames, including "Rhino" (referencing its titanium construction and long nose), "Double-Ugly", and even "The world's largest distributor of MiG Parts", referencing the 277 MiGs downed by the Phantom during various conflicts. The USAF retired the aircraft in 1996, and the aircraft was used as a target drone until 2016. The aircraft remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece and Turkey, 62 years after its maiden flight.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=f-4e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|TWT-ETcU_No|'''The Shooting Range #198''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:33 discusses the F-4E Phantom II.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479889-f-4e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2022-07-20T00:48:50Z

U4885444: pros and cons updates + grammar

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are okay missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons an attempt can be made to try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, the best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where there is the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|}

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 Showtime-100 F-4C unloading bombs in Vietnam]]
The {{PAGENAME}} is, frankly, not a dogfighter. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. The F-4C's best friend is its raw acceleration and Sparrow missiles (should those be unlocked). As a result, F-4C pilots are forced to act as vultures, using missiles or gunpods to pickoff hapless targets of opportunity. If enemies attack a F-4C (especially one out of air-to-air ordinance), the enemy is almost always guaranteed good hit in all but the least maneuverable of aircraft at this rank. The F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, combined with its atrocious dogfighting armaments, and lack of countermeasures leave it a mostly helpless target should one catch it in weapons range. If playing this aircraft in Air Battles from stock your first modification to unlock are the AIM-7Ds. If one does not want to spend the [[Golden Eagles|golden eagles]] to unlock them (or even the AIM-9Es), then ground attack in Air Realistic Battles is the most profitable avenue for advancement (as the 20 mm cannon is more than capable of destroying high value targets such as light pillboxes). If lucky, the F-4C pilot may be able to catch someone in a low speed turn off guard, or win a head-on engagement. On the other hand, in Ground Realistic Battles this aircraft has next to no utility while stock due to: the powerful AA at this BR and the inability to penetrate most tanks with the stock 20mm cannon. At most you may only be able to harass aircraft or thinly armored vehicles before you are shot down, therefore it is recommended that you first unlock some basic ground ordinance before adding this to your Ground RB lineup (see [[F-4C_Phantom_II#Ground_pounding|"Ground Pounding"]] for further information).

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom-&-Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect variants of the Sidewinder that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If it is mandatory to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and that the enemy is not deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed). The AIM-9Es on the other hand are a moderate improvement, but top out as average at this BR due to their small seeker cone and rear-aspect only lock angle. Regardless, the AIM-9Es can make for a reliable backup anti-air missiles that can at the very least force an enemy into a disadvantageous position.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are to be exclusively used in the ground attack role as they can be quite powerful when fired en-masse. This can be especially useful in Ground-Realistic battles. For attacking ground targets in Air battles, anything other than the triple gunpods is sub-optimal, although with a custom loadout the plane can equip both rockets and gunpods at the same time. The triple gunpods are especially useful as they can easily destroy enemy aircraft and most ground targets with ease.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster the F-4C goes, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, the F-4C can avoid the major furball, keeping the plane out of danger. Once the plane climbs up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use the radar to lock onto someone, and start launching the AIM-7Ds as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where the radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, the F-4C pilot can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons. Once the plane is out of Sparrows, the choice can be made to transition to ground pounding (with the cannon or any other ground ordinance equipped) for score or returning to the base to rearm. Depending on the loadout, the F-4C can destroy a significant amount of enemies before having to return to the airfield.
[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
In a downtier, the F-4C can be independent as it can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing the plane to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until they spot the missile. The F-4C's high top speed and high speed controllability allows the plane to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around the F-4C. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near teammates, supporting them as the F-4C has inferior top speed, manoeuvrability, and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). But often the best chance at obtaining any significant amount of score will be to focus on ground targets. But if the {{PAGENAME}} must dogfight, being near friendly aircraft, the F-4C generally becomes a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so the F-4C pilot can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with the chosen loadout.

In Air Arcade battles, this aircraft's flaws are a lot more forgiving and it can see far more utility (especially with its gunpods). As with nearly all aircraft in Air Arcade, the minimum fuel option should be your default choice as you will rarely (if ever) run out of fuel (and even if you do, your airfield is a short distance away once you notice your fuel is low) as the average survival time (let alone overall match time) is far shorter than the minimum fuel amount (especially without unlimited afterburner). The recommended armaments remain the same as in Air RB, but with much more leeway to tack on ground ordinance to quickly destroy large groups of armor (especially at the start of the "Domination" gamemode). Even the lack of countermeasures can be worked around via clever use of terrain on most maps (with the great exceptions being all the flat "Domination" maps). As for your opponents, you may encounter anything from top rank aircraft all the way down to lowly rank 1's. Be aware of the aircraft you're fighting, even if its a low rank propeller aircraft as all carry the risk of sniping your pilot (especially the Americans with their .50 cals and Germans with their cannons); all propeller aircraft also have a superior turn rate on the F-4C, so instead simply boom-and-zoom as you would with anyone else. Tactics for fighting aircraft around your BR remain the same as in Air RB, albeit they're much easier to execute and you have unlimited missiles. Because of the latter, you'd think side climbing could be a legitimate tactic, but due to the poor radar of the F-4C, the rarity of high-altitude fighting in Arcade, and/or the heavy terrain clutter on most maps you'll rarely find many targets to shoot at and instead become an easy target for other aircraft with radar guided missiles.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although in War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can carry countermeasures in addition to its ground ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in destroying ground units in air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest of targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best anti-tank ordinance in Ground Realistic battles and should be your first modification to unlock before usage in said battles. But know that while these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and, at this BR, puts the F-4C at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting the F-4C down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line, the F-4C pilot can easily line the nose up to the targets, fire the bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B. Dogfighting in Ground Realistic battles is somewhat rare and nearly always limited to low altitude visual range (where the radar of the F-4C has trouble locking any target), as a result the Sparrows can usually be omitted for a performance improvement.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG-17 and MiG-19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match the F-4C in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

In Ground realistic battles, the most dangerous ground enemies are all SAM vehicles, but especially the radar SAM vehicles such as the [[FlaRakPz 1|FlaRakPz 1 Roland 2]] and [[2S6|2S6 Tunguska]] as they outrange the F-4C's Bullpups and on some maps can even immediately fire at the plane seconds after spawning. Due to the lack of countermeasures, the F-4C's only defense against any missile is maneuvering and/or the terrain so if using this aircraft while such threats are active, dive as low as possible to get below their radar horizon. Radar guided AAA is also prevalent at this rank, but can be much more easily worked around due to their limited range (especially when using the Bullpups).

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, do not try turn. Instead, the F-4C must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM's wielder. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at the F-4C from 4 km, the plane must manoeuvre in order to lose it. An F-4C pilot can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), the plane can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and the F-4C will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, the F-4C can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so the F-4C's wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at the F-4C. However, a F-4C pilot should not turn to the sky as the plane will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Impressive variety and maximum payload of ordinance, including: 20 mm cannon gunpods, bombs, rockets, and air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles
** Can equip the AIM-7D Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles at the same time (with a maximum of four each) in addition to five pylons of ground ordinance
* Has BVR (Beyond Visual Range) engagement capability with the radar-guided AIM-7D Sparrow
* Has a ballistic computer, which allows for accurate usage of unguided air-to-ground weapons and the cannon
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Great acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan has excellent fire rate, ballistics and damage, as well as a generous ammo pool

'''Cons:'''

* As it has no internal gun, some sort of weapon must be equipped on the pylons, meaning flight performance will always be lower than listed due to drag and/or G-limits
* Radar has difficulty finding and locking aircraft (even in ideal conditions)
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it flies against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* Manoeuvrability suffers greatly with fully loaded pylons
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* The gunpods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* No countermeasures
* Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM-7D has a 1 km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring the F-4C to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are unreliable
** Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM-7D has a 1 km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring the F-4C to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
** The AIM-7D’s rocket motor burns for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile (easily dodged)
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are notoriously poor performing, while the AIM-9Es are below average for its BR
* Has very poor battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2022-06-23T02:51:37Z

U4885444:

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are okay missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons an attempt can be made to try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, the best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where there is the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|}

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 Showtime-100 F-4C unloading bombs in Vietnam]]
The {{PAGENAME}} is, frankly, not a dogfighter. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. The F-4C's best friend is its raw acceleration and Sparrow missiles (should those be unlocked). As a result, F-4C pilots are forced to act as vultures, using missiles or gunpods to pickoff hapless targets of opportunity. If enemies attack a F-4C (especially one out of air-to-air ordinance), the enemy is almost always guaranteed good hit in all but the least maneuverable of aircraft at this rank. The F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, combined with its atrocious dogfighting armaments, and lack of countermeasures leave it a mostly helpless target should one catch it in weapons range. If playing this aircraft in Air Battles from stock your first modification to unlock are the AIM-7Ds. If one does not want to spend the [[Golden Eagles|golden eagles]] to unlock them (or even the AIM-9Es), then ground attack in Air Realistic Battles is the most profitable avenue for advancement (as the 20 mm cannon is more than capable of destroying high value targets such as light pillboxes). If lucky, the F-4C pilot may be able to catch someone in a low speed turn off guard, or win a head-on engagement. On the other hand, in Ground Realistic Battles this aircraft has next to no utility while stock due to: the powerful AA at this BR and the inability to penetrate most tanks with the stock 20mm cannon. At most you may only be able to harass aircraft or thinly armored vehicles before you are shot down, therefore it is recommended that you first unlock some basic ground ordinance before adding this to your Ground RB lineup (see "Ground Pounding" for further information).

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom-&-Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect variants of the Sidewinder that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If it is mandatory to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and that the enemy is not deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed). The AIM-9Es on the other hand are a moderate improvement, but top out as average at this BR due to their small seeker cone and rear-aspect only lock angle. Regardless, the AIM-9Es can make for a reliable backup anti-air missiles that can at the very least force an enemy into a disadvantageous position.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are to be exclusively used in the ground attack role as they can be quite powerful when fired en-masse. This can be especially useful in Ground-Realistic battles. For attacking ground targets in Air battles, anything other than the triple gunpods is sub-optimal, although with a custom loadout the plane can equip both rockets and gunpods at the same time. The triple gunpods are especially useful as they can easily destroy enemy aircraft and most ground targets with ease.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster the F-4C goes, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, the F-4C can avoid the major furball, keeping the plane out of danger. Once the plane climbs up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use the radar to lock onto someone, and start launching the AIM-7Ds as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where the radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, the F-4C pilot can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons. Once the plane is out of Sparrows, the choice can be made to transition to ground pounding (with the cannon or any other ground ordinance equipped) for score or returning to the base to rearm. Depending on the loadout, the F-4C can destroy a significant amount of enemies before having to return to the airfield.
[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
In a downtier, the F-4C can be independent as it can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing the plane to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until they spot the missile. The F-4C's high top speed and high speed controllability allows the plane to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around the F-4C. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near teammates, supporting them as the F-4C has inferior top speed, manoeuvrability, and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). But often the best chance at obtaining any significant amount of score will be to focus on ground targets. But if the {{PAGENAME}} must dogfight, being near friendly aircraft, the F-4C generally becomes a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so the F-4C pilot can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with the chosen loadout.

In Air Arcade battles, this aircraft's flaws are a lot more forgiving and it can see far more utility (especially with its gunpods). As with nearly all aircraft in Air Arcade, the minimum fuel option should be your default choice as you will rarely (if ever) run out of fuel (and even if you do, your airfield is a short distance away once you notice your fuel is low) as the average survival time (let alone overall match time) is far shorter than the minimum fuel amount (especially without unlimited afterburner). The recommended armaments remain the same as in Air RB, but with much more leeway to tack on ground ordinance to quickly destroy large groups of armor (especially at the start of the "Domination" gamemode). Even the lack of countermeasures can be worked around via clever use of terrain on most maps (with the great exceptions being all the flat "Domination" maps). As for your opponents, you may encounter anything from top rank aircraft all the way down to lowly rank 1's. Be aware of the aircraft you're fighting, even if its a low rank propeller aircraft as all carry the risk of sniping your pilot (especially the Americans with their .50 cals and Germans with their cannons); all propeller aircraft also have a superior turn rate on the F-4C, so instead simply boom-and-zoom as you would with anyone else. Tactics for fighting aircraft around your BR remain the same as in Air RB, albeit they're much easier to execute and you have unlimited missiles. Because of the latter, you'd think side climbing could be a legitimate tactic, but due to the poor radar of the F-4C, the rarity of high-altitude fighting in Arcade, and/or the heavy terrain clutter on most maps you'll rarely find many targets to shoot at and instead become an easy target for other aircraft with radar guided missiles.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although in War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can carry countermeasures in addition to its ground ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in destroying ground units in air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest of targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best anti-tank ordinance in Ground Realistic battles and should be your first modification to unlock before usage in said battles. But know that while these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and, at this BR, puts the F-4C at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting the F-4C down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line, the F-4C pilot can easily line the nose up to the targets, fire the bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B. Dogfighting in Ground Realistic battles is somewhat rare and nearly always limited to low altitude visual range (where the radar of the F-4C has trouble locking any target), as a result the Sparrows can usually be omitted for a performance improvement.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG-17 and MiG-19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match the F-4C in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

In Ground realistic battles, the most dangerous ground enemies are all SAM vehicles, but especially the radar SAM vehicles such as the [[FlaRakPz 1|FlaRakPz 1 Roland 2]] and [[2S6|2S6 Tunguska]] as they outrange the F-4C's Bullpups and on some maps can even immediately fire at the plane seconds after spawning. Due to the lack of countermeasures, the F-4C's only defense against any missile is maneuvering and/or the terrain so if using this aircraft while such threats are active, dive as low as possible to get below their radar horizon. Radar guided AAA is also prevalent at this rank, but can be much more easily worked around due to their limited range (especially when using the Bullpups).

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, do not try turn. Instead, the F-4C must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM's wielder. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at the F-4C from 4 km, the plane must manoeuvre in order to lose it. An F-4C pilot can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), the plane can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and the F-4C will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, the F-4C can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so the F-4C's wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at the F-4C. However, a F-4C pilot should not turn to the sky as the plane will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Wide variety of payload options to create flexible custom loadouts including: 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* Has BVR engagement capability
* Has access to the radar guided AIM-7D Sparrow and AIM-9E Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
* Has a ballistic computer
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft and ground targets (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Radar generally has trouble finding and locking aircraft
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* It has trouble outrunning common supersonic aircraft such as the MiG-21, A-5C and F-104
* No countermeasures
* Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM-7D has a 1 km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring the F-4C to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-7Ds burn for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures
* Has very poor battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2022-06-21T03:30:02Z

U4885444: further corrections

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are OK missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannon, AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1 || || || 1
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} is, frankly, not a dogfighter. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. Your best friend is your raw acceleration and Sparrow missiles (should those be unlocked). As a result, you're forced to act as a vulture, using your missiles or gunpods to pickoff hapless targets of opportunity. If you're attacking a F-4C (especially one out of Air-to-air ordinance), you're almost always guaranteed a kill in all but the least maneuverable of aircraft at this tier. The F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, combined with its atrocious dogfighting armaments, and lack of countermeasures leave it a mostly helpless target should one catch it in weapons range. If you're playing this aircraft from stock and do not want to spend [[Golden Eagles|golden eagles]] to unlock the AIM-7Ds (or even the AIM-9Es), then ground attack in Air Realistic Battles is your most profitable avenue for advancement (as the 20mm cannon is more than capable of killing high value targets such as light pillboxes). If your lucky you may be able to catch someone in a low speed turn off guard, or win a head on engagement.

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect variants of the Sidewinder that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If you have to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and that the enemy is not deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed). The AIM-9Es on the other hand are a moderate improvement, but top out as average at this BR due to their small seeker cone and rear-aspect only lock angle. Regardless, the AIM-9Es can make for a reliable backup AAM that can at the very least force an enemy into a disadvantageous position.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are to be exclusively used in the ground attack role as they can be quite powerful when fired en-masse. This can be especially useful in Ground-Realistic battles. For attacking ground targets in Air battles, anything other than the triple gunpods is sub-optimal, although with a custom loadout you can equip both rockets and gunpods at the same time. The triple Gunpods are especially useful as they can easily destroy enemy aircraft and most ground targets with ease.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster you go, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, you avoid the major furball, keeping you out of danger. Once you climb up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use your radar to lock onto someone, and start launching your AIM-7Ds, as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where your radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, you can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons. Once you're out of Sparrows, you can make the choice to transition to ground pounding (with your cannon or any other ground ordinance you chose to equip) for score or returning to the base to rearm. Depending on the loadout you can destroy a significant amount of enemies before having to return to the airfield.
[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
In a downtier, you can be independent as you can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing you to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until they spot the missile. Your high top speed and high speed controllability allows you to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around you. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near your teammates, supporting them as you have inferior top speed, manoeuvrability, and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). But often your best chance at obtaining any significant amount of score will be to focus on ground targets. But if must dogfight, being near friendly aircraft, you generally become a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so you can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with your chosen loadout.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although in War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can carry countermeasures in addition to its ground ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in killing ground units in Air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest or targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best AT ordinance in Ground Realistic battles. While these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and at this BR puts you at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting you down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line you can easily line your nose up to the targets, fire your bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B. Dogfighting in Ground Realistic battles is somewhat rare and nearly always limited to low altitude visual range (where the radar of the F-4C has trouble locking any target), as a result the Sparrows can usually be omitted for a performance improvement.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

In Ground realistic battles, your most dangerous enemies are all SAM vehicles, but especially the radar SAM vehicles such as the [[FlaRakPz 1|FlaRakPz 1 Roland 2]] and [[2S6|2S6 Tunguska]] as they outrange your Bullpups and on some maps can even immediately fire at you seconds after you spawn. Due to your lack of countermeasures, your only defense against any missile is maneuvering and/or the terrain so if your using this aircraft while such threats are active, dive as low as possible to get below their radar horizon. Radar guided AAA is also prevalent at this tier, but can be much more easily worked around due to their limited range (especially when using the Bullpups).

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, you do not turn. You must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM's wielder. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at you from 4 km, you must manoeuvre in order to lose it. You can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), you can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and you will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, you can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so your wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at you. However, you should not turn to the sky as you will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit you.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Wide variety of payload options to create flexible custom loadouts including: 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* Has BVR engagement capability
* Has access to the radar guided AIM-7D Sparrow and AIM-9E Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
* Has a ballistic computer
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft and ground targets (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Radar generally has trouble finding and locking aircraft
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* It has trouble outrunning common supersonic aircraft such as the MiG-21, A-5C and F-104
* No countermeasures
* Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM 7D has a 1km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring you to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-7Ds burn for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures
* Has very poor battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2022-06-21T03:25:10Z

U4885444: updates: this custom loadout system is a game changer

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are OK missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament prior to [[Update "Danger Zone"]]]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannon, AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1 || || || 1
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} is, frankly, not a dogfighter. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. Your best friend is your raw acceleration and Sparrow missiles (should those be unlocked). As a result, you're forced to act as a vulture, using your missiles or gunpods to pickoff hapless targets of opportunity. If you're attacking a F-4C (especially one out of Air-to-air ordinance), you're almost always guaranteed a kill in all but the least maneuverable of aircraft at this tier. The F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, combined with its atrocious dogfighting armaments, and lack of countermeasures leave it a mostly helpless target should one catch it in weapons range. If you're playing this aircraft from stock and do not want to spend [[Golden Eagles|golden eagles]] to unlock the AIM-7Ds (or even the AIM-9Es), then ground attack in Air Realistic Battles is your most profitable avenue for advancement (as the 20mm cannon is more than capable of killing high value targets such as light pillboxes). If your lucky you may be able to catch someone in a low speed turn off guard, or win a head on engagement.

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect variants of the Sidewinder that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If you have to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and that the enemy is not deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed). The AIM-9Es on the other hand are a moderate improvement, but top out as average at this BR due to their small seeker cone and rear-aspect only lock angle. Regardless, the AIM-9Es can make for a reliable backup AAM that can at the very least force an enemy into a disadvantageous position.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are to be exclusively used in the ground attack role as they can be quite powerful when fired en-masse. This can be especially useful in Ground-Realistic battles. For attacking ground targets in Air battles, anything other than the triple gunpods is sub-optimal, although with a custom loadout you can equip both rockets and gunpods at the same time. The triple Gunpods are especially useful as they can easily destroy enemy aircraft and most ground targets with ease.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster you go, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, you avoid the major furball, keeping you out of danger. Once you climb up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use your radar to lock onto someone, and start launching your AIM-7Ds, as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where your radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, you can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons. Once you're out of Sparrows, you can make the choice to transition to ground pounding (with your cannon or any other ground ordinance you chose to equip) for score or returning to the base to rearm. Depending on the loadout you can destroy a significant amount of enemies before having to return to the airfield.
[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
In a downtier, you can be independent as you can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing you to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until they spot the missile. Your high top speed and high speed controllability allows you to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around you. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near your teammates, supporting them as you have inferior top speed, manoeuvrability, and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). But often your best chance at obtaining any significant amount of score will be to focus on ground targets. But if must dogfight, being near friendly aircraft, you generally become a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so you can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with your chosen loadout.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although in War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can carry countermeasures in addition to its ground ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in killing ground units in Air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest or targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best AT ordinance in Ground Realistic battles. While these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and at this BR puts you at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting you down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line you can easily line your nose up to the targets, fire your bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B. Dogfighting in Ground Realistic battles is somewhat rare and nearly always limited to low altitude visual range (where the radar of the F-4C has trouble locking any target), as a result the Sparrows can usually be omitted for a performance improvement.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

In Ground realistic battles, your most dangerous enemies are all SAM vehicles, but especially the radar SAM vehicles such as the [[FlaRakPz 1|FlaRakPz 1 Roland 2]] and [[2S6|2S6 Tunguska]] as they outrange your Bullpups and on some maps can even immediately fire at you seconds after you spawn. Due to your lack of countermeasures, your only defense against any missile is maneuvering and/or the terrain so if your using this aircraft while such threats are active, dive as low as possible to get below their radar horizon. Radar guided AAA is also prevalent at this tier, but can be much more easily worked around due to their limited range (especially when using the Bullpups).

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, you do not turn. You must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM's wielder. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at you from 4 km, you must manoeuvre in order to lose it. You can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), you can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and you will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, you can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so your wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at you. However, you should not turn to the sky as you will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit you.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Wide variety of payload options to create flexible custom loadouts including: 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* Has BVR engagement capability
* Has access to the radar guided AIM-7D Sparrow and AIM-9E Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
* Has a ballistic computer
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft and ground targets (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Radar generally has trouble finding and locking aircraft
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* It has trouble outrunning common supersonic aircraft such as the MiG-21, A-5C and F-104
* No countermeasures
* Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM 7D has a 1km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring you to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-7Ds burn for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures
* Has very poor battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2022-06-20T14:54:32Z

U4885444:

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are OK missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament prior to [[Update "Danger Zone"]]]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannon, AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1 || || || 1
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|-
| colspan="13" |*Prior to Update "Danger Zone", the F-4C could also equip the AIM-9E. But, if you purchased this modification prior to its removal it will still appear in your list of modifications (even though the loadouts for it are no longer present).
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} is, frankly, not a dogfighter. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. Your only friend is your raw acceleration and Sparrow missiles (should those be unlocked). As a result, you're forced to act as a vulture, using your missiles or gunpods to pickoff hapless targets of opportunity. If you're attacking a F-4C (especially one out of Air-to-air ordinance), you're almost always guaranteed a kill in all but the least maneuverable of aircraft. The F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, combined with its atrocious dogfighting armaments, and lack of countermeasures leave it a mostly helpless target should one catch it in weapons range. If you're playing this aircraft from stock and do not want to spend [[Golden Eagles|golden eagles]] to unlock the AIM-7Ds, then ground attack in Air Realistic Battles is your most profitable avenue for advancement (as the 20mm cannon is more than capable of killing high value targets such as light pillboxes). If your lucky you may be able to catch someone in a low speed turn off guard, or win a head on engagement.

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect variants of the Sidewinder that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If you choose to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and that the enemy is not deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed).

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are to be exclusively used in the ground attack role as they can be quite powerful when fired en-masse. This can be especially useful in Ground-Realistic battles. For attacking ground targets in Air battles, anything other than the triple gunpods is sub-optimal as you cannot equip AAMs and ground ordinance at the same time. The triple Gunpods meanwhile retain their usefulness against enemy aircraft and can still destroy most ground targets with ease.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster you go, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, you avoid the major furball, keeping you out of danger. Once you climb up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use your radar to lock onto someone, and start launching your AIM-7Ds, as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where your radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, you can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons.
[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
In a downtier, you can be independent as you can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing you to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until you actually launch them. Your high top speed and high speed controllability allows you to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around you. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near your teammates, supporting them as you have inferior top speed and manoeuvrability and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). By being near friendly F-4Es or F-5Es, you generally become a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so you can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with the deadly vulcan.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can also carry AAMs with its ground attack ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in killing ground units in Air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest or targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best AT ordinance in Ground Realistic battles. While these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and at this BR puts you at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting you down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line you can easily line your nose up to the targets, fire your bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, you do not turn. You must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM's wielder. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at you from 4 km, you must manoeuvre in order to lose it. You can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), you can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and you will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, you can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so your wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at you. However, you should not turn to the sky as you will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit you.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Wide variety of payload options to include 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* Has BVR engagement capability
* Has access to the radar guided AIM-7D Sparrow air-to-air missiles
* Has a ballistic computer
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft and ground targets (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Radar generally has trouble finding and locking aircraft
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* It has trouble outrunning common supersonic aircraft such as the MiG-21, A-5C and F-104
* No countermeasures
* Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM 7D has a 1km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring you to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-7Ds burn for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures
* Cannot equip AAMs AND ground ordinance at the same time
* Has very poor battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA
* Must choose between the Sidewinders or Sparrows, cannot load both at the same time

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4E Phantom II

2022-06-20T14:40:56Z

U4885444: grammar

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4e
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

The mighty F-4E Phantom II is a famous US aircraft from the Vietnam War era and a reliable workhorse of many militaries around the world. Powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 jets, each producing an incredible 8,010 kgf on maximum afterburner, the F-4E boasts high speed and a solid climb rate. Leading-edge "Agile Eagle" slats increase its turning capability and somewhat mitigate the reputation of the Phantom family as flying bricks. In the weapons department, the F-4E has access to AIM-7E-2 Sparrows for medium-to-long range combat, AIM-9J Sidewinders for close-in work, and an enormous array of ground attack ordnance including AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles and AGM-62 Walleye glide bombs. This multi-role vehicle is a supremely capable ground attacker and a competitive fighter, though in air combat pilots must account for its lack of a pulse-Doppler radar.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,097 || 2,074 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 160.8 || 151.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,202 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 221.6 || 190.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:F-4E Phantom II deploying drogue chute.png|right|thumb|420x420px|A ROKAF F-4E Phantom II from to 153th Combat Squadron deploying its drogue chute for landing]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 607 || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,027 kg || 20,069 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,010 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.67
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf (0 km/h) || 10,170 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.27 || 1.13 || 1.01 || 0.85
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The survivability features of the {{PAGENAME}} have grown compared to its [[F-4C Phantom II|predecessor]] with an armour plate and missile countermeasures attached.

By this stage in the high-rank battles, all the fuel tanks are self-sealing. While this will assist with any fuel tank punctures from machine gun calibre weapons, the presence of fast-firing autocannons and missiles mean that these self-sealing tanks are only an accessory to the overall survival of the aircraft.

The addition of an armour plate is a minor benefit as it is only an 8.5 mm steel plate just below the forward fuel tank in the fuselage. This is only thick enough to block a glancing shot to the fuselage. Its most effective use seems to when the {{PAGENAME}} as it is pulling up from an attack run, as it is in that angle where the armour plate can potentially block any shot threatening the fuselage fuel tanks and engine. However, considering the small size it is made up of and the large plane overall, this armour plate should not be relied upon for the overall survival of the aircraft.

The biggest change from previous version is the countermeasure flares, which are greatly useful at deterring incoming infrared-homing missiles like the [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|Sidewinders]] or [[R-60]]s. To utilise the flares, one must turn off their engine afterburners to eliminate that as a significant source of heat, deploy the flares in a suitable manner, then bank away from the flares to that the missile lock onto the remaining heat source rather than the plane's engine.

A survivability feature shared with its predecessor is the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The RWR will ping the player in the source of any incoming radar scans, and will also notify if the radar source have achieved a lock-on with the player. Keep an eye on this as it may signify to the player that an enemy semi-active radar homing missile may be launched soon and evasive actions should be taken.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 90 x countermeasures

Due to this cannon's high rate of fire, trigger discipline is a must.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|GBU-15(V)1/B (2,000 lb)|AGM-12C Bullpup|AGM-65B}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
* 4 x 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs (2,020 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)1/B bombs (4,000 lb total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)1/B bombs
| || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* ||
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* ||
|-
! AGM-65B missiles
| || 3* || || || || || || || || 3* ||
|-
! AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2* || || || || || || 1, 2* || ||
|-
! AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2* || || || || || || 2* || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Marked options for hardpoints 2/10 cannot be used in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-4E Phantom II is well-suited for any in-game situation. For attacking ground targets, the plane is armed with an assortment of bombs and rockets, and against air targets, players may employ the vehicle's deadly air-to-air missiles and frontal cannon. If desired, three externally-mounted gunpods may be equipped, but note that these may not be useful in certain situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. In many situations, one front-facing cannon is all that is required to dispatch an opponent aircraft. As for the missiles, the ones used by this plane are average at its tier, comparable to the [[R-60]] missiles equipped by the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)]] and the [[MiG-21SMT]] (albeit with worse maneuverability). The AIM-9J missiles are most effective when fired from between 1 to 3 km away from the target. Any closer and they will struggle to track and likely veer off target for a miss.

The F-4E has one of the highest rates of climb out of any vehicle in the game. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not the best top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4 has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft's heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.

In air realistic battles, it is recommended to take a balanced fuel load of 20 or 30 minutes, depending on how aggressive you fly (this will also allow you to liberally use the afterburner without fear of premature fuel exhaustion). The most useful Air RB armament for the F-4E are the 4 AIM-9Js or 4 AIM-7E-2s although due to its lackluster dogfighting ability the Sparrows are almost always the better choice. The best strategy is to accelerate to a speed of roughly 900-1100km/h on the deck and then zoom climb to altitude (5km or higher), where the pilot should accelerate to the highest speed possible. Lock on to targets with your radar and use your Sparrows to shoot down enemy aircraft when in range; and remember to keep an eye on your RWR as being at altitude makes you an easy target for the long range missiles prevalent at this tier. Sparrows should ideally be launched above Mach 1 to take maximum advantage of their range and manoeuvrability. After using up all your Sparrows, return to base to rearm. It is important to note that because of its poor flight characteristics, the Phantom will struggle in one-on-one fights, making it vital to keep your teammates around and to avoid dogfighting whenever possible. The Phantom should target enemies turnfighting its friendlies, as not only the enemy may be distracted and slow, but it provides you a chance to save your teammate, who in turn may down another enemy chasing you later in the match.

To reiterate, dogfighting should be avoided as much as possible. The Phantom was designed around missiles, so they will naturally be your main way of getting kills, with the gun being a backup weapon for opportune targets. Furthermore, most of the enemies you will face at 11.0 or above can and will be able to easily maneuver around you, if they haven't already fired a high performance AAM at you. Although if one has unlocked the triple SUU-23/A gunpods, that is an almost surefire way to earn at least one kill in the classic head-on (in addition to its usefulness in attacking ground targets, possibly being the best option in Air Realistic).

;Notable Air RB enemies include:

* [[MiG-21bis]]: the most advanced Soviet MiG-21, with amazing acceleration that can catch up to the F-4E quite easily and evade missiles with flares. The German [[MiG-21bis-SAU]] has access to all-aspect R-60MK missiles as well. Neither has competitive radar-guided missiles however.
* [[JA37C|JA37C Viggen]]: a Swedish powerhouse that boasts high low-altitude speed, good turning performance, similar weapons to the F-4E, and a Pulse-Doppler radar.
* [[Mirage IIIC]]/[[Mirage IIIE|IIIE]]: armed with two of the best infrared missiles in the game, the R.550 Magic, and a long-range radar-guided missile with similar performance to the AIM-7. Strong short-term turning capabilities make them dangerous in snapshots. The former does not have countermeasures, however.
* [[Phantom FGR.2]]/[[Phantom FG.1|FG.1]]: British Phantoms with more powerful engines, can out accelerate and outrun the F-4E. They also have pulse-Doppler radars and are superior in BVR.
* [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II|F-4EJ Kai]]: Japanese Phantom with an excellent pulse-Doppler radar and the same armament as the F-4E.
* F-4E Phantom II: This very aircraft, as a result you simply play around its weaknesses as described in the section below.
* [[F-4J Phantom II]]: Later American Phantom variant, sacrifices ATGM/GBU capability for generally improved dogfighting performance/armaments over the F-4E.
* [[F-14A Early]]: American successor to the F-4 with the ultra-long range and fire-and-forget Phoenix missiles, a superior radar, and overall better dogfighting performance.
* [[MiG-23M]]/[[MiG-23MF (Germany)|MF]]/[[MiG-23MLD|MLD]]: swing-wing fighters with potent missiles, good avionics, and superior agility to the F-4E on lower sweep settings. Avoid dogfighting and keep an eye out for sneak attacks with the R-23T/24T missiles. The MiG-23M and MiG-23MF have very limited countermeasures, which the F-4E can exploit with its large missile capacity. The MiG-23MLD has excellent speed and climb performance that can match or exceed the F-4E.
* [[J-7E]]: a light and nimble Chinese fighter with exceptional agility but no radar-guided missiles. Avoid dogfighting whenever possible.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four air-to-air missiles, with up to four AIM-9s or four AIM-7's (ok against manoeuvring aircraft and decent for medium to close range head-on engagements, respectively)
* Equipped with flares and chaff for evading enemy missiles
* Can carry a deadly range of ground ordinance (including fire-and-forget ATGMs), suitable against any ground target
* Deadly frontal armament with high burst mass is practically guaranteed to critically damage an enemy aircraft if hit
* Has a ballistic computer for assisting in the aim of cannons, rockets, and bombs
* Better manoeuvrability than most other Phantoms due to slats

'''Cons:'''

* Susceptible to wing rip, especially when doing negative G manoeuvres or rolls
* Cannot equip AAM's AND ground attack ordinance at the same time
* Must choose between the Sidewinders or Sparrows, cannot load both at the same time
* Limited ammunition in the frontally-mounted cannon
* Large target for aircraft and AA alike
* Has low battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA
* Still a heavy aircraft, will struggle in dogfights versus lighter fighters
* Two engines make for a large heat signature, making it harder to dodge missiles
* Rate of climb suffers immensely when carrying large amounts of ordnance
* Radar lacks pulse-Doppler or look-down capabilities, difficult to lock and engage enemies below the horizon and/or at low altitudes
* In Air Battles is often uptiered to top-tier where it can become outclassed in armament and maneuverability
* Has a high repair cost compared to contemporary aircraft

== History ==

[[File:F-4E Phantom.jpg|thumb|400x400px|An F-4E of Holloman Air Force base.]]
The F-4E was initially designed as an incremental upgrade to the standard F-4C airframe used by the US Air Force. The aircraft carried a new radar in a redesigned radome, and more importantly, an internal M61 cannon mounted in the nose. As well, later-production aircraft featured the Agile Eagle upgrade, which gave the Phantom leading edge slats which improved manoeuvrability at the expense of top speed. The addition of an internal cannon was a highly anticipated upgrade, as it fixed a problem that F-4C squadrons faced when operating over Vietnam.

The first F-4Es entered service in the 1960s and were dispatched to serve in Vietnam, where they complemented the existing inventories of F-4C and D variant aircraft. The aircraft type was credited with 21 kills in Vietnam, most of which were achieved using the AIM-7E-2 'Dogfight Sparrow'. Several pilots achieved Ace status while flying the F-4 in Vietnam, including Charles B. DeBellevue, who was the highest-scoring American ace in Vietnam. The F-4 went on to form the backbone of the US fighter force for the bulk of the 1960s and 70s. As well, F-4E was flown by the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team between 1969 and 1974. The large, noisy Phantom performed around the world until 1974, when rising fuel costs forced the Thunderbirds to convert to the smaller T-38 Talon.

The F-4E was exported to a variety of countries. Israel was the largest foreign user of the F-4 Phantom, having purchased 124 F-4 Phantoms from the United States betwen 1971 and 1974; the Israelis were credited with at least 115 kills using the F-4 Phantom during various conflicts. As well, Germany and Japan both procured modified versions of the F-4E, being the F-4F and F-4EJ, respectively. Other notable foreign users of the F-4E include Australia (24 aircraft), Egypt (35 aircraft), Greece (34 aircraft), and Turkey (40 aircraft).

During service, the Phantom gained a number of nicknames, including "Rhino" (referencing its titanium construction and long nose), "Double-Ugly", and even "The world's largest distributor of MiG Parts", referencing the 277 MiGs downed by the Phantom during various conflicts. The USAF retired the aircraft in 1996, and the aircraft was used as a target drone until 2016. The aircraft remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece and Turkey, 62 years after its maiden flight.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=f-4e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|TWT-ETcU_No|'''The Shooting Range #198''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:33 discusses the F-4E Phantom II.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479889-f-4e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2022-06-20T14:40:26Z

U4885444: /* Usage in battles */ Removed/updated text that either repeated information, obscured useful information behind needless fluff, and/or was generally incorrect for the current state of the aircraft

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. More than capable as a dogfighter, it, however, has many options up its sleeve to deal with enemy aircraft it may encounter. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are solid missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,228 || 2,202 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 142.4 || 132.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 203.9 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,405 kg || colspan="3" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,164 kg || 17,014 kg || 18,819 kg || 19,270 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.78 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,955 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.17 || 1.04 || 0.94 || 0.92 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF F-4C Phantom II launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament prior to [[Update "Danger Zone"]]]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannon, AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1 || || || 1
| || || 1 || ||
|-
! AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * The AGM-12C Bullpup missile on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively.
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} is, frankly, not a dogfighter. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. Your only friend is your raw acceleration and Sparrow missiles (should those be unlocked). As a result, you're forced to act as a vulture, using your missiles or gunpods to pickoff hapless targets of opportunity. If you're attacking a F-4C (especially one out of Air-to-air ordinance), you're almost always guaranteed a kill in all but the least maneuverable of aircraft. The F-4C's ungainly maneuverability, combined with its atrocious dogfighting armaments, and lack of countermeasures leave it a mostly helpless target should one catch it in weapons range.

==== Air-to-air ====
Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted creating a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is (often critically damaging or outright destroying the enemy aircraft). The AIM-9Bs are exceptionally poor performing, rear-aspect variants of the Sidewinder that are easily evaded by even the most modest maneuvers. If you choose to use them: take rear-aspect only shots, from as close as possible to the target, while the target is not in a turn, and that the enemy is not deploying countermeasures (as they are easily decoyed).

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however they are not recommended for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are to be exclusively used in the ground attack role as they can be quite powerful when fired en-masse. This can be especially useful in Ground-Realistic battles. For attacking ground targets in Air battles, anything other than the triple gunpods is sub-optimal as you cannot equip AAMs and ground ordinance at the same time. The triple Gunpods meanwhile retain their usefulness against enemy aircraft and can still destroy most ground targets with ease.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster you go, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, you avoid the major furball, keeping you out of danger. Once you climb up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use your radar to lock onto someone, and start launching your AIM-7Ds, as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where your radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, you can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons.
[[File:F-4C A-5 kill.jpg|350px|thumb|A F-4C eliminating a enemy A-5 with a AIM-7D Sparrow missile]]
In a downtier, you can be independent as you can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing you to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until you actually launch them. Your high top speed and high speed controllability allows you to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around you. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near your teammates, supporting them as you have inferior top speed and manoeuvrability and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). By being near friendly F-4Es or F-5Es, you generally become a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so you can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with the deadly vulcan.

==== Ground pounding ====
[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|350px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> Although War Thunder there are better CAS options at or around this BR in the American tech tree (the [[F-105D]] being superior in all forms as it can also carry AAMs with its ground attack ordinance). Nonetheless, the Phantom II's ballistic computer and bomb options ranging from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lbs let it effectively attack ground targets ranging from large bases to armor. The triple gunpods in particular can made the F-4C very efficient in killing ground units in Air battles, as they can destroy all but the heaviest or targets and have a large ammo count (allowing one to rack up significant score before having to rearm). Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These are this aircraft's best AT ordinance in Ground Realistic battles. While these missiles can be guided, this can only be done manually and at this BR puts you at significant risk due to the chances of radar guided AAA or a SAM shooting you down. During the guiding phase of the Bullpup, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy fire and must keep a visual on the target if they intend to guide it. A common tactic with the bullpups is to simply utilize them as if they were high-yield unguided rockets (forgoing any guidance input to turn the bullpups into rocket powered bombs); since they fly in a straight line you can easily line your nose up to the targets, fire your bullpups, and then immediately pull away. This is even more lethal with the AGM-12Cs as they have a 1000 lb warhead compared to the 250 lb warhead on the AGM-12B.

==== Bait attack ====
The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

==== Most dangerous enemies ====
MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can easily outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

The most common missiles to face are the SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, you do not turn. You must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM's wielder. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at you from 4 km, you must manoeuvre in order to lose it. You can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), you can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and you will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, you can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so your wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at you. However, you should not turn to the sky as you will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit you.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb]]

'''Pros:'''

* Wide variety of payload options to include 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* Has BVR engagement capability
* Has access to the radar guided AIM-7D Sparrow air-to-air missiles
* Has a ballistic computer
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft and ground targets (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Radar generally has trouble finding and locking aircraft
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* It has trouble outrunning common supersonic aircraft such as the MiG-21, A-5C and F-104
* No countermeasures
* Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM 7D has a 1km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring you to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-7Ds burn for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures
* Cannot equip AAMs AND ground ordinance at the same time
* Has very poor battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA
* Must choose between the Sidewinders or Sparrows, cannot load both at the same time

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4E Phantom II

2022-06-20T13:26:38Z

U4885444: /* Pros and cons */ updates to reflect the current state of the aircraft

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4e
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

The mighty F-4E Phantom II is a famous US aircraft from the Vietnam War era and a reliable workhorse of many militaries around the world. Powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 jets, each producing an incredible 8,010 kgf on maximum afterburner, the F-4E boasts high speed and a solid climb rate. Leading-edge "Agile Eagle" slats increase its turning capability and somewhat mitigate the reputation of the Phantom family as flying bricks. In the weapons department, the F-4E has access to AIM-7E-2 Sparrows for medium-to-long range combat, AIM-9J Sidewinders for close-in work, and an enormous array of ground attack ordnance including AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles and AGM-62 Walleye glide bombs. This multi-role vehicle is a supremely capable ground attacker and a competitive fighter, though in air combat pilots must account for its lack of a pulse-Doppler radar.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,097 || 2,074 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 160.8 || 151.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,202 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 221.6 || 190.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:F-4E Phantom II deploying drogue chute.png|right|thumb|420x420px|A ROKAF F-4E Phantom II from to 153th Combat Squadron deploying its drogue chute for landing]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 607 || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,964 kg || 18,027 kg || 20,069 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,010 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.67
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf (0 km/h) || 10,170 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.27 || 1.13 || 1.01 || 0.85
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


The survivability features of the {{PAGENAME}} have grown compared to its [[F-4C Phantom II|predecessor]] with an armour plate and missile countermeasures attached.

By this stage in the high-rank battles, all the fuel tanks are self-sealing. While this will assist with any fuel tank punctures from machine gun calibre weapons, the presence of fast-firing autocannons and missiles mean that these self-sealing tanks are only an accessory to the overall survival of the aircraft.

The addition of an armour plate is a minor benefit as it is only an 8.5 mm steel plate just below the forward fuel tank in the fuselage. This is only thick enough to block a glancing shot to the fuselage. Its most effective use seems to when the {{PAGENAME}} as it is pulling up from an attack run, as it is in that angle where the armour plate can potentially block any shot threatening the fuselage fuel tanks and engine. However, considering the small size it is made up of and the large plane overall, this armour plate should not be relied upon for the overall survival of the aircraft.

The biggest change from previous version is the countermeasure flares, which are greatly useful at deterring incoming infrared-homing missiles like the [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|Sidewinders]] or [[R-60]]s. To utilise the flares, one must turn off their engine afterburners to eliminate that as a significant source of heat, deploy the flares in a suitable manner, then bank away from the flares to that the missile lock onto the remaining heat source rather than the plane's engine.

A survivability feature shared with its predecessor is the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The RWR will ping the player in the source of any incoming radar scans, and will also notify if the radar source have achieved a lock-on with the player. Keep an eye on this as it may signify to the player that an enemy semi-active radar homing missile may be launched soon and evasive actions should be taken.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 90 x countermeasures

Due to this cannon's high rate of fire, trigger discipline is a must.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|GBU-15(V)1/B (2,000 lb)|AGM-12C Bullpup|AGM-65B}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 19 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (14,250 lb total)
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
* 4 x 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs (2,020 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)1/B bombs (4,000 lb total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 4 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 4
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-15(V)1/B bombs
| || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* ||
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
| || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* ||
|-
! AGM-65B missiles
| || 3* || || || || || || || || 3* ||
|-
! AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| || || 1, 2* || || || || || || 1, 2* || ||
|-
! AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2* || || || || || || 2* || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Marked options for hardpoints 2/10 cannot be used in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-4E Phantom II is well-suited for any in-game situation. For attacking ground targets, the plane is armed with an assortment of bombs and rockets, and against air targets, players may employ the vehicle's deadly air-to-air missiles and frontal cannon. If desired, three externally-mounted gunpods may be equipped, but note that these may not be useful in certain situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. In many situations, one front-facing cannon is all that is required to dispatch an opponent aircraft. As for the missiles, the ones used by this plane are average at its tier, comparable to the [[R-60]] missiles equipped by the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)]] and the [[MiG-21SMT]] (albeit with worse maneuverability). The AIM-9J missiles are most effective when fired from between 1 to 3 km away from the target. Any closer and they will struggle to track and likely veer off target for a miss.

The F-4E has one of the highest rates of climb out of any vehicle in the game. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not the best top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4 has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft's heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.

In air realistic battles, it is recommended to take a balanced fuel load of 20 or 30 minutes, depending on how aggressive you fly (this will also allow you to liberally use the afterburner without fear of premature fuel exhaustion). The most useful Air RB armament for the F-4E are the 4 AIM-9Js or 4 AIM-7E-2s although due to its lackluster dogfighting ability the Sparrows are almost always the better choice. The best strategy is to accelerate to a speed of roughly 900-1100km/h on the deck and then zoom climb to altitude (5km or higher), where the pilot should accelerate to the highest speed possible. Lock on to targets with your radar and use your Sparrows to shoot down enemy aircraft when in range; and remember to keep an eye on your RWR as being at altitude makes you an easy target for the long range missiles prevalent at this tier. Sparrows should ideally be launched above Mach 1 to take maximum advantage of their range and manoeuvrability. After using up all your Sparrows, return to base to rearm. It is important to note that because of its poor flight characteristics, the Phantom will struggle in one-on-one fights, making it vital to keep your teammates around and to avoid dogfighting whenever possible. The Phantom should target enemies turnfighting its friendlies, as not only the enemy may be distracted and slow, but it provides you a chance to save your teammate, who in turn may down another enemy chasing you later in the match.

To reiterate dogfighting should be avoided as much as possible. The Phantom was designed around missiles, so they will naturally be your main way of getting kills, with the gun being a backup weapon for opportune targets. Furthermore, most of the enemies you will face at 11.0 or above can and will be able to easily maneuver around you, if they haven't already fired a high performance AAM at you. Although if one has unlocked the triple SUU-23/A gunpods, that is an almost surefire way to earn at least one kill in the classic head-on (in addition to its usefulness in attacking ground targets, possibly being the best option in Air Realistic).

;Notable Air RB enemies include:

* [[MiG-21bis]]: the most advanced Soviet MiG-21, with amazing acceleration that can catch up to the F-4E quite easily and evade missiles with flares. The German [[MiG-21bis-SAU]] has access to all-aspect R-60MK missiles as well. Neither has competitive radar-guided missiles however.
* [[JA37C|JA37C Viggen]]: a Swedish powerhouse that boasts high low-altitude speed, good turning performance, similar weapons to the F-4E, and a Pulse-Doppler radar.
* [[Mirage IIIC]]/[[Mirage IIIE|IIIE]]: armed with two of the best infrared missiles in the game, the R.550 Magic, and a long-range radar-guided missile with similar performance to the AIM-7. Strong short-term turning capabilities make them dangerous in snapshots. The former does not have countermeasures, however.
* [[Phantom FGR.2]]/[[Phantom FG.1|FG.1]]: British Phantoms with more powerful engines, can out accelerate and outrun the F-4E. They also have pulse-Doppler radars and are superior in BVR.
* [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II|F-4EJ Kai]]: Japanese Phantom with an excellent pulse-Doppler radar and the same armament as the F-4E.
* F-4E Phantom II: This very aircraft, as a result you simply play around its weaknesses as described in the section below.
* [[F-4J Phantom II]]: Later American Phantom variant, sacrifices ATGM/GBU capability for generally improved dogfighting performance/armaments over the F-4E.
* [[F-14A Early]]: American successor to the F-4 with the ultra-long range and fire-and-forget Phoenix missiles, a superior radar, and overall better dogfighting performance.
* [[MiG-23M]]/[[MiG-23MF (Germany)|MF]]/[[MiG-23MLD|MLD]]: swing-wing fighters with potent missiles, good avionics, and superior agility to the F-4E on lower sweep settings. Avoid dogfighting and keep an eye out for sneak attacks with the R-23T/24T missiles. The MiG-23M and MiG-23MF have very limited countermeasures, which the F-4E can exploit with its large missile capacity. The MiG-23MLD has excellent speed and climb performance that can match or exceed the F-4E.
* [[J-7E]]: a light and nimble Chinese fighter with exceptional agility but no radar-guided missiles. Avoid dogfighting whenever possible.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four air-to-air missiles, with up to four AIM-9s or four AIM-7's (ok against manoeuvring aircraft and decent for medium to close range head-on engagements, respectively)
* Equipped with flares and chaff for evading enemy missiles
* Can carry a deadly range of ground ordinance (including fire-and-forget ATGMs), suitable against any ground target
* Deadly frontal armament with high burst mass is practically guaranteed to critically damage an enemy aircraft if hit
* Has a ballistic computer for assisting in the aim of cannons, rockets, and bombs
* Better manoeuvrability than most other Phantoms due to slats

'''Cons:'''

* Susceptible to wing rip, especially when doing negative G manoeuvres or rolls
* Cannot equip AAM's AND ground attack ordinance at the same time
* Must choose between the Sidewinders or Sparrows, cannot load both at the same time
* Limited ammunition in the frontally-mounted cannon
* Large target for aircraft and AA alike
* Has low battlefield endurance at its BR in ground-realistic battles due to the prevalence of SAMs and/or radar guided AAA
* Still a heavy aircraft, will struggle in dogfights versus lighter fighters
* Two engines make for a large heat signature, making it harder to dodge missiles
* Rate of climb suffers immensely when carrying large amounts of ordnance
* Radar lacks pulse-Doppler or look-down capabilities, difficult to lock and engage enemies below the horizon and/or at low altitudes
* In Air Battles is often uptiered to top-tier where it can become outclassed in armament and maneuverability
* Has a high repair cost compared to contemporary aircraft

== History ==

[[File:F-4E Phantom.jpg|thumb|400x400px|An F-4E of Holloman Air Force base.]]
The F-4E was initially designed as an incremental upgrade to the standard F-4C airframe used by the US Air Force. The aircraft carried a new radar in a redesigned radome, and more importantly, an internal M61 cannon mounted in the nose. As well, later-production aircraft featured the Agile Eagle upgrade, which gave the Phantom leading edge slats which improved manoeuvrability at the expense of top speed. The addition of an internal cannon was a highly anticipated upgrade, as it fixed a problem that F-4C squadrons faced when operating over Vietnam.

The first F-4Es entered service in the 1960s and were dispatched to serve in Vietnam, where they complemented the existing inventories of F-4C and D variant aircraft. The aircraft type was credited with 21 kills in Vietnam, most of which were achieved using the AIM-7E-2 'Dogfight Sparrow'. Several pilots achieved Ace status while flying the F-4 in Vietnam, including Charles B. DeBellevue, who was the highest-scoring American ace in Vietnam. The F-4 went on to form the backbone of the US fighter force for the bulk of the 1960s and 70s. As well, F-4E was flown by the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team between 1969 and 1974. The large, noisy Phantom performed around the world until 1974, when rising fuel costs forced the Thunderbirds to convert to the smaller T-38 Talon.

The F-4E was exported to a variety of countries. Israel was the largest foreign user of the F-4 Phantom, having purchased 124 F-4 Phantoms from the United States betwen 1971 and 1974; the Israelis were credited with at least 115 kills using the F-4 Phantom during various conflicts. As well, Germany and Japan both procured modified versions of the F-4E, being the F-4F and F-4EJ, respectively. Other notable foreign users of the F-4E include Australia (24 aircraft), Egypt (35 aircraft), Greece (34 aircraft), and Turkey (40 aircraft).

During service, the Phantom gained a number of nicknames, including "Rhino" (referencing its titanium construction and long nose), "Double-Ugly", and even "The world's largest distributor of MiG Parts", referencing the 277 MiGs downed by the Phantom during various conflicts. The USAF retired the aircraft in 1996, and the aircraft was used as a target drone until 2016. The aircraft remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece and Turkey, 62 years after its maiden flight.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=f-4e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|TWT-ETcU_No|'''The Shooting Range #198''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:33 discusses the F-4E Phantom II.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479889-f-4e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-06-20T12:51:01Z

U4885444: /* Pros and cons */ pro updates

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event your allies don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which takes your elevator control to a next level at low speeds.

When flying this jet against contemporaries you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a Close Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft. While you have average ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air-to-air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==


Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, and/or most significantly, countermeasures. Quite often it's all four of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR) or get lucky in the classic head-on with your cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft. In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly manoeuvre on the deck, hoping to get them in front of you and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out manoevre you if they haven't already fired their AAMs).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* Can equip AAM's AND ground attack ordinance at the same time
* Can equip Sparrows AND Sidewinders at the same time
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in armament and performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR, even more so when uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* Has no RWR
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to contemporary aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-05-10T07:31:21Z

U4885444: grammar

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event your allies don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which takes your elevator control to a next level at low speeds.

When flying this jet against contemporaries you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a Close Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft. While you have average ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air-to-air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==


Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, and/or most significantly, countermeasures. Quite often it's all four of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR) or get lucky in the classic head-on with your cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft. In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly manoeuvre on the deck, hoping to get them in front of you and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out manoevre you if they haven't already fired their AAMs).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* Access to bomb or rocket payload options for ground attack
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in armament and performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR, even more so when uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* Has no RWR
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to contemporary aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-04-28T13:10:49Z

U4885444: /* Pros and cons */ additional con

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event your allies don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which takes your elevator control to a next level at low speeds.

When flying this jet against contemporaries you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a Close Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft. While you have average ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air-to-air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==


Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, and/or most significantly, countermeasures. Quite often it's all four of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR) or get lucky in the classic head-on with your cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft. In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly manoeuvre on the deck, hoping to get them in front of you and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out manoevre you if they haven't already fired their AAMs).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Although overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* Access to bomb or rocket payload options for ground attack
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in armament and performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR, even more so when uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* Has no RWR
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to contemporary aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-04-24T08:04:13Z

U4885444: grammar/corrections

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event your allies don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which takes your elevator control to a next level at low speeds.

When flying this jet against contemporaries you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a Close Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft. While you have average ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air-to-air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==


Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, and/or most significantly, countermeasures. Quite often it's all four of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR) or get lucky in the classic head-on with your cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft. In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly manoeuvre on the deck, hoping to get them in front of you and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out manoevre you if they haven't already fired their AAMs).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Although overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* Access to bomb or rocket payload options for ground attack
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in armament and performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR, even more so when uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to contemporary aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-04-20T08:25:23Z

U4885444: grammar

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event your comrades don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which takes your elevator control to a next level at low speeds.

When flying this jet against contemporaries you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a CAP aircraft. While you have OK ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air to air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, and/or most significantly, countermeasures. Quite often it's all four of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR) or get lucky in the classic head-on with your cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft. In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly manoeuvre on the deck, hoping to get them in front of you and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out manoevre you if they haven't already fired their AAMs).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Although overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* OK payload options for ground attack
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Is vastly outclassed in armament by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to most other 9.7 aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-04-20T02:20:30Z

U4885444:

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event you're comrades don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which take your already amazing elevator control to a next level even at lower speeds!

When flying this jet against contemporaries, you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a CAP aircraft. While you have OK ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air to air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, and/or most significantly, countermeasures. Quite often it's all four of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR) or get lucky in the classic head-on with your cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft. In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly manoeuvre on the deck, hoping to get them in front of you and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out manoevre you if they haven't already fired their AAMs).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Although overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* OK payload options for ground attack
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Is vastly outclassed in armament by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to most other 9.7 aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-04-19T07:14:58Z

U4885444:

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event you're comrades don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which take your already amazing elevator control to a next level even at lower speeds!

When flying this jet against contemporaries, you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a CAP aircraft. While you have OK ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air to air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, and/or most significantly, countermeasures. Quite often it's all four of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR) or get lucky in the classic head-on with your cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft. In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly manoeuvre on the deck, hoping to get them in front of you and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out manoevre you if they haven't already fired their AAM).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Although overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* OK payload options for ground attack
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Is vastly outclassed in armament by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to most other 9.7 aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-04-19T06:59:01Z

U4885444: /* Usage in battles */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event you're comrades don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which take your already amazing elevator control to a next level even at lower speeds!

When flying this jet against contemporaries, you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a CAP aircraft. While you have OK ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air to air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 in RB/SB will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), and/or radar warning receivers that nullify any advantage to using the Sparrow missiles. Quite often it's all three of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR). You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft.

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Although overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* OK payload options for ground attack
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Is vastly outclassed in armament by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to most other 9.7 aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F3H-2

2022-04-19T06:54:17Z

U4885444: General updates to reflect the F3H-2's current status

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event you're comrades don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which take your already amazing elevator control to a next level even at lower speeds!

When flying this jet against contemporaries, you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a CAP aircraft. While you have OK ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air to air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M118 (3,000 lb)|AIM-7C Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 42 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets

== Usage in battles ==

Unfortunately for this aircraft, being at a BR of 9.7 will mean that almost every battle will be an uphill battle. This is due to the fact that nearly every single aircraft at this BR has: superior armaments (better/more AA missiles, better/more cannons), vastly superior performance (nearly all being supersonic, and the majority of non-supersonic aircraft being highly maneuverable VTOL jets), and/or radar warning receivers that nullify any advantage to using the Sparrow missiles. Quite often it's all three of the latter at once, meaning that F3H-2 pilots have to resort to catching enemies off guard (a rarity due to the prevalence of radar and RWR systems at this BR). You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. If you choose to not outright purchase the AIM-7s with [[Golden Eagles]], this should be the modification you focus on obtaining the moment you acquire the aircraft.

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots play style, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

In the event of a downtier without the AIM-7C, the aircraft will play quite similar to the [[F9F-8]], but with much better performance.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3000 lbs bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Although overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry four AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* OK payload options for ground attack
* Very good manoeuvrability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option, despite having a wide variety of payload options
* Loses much of its speed when manoeuvring
* Is a relatively large target
* Is vastly outclassed in performance by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Is vastly outclassed in armament by nearly all other aircraft at its BR and is often uptiered
* Has no countermeasures
* The F3H-2 is not supersonic, unlike most fighter aircraft it faces
* Has a high repair cost compared to most other 9.7 aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2021-10-28T11:30:09Z

U4885444: grammar and clarification

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. More than capable as a dogfighter, it, however, has many options up its sleeve to deal with enemy aircraft it may encounter. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are solid missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a {{PAGENAME}} from the VF-111 Sundowners squadron.]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total. The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination to prevent having to redesign the entire wing. So, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at a 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the F-4C needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the F-4C pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordnance on the wing hardpoints).

In game, however, the aircraft will not reach both its maximum altitude of 16,000 m or top speed of over 2,000 km/h (even when unarmed and with the minimum fuel loadout). After about 8,000-9,000 m the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 m. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at the desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for its actual average speed, the F-4C is more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,230 || 2,204 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.4 || 27.9 || 144.1 || 135.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.6 || 26.0 || 202.1 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 580 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,115 kg || colspan="3" | 406 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,874 kg || 17,724 kg || 19,529 kg || 19,980 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 0.95 || 0.85 || 0.77 || 0.76 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,910 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.12 || 1.00 || 0.91 || 0.89 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|Fox-2, Fox-2 - ROKAF {{PAGENAME}} launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile.]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an {{PAGENAME}} displaying the variance of suspended armament.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon in a SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pod (1,200 rpg)
* 2 x additional SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pods for a total of 3 x M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

It is rare for a fighter not to have any native offensive weapons, typically this is a situation you would find on a bomber. The {{PAGENAME}} is unique in that what it lacks in offensive weapons, it more than makes up for in suspended weapons. With a total of 11 hardpoint pylons, an array of guns, bombs, rockets and missiles can be added, fully customizing the mission to suit the needs of the pilot. The pilot has the choice of configuring for air-to-air, air-to-ground or a mixture of both (bombs and Bullpup rockets are ground attack only, missiles are air-to-air attack only while the cannons, Zuni and FFAR rockets can be used for both).

In regards to air-to-air combat, the {{PAGENAME}} is hard-pressed to find a competitor on equal footing, but that can be found with an exceptional pilot flying a less than equal aircraft. This fighter is fast and with its speed, it can relatively sneak up on enemy fighters by closing the gap on the field with its twin J79-GE-15 engines. Once in place and the enemy is in range, two options are available, guns or missiles? The M-61 Vulcan cannon can spew 20 mm rounds at the rate of just over 6,000 rounds per minute (roughly 100 per second), now multiply that by three (if the Phantom is configured for three gun pods) and you can see devastating firepower which will be difficult for any enemy aircraft to avoid. Even just quick bursts at a manoeuvring fighter can be enough to inflict critical damage or even blowing off a wing. Ground attack with the guns can be effective on lighter armoured vehicles with just a few quick bursts.

The AIM-9B and AIM-9E Sidewinders are the missile options available for the {{PAGENAME}}. During the Vietnam War, when US Air Force models of the Phantom like the F-4C and F-4D began operations, they did so without the capability of mounting AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles as the Navy models did, instead using the AIM-4 Falcon. Falcons had gained a reputation of not being reliable (not firing, not tracking, not exploding) so several squadrons had their fighters field-modified with the ability to mount their trusted Sidewinder missiles. Here on the {{PAGENAME}}, four Sidewinders are available and are effective at hounding down an aircraft when a lock is acquired. However, they are not guaranteed to hit, as a competent pilot can avoid them with hard manoeuvring, flying towards the sun, etc. However these actions will often hamper the target's speed and situational awareness, making them an easier target to clean up with the cannons.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg ‎|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 Showtime-100 {{PAGENAME}} unloading bombs in Vietnam.]]
Zuni and FFAR rockets can be utilised effectively against bombers or even against other fighters, especially during a head-on. Though unguided and not very accurate, usually a salvo of these rockets is enough to cause an enemy to panic into an unexpected manoeuvre. Usage of these rockets on ground targets works very well too. Again, with them being unguided, shooting them en masse ensure a greater possibility of one or more to hit the target. The AGM-12B Bullpup rockets are excellent rockets to use against ground targets, however, the one drawback is that it needs to be guided in by the pilot, so if there are any distractions to the pilot, the rocket will likely go off course and miss the target.

9,000 lbs. Yes, you read that number correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can carry up to 9,000 lbs of bombs, which is half of what a [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] bomber could carry, however, the Phantom is quite a bit more accurate dropping from much lower altitudes. Using combinations of 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs allows the pilot to pick targets accordingly. To ensure the {{PAGENAME}} is not left defenceless after the bombs are away, each configuration has at least one 20 mm cannon pod and/or AIM-9B missiles to go with it.

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} relies on brute force to get its job done. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. As a brute, the Phantom II muscles its way into a fight, it brings the big guns whether it is cannons, rockets, bombs, missiles or any combination of them and when it does bring them, it brings lots of them. When attacking a Phantom, don't assume it is just a fighter, interceptor or a bomber as it can switch roles on the fly depending on its suspended armament loadout and what needs to be done.

;Air-to-air

The {{PAGENAME}} was originally developed to be an all-weather fleet defensive interceptor for the U.S. Navy, however that role was already taken by the Vought F-8 Crusader, so going back to the drawing board, McDonnell engineers reconfigured the Phantom II so that it can be more versatile and be configured with weapons to suit the mission needed or the branch of military it would be flying for.<ref name="Hachette" /> Though large and intimidating, the Phantom II is a fast-moving beast of an aircraft which can hold its own in air-to-air combat. Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its speed, acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted which almost has a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is and should put enough holes in it with a few quick bursts to get a critical or even just destroy the enemy aircraft. Sometimes the cannons may not be the right option and for this, the AIM-9B comes into play. The Sidewinder missile is very effective and has a very low failure rate, though, in the hands of a good pilot, an enemy fighter does have a chance to evade the missile. The {{PAGENAME}} carries four AIM-9Bs and can utilize them to "spook" an enemy aircraft which might have an energy advantage to attempt energy bleeding manoeuvres to avoid the missile only inadvertently actually setting them up for an easy fly-by shot with the Phantom II's cannons. Missiles are also helpful for finishing off enemies that are unable to dodge them due to battle damage or a lack of energy.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are the best bet of the three as they were designed to be fired off in large groups to take down large bombers, however, the Phantom II can make use of them not only with bombers but also against fighters attempting a head-on pass or even aircraft landing on airfield in domination matches, as a salvo of missiles will end short their attempt to capture the airfield.

It is recommended to zoom climb and sideclimb as the radar and missiles work better at high altitude. Retaining a high speed is important as the faster you go, the faster the missile goes at launch, allowing for a higher top speed during the missile's flight, making it possible for the missile to reach longer ranges. By side climbing, you avoid the major furball, keeping you out of danger. Once you climb up to a decent altitude (4-6 km), use your radar to lock onto someone, and start launching your AIM-7Ds, as later on in the game, the fight goes to low altitudes where your radar will struggle with ground clutter and will be unreliable to lock onto an enemy. In a head-on and at high speeds, you can launch and hit missiles at 15 km. The AIM-9Es are your dogfight missiles. For enemies not paying attention, you can launch them from 2.5-3 km (the range gets longer the higher you go as the thinner air gives less resistance). As the Phantom lacks in manoeuvrability, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight, but rather to make high speed passes as the Phantom retains controllability even at very high speeds while the Vulcan's incredibly high muzzle velocity allows for ease of aiming and use at high speed, in contrast to the comparatively low velocity of NR-30, ADEN, DEFA and especially the GSh-23 cannons.

In a downtier, you can be independent as you can easily outspeed most enemies. Additionally, most enemies in a downtier lack a radar warning receiver (RWR), allowing you to lock them up with AIM-7Ds without alerting them in any way until you actually launch them. Your high top speed and high speed controllability allows you to boom-and-zoom, quickly getting out of a furball without much issue. However, it is not recommended to get into a dogfight with more manoeuvrable jets such as the MiGs as they will easily fly circles around you. instead, use the tried and true method of booming and zooming away from their short range R-60s and cannons.

In an uptier, it is recommended to fly near your teammates, supporting them as you have inferior top speed and manoeuvrability and weapon systems making it very difficult to dogfight any top-tier fighter. Even in a full uptier, 4 AIM-7Ds aren't too bad, especially against enemies without radar (J35D Draken, Mirage IIIC, MiG-21MF). By being near friendly F-4Es or F-5Es, you generally become a lower priority as people know the F-4C is not very competitive, so you can fly around relatively safe, and make quick passes with the deadly vulcan.

;Ground pounding

[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|450px|thumb|right|Fully loaded {{PAGENAME}} en route to bombing site.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a "Mud Mover" for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> One of the other configurations the McDonnell engineers designed the Phantom II for was to fit the role of a bomber. Knowing ahead of time this option would increase the fighters value as a force multiplier, the aircraft's wings were originally super strengthened to support eleven hardpoint pylons to allow for up to 9,000 lbs of bombs to be carried (to keep this in perspective, two {{PAGENAME}}s with four crew members could carry the same max weight of bombs of what one B-29 bomber with a total crew of 10 could but could do it a lot faster and at a lot lower altitude).
The bomb options for the Phantom II range from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs which will allow this fighter/bomber to virtually attack any ground target on the map to include large bases. As a bonus, once all of the bombs have been dropped, the F-4 will not be a sitting duck while waiting for the reload timer (arcade) or when heading back to base (realistic and simulator) to reload as each loadout option includes one 20 mm gun pod to allow for a continued attack. Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These rockets are a mixed bag for the pilot as they excel at being used against tanks due to their 250 lb warhead; however, on the flip side, these rockets are MCLOS (manual command line of sight) which requires the Phantom II pilot to guide the rocket all the way to the target. Any cause for pilot deviation could potentially throw the Bullpup off course. During the guiding phase of Bullpup on the way to the target, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy aircraft and must keep a visual on the target until the rocket hits its target.

;Bait attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

;Most dangerous enemies

MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can typically outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the 30 mm cannons can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]], [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38s and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21s and Yak-38s, the [[SRAAM]]s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

The most common missiles to face are the British SRAAM, AIM-9J, -9G, -9E, -9B, -7E, the R3-S, R-60 and Magics. In order to dodge a SRAAM, you do not turn. You must go fast and get separation from the SRAAM's wielder. The SRAAM relies on thrust vectoring, instead of control surfaces like most other missiles, and therefore cannot manoeuvre and will self destruct once the missile runs out of fuel, giving them very short ranges. AIM-9Gs have incredibly long ranges, so even if one is launched at you from 4 km, you must manoeuvre in order to lose it. You can either attempt to outturn it (they have worse agility than an AIM-9J, Magic or R-60), or attempt to outspeed it. By waiting for it to run out of fuel (this only works at long ranges), you can do big barrel rolls and large turns (not too sharp as to lose speed), and since missiles are incredibly light and will not be able to propel itself once it runs out of fuel, it will lose speed and you will outrun it. for an AIM-9E, -9E, or R3-S, you can simply turn a bit to the side and it will quickly lose track. Against an R-60, AIM-9J or Magic however, it is a bit more complex: the most effective way to outmanoeuvre one without countermeasures is to roll 90 degrees so your wings are perpendicular to the ground, turn, wait a bit, then begin rolling to the ground and keep pulling. this will usually outmanoeuvre most missile launched at you. However, you should not turn to the sky as you will quickly drop speed and make it easier for a missile to hit you.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a {{PAGENAME}} in a power climb.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Centre-line gun pod is available in all load-out configurations no matter the desired secondary ordnance, but can also be removed in certain load-outs for a performance boost
* Wide variety of payload options to include 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* Has BVR engagement capability
* In a downtier, common enemies have RWR, not alerting them of a radar lock allowing you to launch the AIM 7Ds without warning the enemy if they don't see the red missile diamond coming to them
* Has access to the AIM-9B/E Sidewinders and the AIM-7D Sparrow air-to-air missiles
* Has a ballistic computer
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a large aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft and ground targets (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* No countermeasures
* Unlike the Soviet R3R or Matra R530E, the AIM 7D has a 1km warm up time where it flies completely straight, and once it completes the "warm up", it can begin tracking, but if it is not within the missile's sights, it will automatically self destruct, requiring you to lead the missile. This also makes it less reliable in a short range head on as the closing distances may be too fast for the missile to react
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* AIM-7Ds burn for a very long time giving the enemy a long time to see and react to the missile
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures
* AIM-9E unavailable in air-to-ground loadouts

 
{{Notice|Fun Fact: The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have 12,500 small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 "Bat" (also known as "Moonbat"), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the "Phantom II" which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the F-4C and F-4D fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible.]]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] Draken
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===

;Citations
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

;Bibliography

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

User talk:U44629479

2021-05-24T04:17:12Z

U4885444: /* Regarding your recent reversion on "F-4C Phantom II" */

= Talk page =
Hello Colok76286, it will be better for people to use this talk page to contact you and post questions/information as all posts here are immediately viewable and do not require a moderator to approve the message which is necessary on the User page. You can use your user page to annotate areas you are working on (such as the torpedoes) and maybe provide status updates on what you are specifically working on (it's up to you it is your space to work with). Also, using the talk page alerts you when you log back in that someone has left a new message for you, whereas this does not happen with the User Page. Good luck working with the torpedoes, they do need a little love and there is a lot of good information out there about them. -[[User:U64962917|U64962917]] ([[User talk:U64962917|talk]]) 12:21, 29 January 2020 (UTC)

= Award Request images =
Hello there!
First of all, thank you for all the edits you've been doing thus far on the Wiki.
I was looking through all the past edits in the last month, and noticed all the image work you and Jareel did. Given that many of the requested/missing award images are now up, do you still need the original award images?

Water multistrike--[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 07:32, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
: Hello, I don't need the pictures I uploaded anymore. You can totally delete them. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 11:32, 7 February 2020 (UTC)

=Tank mobility=
Hi! Thank you for your hard work but I basically made all the edits you've done obsolete. The wiki has a database with the tank weights, max speed, and spaded engine horsepowers(you can see them in the sidebar) so I made a template that taps into that and generated everything aside from stock engine power and addon armor weight. If you want to switch to the template then use <nowiki>{{tankMobility|abMinHp= number|rbMinHp= number|}}</nowiki>--[[User:U30585107|U30585107]] ([[User talk:U30585107|talk]]) 16:24, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
: That's even better. Thanks. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 21:07, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
::I don't think anyone has done any major errorchecking on the numbers. So if it's just 1 off like for max speed, I'd give it a pass as a rounding issue. If it's more than that send a message to the wiki admins. In the mean time you can overwrite the numbers with the parameters shown here [[Template:TankMobility]]--[[User:U30585107|U30585107]] ([[User talk:U30585107|talk]]) 15:49, 9 February 2020 (UTC)
Wow, great job, congrats on finally managing to add the template to every single tank page! We really appreciate the work you've put in here! - [[User:U38088265|U38088265]] ([[User talk:U38088265|talk]]) 11:10, 25 March 2020 (UTC)

= Forum profile =
Hello Colok76286,

Could you please send/give me a link to your war thunder forum profile.

Kindest Regards
Wiki Team
--[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 01:05, 5 March 2020 (UTC)

Please see your forum PM o7 --[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 23:04, 25 March 2020 (UTC)

= Indexing =
Thanks for updating the information regarding the quotation/question mark issue. I did not realize the question marks caused problems with indexing, good to know, I learn something new every day! Thanks! --[[User:U64962917|U64962917]] ([[User talk:U64962917|talk]]) 21:19, 8 March 2020 (UTC)
: Yes, I tried searching for tables with missing values replaced by ?.??, ??.??, ??? or ???? but the Wiki search engine returned no results. On the other hand, when searching for missing values filled with _.__, __._, __.__, __. ___ or ____, the search results were correct. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 22:40, 8 March 2020 (UTC)

= List of images for deletion/modification =

== Files needing deletion ==
Files deleted --[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 07:50, 11 September 2020 (UTC)
Done --[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 10:16, 20 October 2020 (UTC)

;Module images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="100">
Image:Module_tank_suspension.jpg
Image:Module_tank_parts.jpg
Image:Module_tank_addonarmour.jpg
Image:Module tank adjustmentoffire.jpg
Image:Module tank airstrike.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCBC M61.jpg
Image:Module tank brakesystem.jpg
Image:Module tank elevationmechanism.jpg
Image:Module tank crewreplenishment.jpg
Image:Module tank engine.jpg
Image:Module tank filters.jpg
Image:Module tank tracks.jpg
Image:Module tank transmission.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo Smoke M89.jpg
Image:Module tank artillerysupport.jpg
Image:Module tank FPE.jpg
Image:Module tank horizontaldrive.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo Smoke M313.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCBC M82.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCR M304.jpg
</gallery>

;Other images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Matchmaker_Bf109SBMode.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage P-39Q-15 (USSR).png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage He 112 B-1 U2.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage Do 17 E-1.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage_Sea_Meteor_F_Mk_3.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Garage_Image_-_Potez_631.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:MTB 1.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:W.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Su-6 Modifications .png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:2020-11-08 (1).png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:EBR.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:EBR xray.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:MIG -21 PFM Parked in a Hanger.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:T72A_top.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:T72Aside.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

== Files needing categorization ==
The following must be allocated to a category but are protected by admin rights.
: All files listed were categorised. --[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 20:34, 15 May 2020 (UTC)
===Category [[:Category:Armor|Armor]]===
[[File:IS7 mantlet weakspot.jpg|250px]]
* Add to Category:Armor and Remove from Category:In-game screenshots.

= m60t sabra to m60(family) =

i added sabra writing to m60(family) can you look what i have done? https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/506818-m60t-aka-sabra-mk-ii [[User:U73853576|U73853576]] ([[User talk:U73853576|talk]]) 09:38, 23 December 2020 (UTC)

= About References and sources; and user-created video guides. =

Hey there, it has come to my attention that one of the many topics that need some polishing (or filling as we'd call it back in the day) is torpedoes in general: first off, standardizing sources to simply Wikipedia (nowadays it works just well enough!) or rather other kind of military sources? (for example and as many people do, simply source the references with Wikipedia's sources instead of citing Wikipedia itself as the source).
Second, I believe it would be a great addition but rather high-effort to make video demonstrations of torpedo launches on aircraft, but that would need streamlining for the how-to as well (with technicalities such as video format, size, duration, which aircraft to choose in regards to torpedo models that can be used by several different planes, etc etc.); but I would not simply go and do it before a good format to follow. I invite anyone who wants to discuss that matter to my talk page as well: but I hope it is a topic that wants to be discussed. Keep up the good work!
I personally will focus on British torpedo pages for now; simply because it's the nation I personally have the most fleshed out.
--[[User:U47850888|U47850888]] ([[User talk:U47850888|talk]]) 09:28, 10 April 2021 (UTC)

= Torpedoes =
I will try and create a template for torpedo specs (Explosive mass, speed, etc), will post here for approval or modification (don't worry, I'm very used to waiting for mods to look onto templates) while I note down British torpedoes' stats ingame. --[[User:U47850888|U47850888]] ([[User talk:U47850888|talk]]) 10:06, 10 April 2021 (UTC)
: Templates for torpedoes already exist: [[WSP Table Templates#Ammunition]], see the table "Torpedo characteristics". Here is an example implemented: [[MTB-1 1 series#Additional armament]] --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 11:32, 10 April 2021 (UTC)

:: Thank you! I should've checked in first: then would be adding it to torpedo pages be okay (as I plan to)? Rather than it belonging only on the vehicle pages, it should be on the torpedo's page as well in my opinion, as for example, it is present on Naval vehicles, but isn't included for Air vehicles (In this case, the MTB-1 uses the [[18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)]] but the other users of the torpedo, such as the [[Beaufighter Mk VIc#Suspended Armament]]).

= Events =
Thanks for your comprehensive events summary, it's ridiculous this is not official part of the wiki.
Since the content of your Summer event page has not been approved, could you please include the template here also? [[User:U105837429|U105837429]] ([[User talk:U105837429|talk]]) 10:45, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

== Regarding your recent reversion on "[[F-4C Phantom II]]" ==

You didn't state any reason for the reversion, so I was just looking to see why it was done so it might not happen again. Did you take issue with the performance facts I listed? From my use of the aircraft in game that is the reality of how it performs. If you have it unlocked you could try it out yourself in a test flight (or a match if you want to blow the lions), it really isn't able to climb to its listed altitude or achieve its max speed on arcade, realistic, or simulator.
--[[User:U4885444|U4885444]] ([[User talk:U4885444|talk]]) 04:17, 24 May 2021 (UTC)

User talk:U44629479

2021-05-24T04:15:20Z

U4885444: /* Regarding your recent reversion on "F-4C Phantom II" */

User talk:U44629479

2021-05-24T04:14:50Z

U4885444: /* regarding your recent reversion on "F-4C Phantom II" */

= Talk page =
Hello Colok76286, it will be better for people to use this talk page to contact you and post questions/information as all posts here are immediately viewable and do not require a moderator to approve the message which is necessary on the User page. You can use your user page to annotate areas you are working on (such as the torpedoes) and maybe provide status updates on what you are specifically working on (it's up to you it is your space to work with). Also, using the talk page alerts you when you log back in that someone has left a new message for you, whereas this does not happen with the User Page. Good luck working with the torpedoes, they do need a little love and there is a lot of good information out there about them. -[[User:U64962917|U64962917]] ([[User talk:U64962917|talk]]) 12:21, 29 January 2020 (UTC)

= Award Request images =
Hello there!
First of all, thank you for all the edits you've been doing thus far on the Wiki.
I was looking through all the past edits in the last month, and noticed all the image work you and Jareel did. Given that many of the requested/missing award images are now up, do you still need the original award images?

Water multistrike--[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 07:32, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
: Hello, I don't need the pictures I uploaded anymore. You can totally delete them. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 11:32, 7 February 2020 (UTC)

=Tank mobility=
Hi! Thank you for your hard work but I basically made all the edits you've done obsolete. The wiki has a database with the tank weights, max speed, and spaded engine horsepowers(you can see them in the sidebar) so I made a template that taps into that and generated everything aside from stock engine power and addon armor weight. If you want to switch to the template then use <nowiki>{{tankMobility|abMinHp= number|rbMinHp= number|}}</nowiki>--[[User:U30585107|U30585107]] ([[User talk:U30585107|talk]]) 16:24, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
: That's even better. Thanks. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 21:07, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
::I don't think anyone has done any major errorchecking on the numbers. So if it's just 1 off like for max speed, I'd give it a pass as a rounding issue. If it's more than that send a message to the wiki admins. In the mean time you can overwrite the numbers with the parameters shown here [[Template:TankMobility]]--[[User:U30585107|U30585107]] ([[User talk:U30585107|talk]]) 15:49, 9 February 2020 (UTC)
Wow, great job, congrats on finally managing to add the template to every single tank page! We really appreciate the work you've put in here! - [[User:U38088265|U38088265]] ([[User talk:U38088265|talk]]) 11:10, 25 March 2020 (UTC)

= Forum profile =
Hello Colok76286,

Could you please send/give me a link to your war thunder forum profile.

Kindest Regards
Wiki Team
--[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 01:05, 5 March 2020 (UTC)

Please see your forum PM o7 --[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 23:04, 25 March 2020 (UTC)

= Indexing =
Thanks for updating the information regarding the quotation/question mark issue. I did not realize the question marks caused problems with indexing, good to know, I learn something new every day! Thanks! --[[User:U64962917|U64962917]] ([[User talk:U64962917|talk]]) 21:19, 8 March 2020 (UTC)
: Yes, I tried searching for tables with missing values replaced by ?.??, ??.??, ??? or ???? but the Wiki search engine returned no results. On the other hand, when searching for missing values filled with _.__, __._, __.__, __. ___ or ____, the search results were correct. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 22:40, 8 March 2020 (UTC)

= List of images for deletion/modification =

== Files needing deletion ==
Files deleted --[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 07:50, 11 September 2020 (UTC)
Done --[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 10:16, 20 October 2020 (UTC)

;Module images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="100">
Image:Module_tank_suspension.jpg
Image:Module_tank_parts.jpg
Image:Module_tank_addonarmour.jpg
Image:Module tank adjustmentoffire.jpg
Image:Module tank airstrike.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCBC M61.jpg
Image:Module tank brakesystem.jpg
Image:Module tank elevationmechanism.jpg
Image:Module tank crewreplenishment.jpg
Image:Module tank engine.jpg
Image:Module tank filters.jpg
Image:Module tank tracks.jpg
Image:Module tank transmission.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo Smoke M89.jpg
Image:Module tank artillerysupport.jpg
Image:Module tank FPE.jpg
Image:Module tank horizontaldrive.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo Smoke M313.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCBC M82.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCR M304.jpg
</gallery>

;Other images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Matchmaker_Bf109SBMode.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage P-39Q-15 (USSR).png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage He 112 B-1 U2.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage Do 17 E-1.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage_Sea_Meteor_F_Mk_3.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Garage_Image_-_Potez_631.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:MTB 1.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:W.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Su-6 Modifications .png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:2020-11-08 (1).png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:EBR.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:EBR xray.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:MIG -21 PFM Parked in a Hanger.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:T72A_top.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:T72Aside.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

== Files needing categorization ==
The following must be allocated to a category but are protected by admin rights.
: All files listed were categorised. --[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 20:34, 15 May 2020 (UTC)
===Category [[:Category:Armor|Armor]]===
[[File:IS7 mantlet weakspot.jpg|250px]]
* Add to Category:Armor and Remove from Category:In-game screenshots.

= m60t sabra to m60(family) =

i added sabra writing to m60(family) can you look what i have done? https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/506818-m60t-aka-sabra-mk-ii [[User:U73853576|U73853576]] ([[User talk:U73853576|talk]]) 09:38, 23 December 2020 (UTC)

= About References and sources; and user-created video guides. =

Hey there, it has come to my attention that one of the many topics that need some polishing (or filling as we'd call it back in the day) is torpedoes in general: first off, standardizing sources to simply Wikipedia (nowadays it works just well enough!) or rather other kind of military sources? (for example and as many people do, simply source the references with Wikipedia's sources instead of citing Wikipedia itself as the source).
Second, I believe it would be a great addition but rather high-effort to make video demonstrations of torpedo launches on aircraft, but that would need streamlining for the how-to as well (with technicalities such as video format, size, duration, which aircraft to choose in regards to torpedo models that can be used by several different planes, etc etc.); but I would not simply go and do it before a good format to follow. I invite anyone who wants to discuss that matter to my talk page as well: but I hope it is a topic that wants to be discussed. Keep up the good work!
I personally will focus on British torpedo pages for now; simply because it's the nation I personally have the most fleshed out.
--[[User:U47850888|U47850888]] ([[User talk:U47850888|talk]]) 09:28, 10 April 2021 (UTC)

= Torpedoes =
I will try and create a template for torpedo specs (Explosive mass, speed, etc), will post here for approval or modification (don't worry, I'm very used to waiting for mods to look onto templates) while I note down British torpedoes' stats ingame. --[[User:U47850888|U47850888]] ([[User talk:U47850888|talk]]) 10:06, 10 April 2021 (UTC)
: Templates for torpedoes already exist: [[WSP Table Templates#Ammunition]], see the table "Torpedo characteristics". Here is an example implemented: [[MTB-1 1 series#Additional armament]] --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 11:32, 10 April 2021 (UTC)

:: Thank you! I should've checked in first: then would be adding it to torpedo pages be okay (as I plan to)? Rather than it belonging only on the vehicle pages, it should be on the torpedo's page as well in my opinion, as for example, it is present on Naval vehicles, but isn't included for Air vehicles (In this case, the MTB-1 uses the [[18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)]] but the other users of the torpedo, such as the [[Beaufighter Mk VIc#Suspended Armament]]).

= Events =
Thanks for your comprehensive events summary, it's ridiculous this is not official part of the wiki.
Since the content of your Summer event page has not been approved, could you please include the template here also? [[User:U105837429|U105837429]] ([[User talk:U105837429|talk]]) 10:45, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

== Regarding your recent reversion on "F-4C Phantom II" ==

You didn't state any reason for the reversion, so I was just looking to see why it was done so it might not happen again. Did you take issue with the performance facts I listed? From my use of the aircraft in game that is the reality of how it performs. If you have it unlocked you could try it out yourself in a test flight (or a match if you want to blow the lions), it really isn't able to climb to its listed altitude or achieve its max speed on arcade, realistic, or simulator.

User talk:U44629479

2021-05-24T04:14:21Z

U4885444: /* regarding your recent reversion on "F-4C Phantom II" */ new section

= Talk page =
Hello Colok76286, it will be better for people to use this talk page to contact you and post questions/information as all posts here are immediately viewable and do not require a moderator to approve the message which is necessary on the User page. You can use your user page to annotate areas you are working on (such as the torpedoes) and maybe provide status updates on what you are specifically working on (it's up to you it is your space to work with). Also, using the talk page alerts you when you log back in that someone has left a new message for you, whereas this does not happen with the User Page. Good luck working with the torpedoes, they do need a little love and there is a lot of good information out there about them. -[[User:U64962917|U64962917]] ([[User talk:U64962917|talk]]) 12:21, 29 January 2020 (UTC)

= Award Request images =
Hello there!
First of all, thank you for all the edits you've been doing thus far on the Wiki.
I was looking through all the past edits in the last month, and noticed all the image work you and Jareel did. Given that many of the requested/missing award images are now up, do you still need the original award images?

Water multistrike--[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 07:32, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
: Hello, I don't need the pictures I uploaded anymore. You can totally delete them. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 11:32, 7 February 2020 (UTC)

=Tank mobility=
Hi! Thank you for your hard work but I basically made all the edits you've done obsolete. The wiki has a database with the tank weights, max speed, and spaded engine horsepowers(you can see them in the sidebar) so I made a template that taps into that and generated everything aside from stock engine power and addon armor weight. If you want to switch to the template then use <nowiki>{{tankMobility|abMinHp= number|rbMinHp= number|}}</nowiki>--[[User:U30585107|U30585107]] ([[User talk:U30585107|talk]]) 16:24, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
: That's even better. Thanks. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 21:07, 7 February 2020 (UTC)
::I don't think anyone has done any major errorchecking on the numbers. So if it's just 1 off like for max speed, I'd give it a pass as a rounding issue. If it's more than that send a message to the wiki admins. In the mean time you can overwrite the numbers with the parameters shown here [[Template:TankMobility]]--[[User:U30585107|U30585107]] ([[User talk:U30585107|talk]]) 15:49, 9 February 2020 (UTC)
Wow, great job, congrats on finally managing to add the template to every single tank page! We really appreciate the work you've put in here! - [[User:U38088265|U38088265]] ([[User talk:U38088265|talk]]) 11:10, 25 March 2020 (UTC)

= Forum profile =
Hello Colok76286,

Could you please send/give me a link to your war thunder forum profile.

Kindest Regards
Wiki Team
--[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 01:05, 5 March 2020 (UTC)

Please see your forum PM o7 --[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 23:04, 25 March 2020 (UTC)

= Indexing =
Thanks for updating the information regarding the quotation/question mark issue. I did not realize the question marks caused problems with indexing, good to know, I learn something new every day! Thanks! --[[User:U64962917|U64962917]] ([[User talk:U64962917|talk]]) 21:19, 8 March 2020 (UTC)
: Yes, I tried searching for tables with missing values replaced by ?.??, ??.??, ??? or ???? but the Wiki search engine returned no results. On the other hand, when searching for missing values filled with _.__, __._, __.__, __. ___ or ____, the search results were correct. --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 22:40, 8 March 2020 (UTC)

= List of images for deletion/modification =

== Files needing deletion ==
Files deleted --[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 07:50, 11 September 2020 (UTC)
Done --[[User:U1619975|U1619975]] ([[User talk:U1619975|talk]]) 10:16, 20 October 2020 (UTC)

;Module images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="100">
Image:Module_tank_suspension.jpg
Image:Module_tank_parts.jpg
Image:Module_tank_addonarmour.jpg
Image:Module tank adjustmentoffire.jpg
Image:Module tank airstrike.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCBC M61.jpg
Image:Module tank brakesystem.jpg
Image:Module tank elevationmechanism.jpg
Image:Module tank crewreplenishment.jpg
Image:Module tank engine.jpg
Image:Module tank filters.jpg
Image:Module tank tracks.jpg
Image:Module tank transmission.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo Smoke M89.jpg
Image:Module tank artillerysupport.jpg
Image:Module tank FPE.jpg
Image:Module tank horizontaldrive.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo Smoke M313.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCBC M82.jpg
Image:Module tank ammo APCR M304.jpg
</gallery>

;Other images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Matchmaker_Bf109SBMode.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage P-39Q-15 (USSR).png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage He 112 B-1 U2.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage Do 17 E-1.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage_Sea_Meteor_F_Mk_3.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Garage_Image_-_Potez_631.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:MTB 1.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:W.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Su-6 Modifications .png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:2020-11-08 (1).png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:EBR.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:EBR xray.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:MIG -21 PFM Parked in a Hanger.png|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:T72A_top.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:T72Aside.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

== Files needing categorization ==
The following must be allocated to a category but are protected by admin rights.
: All files listed were categorised. --[[User:U28580205|U28580205]] ([[User talk:U28580205|talk]]) 20:34, 15 May 2020 (UTC)
===Category [[:Category:Armor|Armor]]===
[[File:IS7 mantlet weakspot.jpg|250px]]
* Add to Category:Armor and Remove from Category:In-game screenshots.

= m60t sabra to m60(family) =

i added sabra writing to m60(family) can you look what i have done? https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/506818-m60t-aka-sabra-mk-ii [[User:U73853576|U73853576]] ([[User talk:U73853576|talk]]) 09:38, 23 December 2020 (UTC)

= About References and sources; and user-created video guides. =

Hey there, it has come to my attention that one of the many topics that need some polishing (or filling as we'd call it back in the day) is torpedoes in general: first off, standardizing sources to simply Wikipedia (nowadays it works just well enough!) or rather other kind of military sources? (for example and as many people do, simply source the references with Wikipedia's sources instead of citing Wikipedia itself as the source).
Second, I believe it would be a great addition but rather high-effort to make video demonstrations of torpedo launches on aircraft, but that would need streamlining for the how-to as well (with technicalities such as video format, size, duration, which aircraft to choose in regards to torpedo models that can be used by several different planes, etc etc.); but I would not simply go and do it before a good format to follow. I invite anyone who wants to discuss that matter to my talk page as well: but I hope it is a topic that wants to be discussed. Keep up the good work!
I personally will focus on British torpedo pages for now; simply because it's the nation I personally have the most fleshed out.
--[[User:U47850888|U47850888]] ([[User talk:U47850888|talk]]) 09:28, 10 April 2021 (UTC)

= Torpedoes =
I will try and create a template for torpedo specs (Explosive mass, speed, etc), will post here for approval or modification (don't worry, I'm very used to waiting for mods to look onto templates) while I note down British torpedoes' stats ingame. --[[User:U47850888|U47850888]] ([[User talk:U47850888|talk]]) 10:06, 10 April 2021 (UTC)
: Templates for torpedoes already exist: [[WSP Table Templates#Ammunition]], see the table "Torpedo characteristics". Here is an example implemented: [[MTB-1 1 series#Additional armament]] --[[User:U44629479|U44629479]] ([[User talk:U44629479|talk]]) 11:32, 10 April 2021 (UTC)

:: Thank you! I should've checked in first: then would be adding it to torpedo pages be okay (as I plan to)? Rather than it belonging only on the vehicle pages, it should be on the torpedo's page as well in my opinion, as for example, it is present on Naval vehicles, but isn't included for Air vehicles (In this case, the MTB-1 uses the [[18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)]] but the other users of the torpedo, such as the [[Beaufighter Mk VIc#Suspended Armament]]).

= Events =
Thanks for your comprehensive events summary, it's ridiculous this is not official part of the wiki.
Since the content of your Summer event page has not been approved, could you please include the template here also? [[User:U105837429|U105837429]] ([[User talk:U105837429|talk]]) 10:45, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

== regarding your recent reversion on "F-4C Phantom II" ==

You didn't state any reason for the reversion, so I was just looking to see why it was done so it might not happen again. Did you take issue with the performance facts I listed? From my use of the aircraft in game that is the reality of how it performs. If you have it unlocked you could try it out yourself in a test flight (or a match if you want to blow the lions), it really isn't able to climb to its listed altitude or achieve its max speed on arcade, realistic, or simulator.

F-4C Phantom II

2021-05-24T04:02:49Z

U4885444: /* Pros and cons */ removed untrue pro

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F-3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. More than capable as a dogfighter, it, however, has many options up its sleeve to deal with enemy aircraft it may encounter. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are solid missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' from the VF-111 ''Sundowners'' squadron.]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total! The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination, though, to prevent having to redesign the entire wing, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the {{PAGENAME}} needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the {{PAGENAME}} pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordinance on the wing hardpoints).

In game however, the aircraft cannot actually reach both its: listed maximum altitude of 16,000 meters or top speed of over 2,000 kph in game. In fact, after about 8,000-9,000 meters the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 meters. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at your desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for your actual average speed, you're more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Listed Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Listed Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,230 || 2,204 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.4 || 27.9 || 144.1 || 135.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.6 || 26.0 || 202.1 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 580 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,900 kg || colspan="2" | 402 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,610 kg || 18,124 kg || 19,799 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 0.97 || 0.83 || 0.76 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,910 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.13 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|''Fox-2, Fox-2'' - ROKAF '''{{PAGENAME}}''' launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile.]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an '''{{PAGENAME}}''' displaying the variance of suspended armament.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon in a SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pod (1,200 rpg)
* 2 x additional SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pods for a total of 3 x M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

It is rare for a fighter not to have any native offensive weapons, typically this is a situation you would find on a bomber. The {{PAGENAME}} is unique in that what it lacks in offensive weapons, it more than makes up for in suspended weapons. With a total of 11 hardpoint pylons, an array of guns, bombs, rockets and missiles can be added, fully customizing the mission to suit the needs of the pilot. The pilot has the choice of configuring for air-to-air, air-to-ground or a mixture of both (bombs and Bullpup rockets are ground attack only, missiles are air-to-air attack only while the cannons, Zuni and FFAR rockets can be used for both).

In regards to air-to-air combat, the {{PAGENAME}} is hard-pressed to find a competitor on equal footing, but that can be found with an exceptional pilot flying a less than equal aircraft. This fighter is fast and with its speed, it can relatively sneak up on enemy fighters by closing the gap on the field with its twin J79-GE-15 engines. Once in place and the enemy is in range, two options are available, guns or missiles? The M-61 Vulcan cannon can spew 20 mm rounds at the rate of just over 6,000 rounds per minute (roughly 100 per second), now multiply that by three (if the Phantom is configured for three gun pods) and you can see devastating firepower which will be difficult for any enemy aircraft to avoid. Even just quick bursts at a manoeuvring fighter can be enough to inflict critical damage or even blowing off a wing. Ground attack with the guns can be effective on lighter armoured vehicles with just a few quick bursts.

The AIM-9B and AIM-9E Sidewinders are the missile options available for the {{PAGENAME}}. During the Vietnam War, when US Air Force models of the Phantom like the F-4C and F-4D began operations, they did so without the capability of mounting AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles as the Navy models did, instead using the AIM-4 Falcon. Falcons had gained a reputation of not being reliable (not firing, not tracking, not exploding) so several squadrons had their fighters field-modified with the ability to mount their trusted Sidewinder missiles. Here on the {{PAGENAME}}, four Sidewinders are available and are effective at hounding down an aircraft when a lock is acquired. However, they are not guaranteed to hit, as a competent pilot can avoid them with hard maneuvering, flying towards the sun, etc. However these actions will often hamper the target's speed and situational awareness, making them an easier target to clean up with the cannons.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg ‎|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 ''Showtime-100'' '''{{PAGENAME}}''' unloading bombs in Vietnam.]]
Zuni and FFAR rockets can be utilised effectively against bombers or even against other fighters, especially during a head-on. Though unguided and not very accurate, usually a salvo of these rockets is enough to cause an enemy to panic into an unexpected manoeuvre. Usage of these rockets on ground targets works very well too. Again, with them being unguided, shooting them en masse ensure a greater possibility of one or more to hit the target. The AGM-12B Bullpup rockets are excellent rockets to use against ground targets, however, the one drawback is that it needs to be guided in by the pilot, so if there are any distractions to the pilot, the rocket will likely go off course and miss the target.

9,000 lbs. Yes, you read that number correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can carry up to 9,000 lbs of bombs, which is half of what a [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] bomber could carry, however, the Phantom is quite a bit more accurate dropping from much lower altitudes. Using combinations of 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs allows the pilot to pick targets accordingly. To ensure the {{PAGENAME}} is not left defenceless after the bombs are away, each configuration has at least one 20 mm cannon pod and/or AIM-9B missiles to go with it.

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} relies on brute force to get its job done. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. As a brute, the Phantom II muscles its way into a fight, it brings the big guns whether it is cannons, rockets, bombs, missiles or any combination of them and when it does bring them, it brings lots of them. When attacking a Phantom, don't assume it is just a fighter, interceptor or a bomber as it can switch roles on the fly depending on its suspended armament loadout and what needs to be done.

;Air-to-air

The {{PAGENAME}} was originally developed to be an all-weather fleet defensive interceptor for the U.S. Navy, however that role was already taken by the Vought F-8 Crusader, so going back to the drawing board, McDonnell engineers reconfigured the Phantom II so that it can be more versatile and be configured with weapons to suit the mission needed or the branch of military it would be flying for.<ref name="Hachette" /> Though large and intimidating, the Phantom II is a fast-moving beast of an aircraft which can hold its own in air-to-air combat. Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its speed, acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted which almost has a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is and should put enough holes in it with a few quick bursts to get a critical or even just destroy the enemy aircraft. Sometimes the cannons may not be the right option and for this, the AIM-9B comes into play. The Sidewinder missile is very effective and has a very low failure rate, though, in the hands of a good pilot, an enemy fighter does have a chance to evade the missile. The {{PAGENAME}} carries four AIM-9Bs and can utilize them to "spook" an enemy aircraft which might have an energy advantage to attempt energy bleeding manoeuvres to avoid the missile only inadvertently actually setting them up for an easy fly-by shot with the Phantom II's cannons. Missiles are also helpful for finishing off enemies that are unable to dodge them due to battle damage or a lack of energy.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are the best bet of the three as they were designed to be fired off in large groups to take down large bombers, however, the Phantom II can make use of them not only with bombers but also against fighters attempting a head-on pass or even aircraft landing on airfield in domination matches, as a salvo of missiles will end short their attempt to capture the airfield.

;Ground pounding

[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|450px|thumb|right|Fully loaded '''{{PAGENAME}}''' en route to bombing site.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a ''Mud Mover'' for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> One of the other configurations the McDonnell engineers designed the Phantom II for was to fit the role of a bomber. Knowing ahead of time this option would increase the fighters value as a force multiplier, the aircraft's wings were originally super strengthened to support eleven hardpoint pylons to allow for up to 9,000 lbs of bombs to be carried (''to keep this in perspective, two {{PAGENAME}}s with four crew members could carry the same max weight of bombs of what one B-29 bomber with a total crew of 10 could but could do it a lot faster and at a lot lower altitude'').
The bomb options for the Phantom II range from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs which will allow this fighter/bomber to virtually attack any ground target on the map to include large bases. As a bonus, once all of the bombs have been dropped, the F-4 will not be a sitting duck while waiting for the reload timer (arcade) or when heading back to base (realistic and simulator) to reload as each loadout option includes one 20 mm gun pod to allow for a continued attack. Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These rockets are a mixed bag for the pilot as they excel at being used against tanks due to their 250 lb warhead; however, on the flip side, these rockets are MCLOS (manual command line of sight) which requires the Phantom II pilot to guide the rocket all the way to the target. Any cause for pilot deviation could potentially throw the Bullpup off course. During the guiding phase of Bullpup on the way to the target, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy aircraft and must keep a visual on the target until the rocket hits its target.

;Bait attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

;Most dangerous enemies

MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can typically outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the internal 30 mm cannon(s) can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]],[[MiG-21MF (Germany) | MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38's]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38's and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21's and Yak-38's, the [[SRAAM]]'s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in a power climb.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Centre-line gun pod is available in all load-out configurations no matter the desired secondary ordnance, but can also be removed in certain load-outs for a performance boost
* Wide variety of payload options to include 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* Has access to the AIM-9B/E Sidewinders and the AIM-7D Sparrow air-to-air missiles
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a larger aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* No countermeasures
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures
* AIM-9E unavailable in air-to-ground loadouts

 
{{Notice|'''Fun Fact''': The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have ''12,500'' small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 ''Bat'' (also known as ''Moonbat''), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the ''Phantom II'' which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the '''F-4C''' and '''F-4D''' fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible.]]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== Citations ===
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

=== Biblography ===

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2021-05-24T03:58:48Z

U4885444: Aim-9E con

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F-3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. More than capable as a dogfighter, it, however, has many options up its sleeve to deal with enemy aircraft it may encounter. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are solid missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' from the VF-111 ''Sundowners'' squadron.]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total! The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination, though, to prevent having to redesign the entire wing, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the {{PAGENAME}} needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the {{PAGENAME}} pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordinance on the wing hardpoints).

In game however, the aircraft cannot actually reach both its: listed maximum altitude of 16,000 meters or top speed of over 2,000 kph in game. In fact, after about 8,000-9,000 meters the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 meters. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at your desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for your actual average speed, you're more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Listed Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Listed Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,230 || 2,204 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.4 || 27.9 || 144.1 || 135.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.6 || 26.0 || 202.1 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 580 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,900 kg || colspan="2" | 402 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,610 kg || 18,124 kg || 19,799 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 0.97 || 0.83 || 0.76 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,910 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.13 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|''Fox-2, Fox-2'' - ROKAF '''{{PAGENAME}}''' launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile.]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an '''{{PAGENAME}}''' displaying the variance of suspended armament.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon in a SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pod (1,200 rpg)
* 2 x additional SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pods for a total of 3 x M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

It is rare for a fighter not to have any native offensive weapons, typically this is a situation you would find on a bomber. The {{PAGENAME}} is unique in that what it lacks in offensive weapons, it more than makes up for in suspended weapons. With a total of 11 hardpoint pylons, an array of guns, bombs, rockets and missiles can be added, fully customizing the mission to suit the needs of the pilot. The pilot has the choice of configuring for air-to-air, air-to-ground or a mixture of both (bombs and Bullpup rockets are ground attack only, missiles are air-to-air attack only while the cannons, Zuni and FFAR rockets can be used for both).

In regards to air-to-air combat, the {{PAGENAME}} is hard-pressed to find a competitor on equal footing, but that can be found with an exceptional pilot flying a less than equal aircraft. This fighter is fast and with its speed, it can relatively sneak up on enemy fighters by closing the gap on the field with its twin J79-GE-15 engines. Once in place and the enemy is in range, two options are available, guns or missiles? The M-61 Vulcan cannon can spew 20 mm rounds at the rate of just over 6,000 rounds per minute (roughly 100 per second), now multiply that by three (if the Phantom is configured for three gun pods) and you can see devastating firepower which will be difficult for any enemy aircraft to avoid. Even just quick bursts at a manoeuvring fighter can be enough to inflict critical damage or even blowing off a wing. Ground attack with the guns can be effective on lighter armoured vehicles with just a few quick bursts.

The AIM-9B and AIM-9E Sidewinders are the missile options available for the {{PAGENAME}}. During the Vietnam War, when US Air Force models of the Phantom like the F-4C and F-4D began operations, they did so without the capability of mounting AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles as the Navy models did, instead using the AIM-4 Falcon. Falcons had gained a reputation of not being reliable (not firing, not tracking, not exploding) so several squadrons had their fighters field-modified with the ability to mount their trusted Sidewinder missiles. Here on the {{PAGENAME}}, four Sidewinders are available and are effective at hounding down an aircraft when a lock is acquired. However, they are not guaranteed to hit, as a competent pilot can avoid them with hard maneuvering, flying towards the sun, etc. However these actions will often hamper the target's speed and situational awareness, making them an easier target to clean up with the cannons.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg ‎|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 ''Showtime-100'' '''{{PAGENAME}}''' unloading bombs in Vietnam.]]
Zuni and FFAR rockets can be utilised effectively against bombers or even against other fighters, especially during a head-on. Though unguided and not very accurate, usually a salvo of these rockets is enough to cause an enemy to panic into an unexpected manoeuvre. Usage of these rockets on ground targets works very well too. Again, with them being unguided, shooting them en masse ensure a greater possibility of one or more to hit the target. The AGM-12B Bullpup rockets are excellent rockets to use against ground targets, however, the one drawback is that it needs to be guided in by the pilot, so if there are any distractions to the pilot, the rocket will likely go off course and miss the target.

9,000 lbs. Yes, you read that number correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can carry up to 9,000 lbs of bombs, which is half of what a [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] bomber could carry, however, the Phantom is quite a bit more accurate dropping from much lower altitudes. Using combinations of 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs allows the pilot to pick targets accordingly. To ensure the {{PAGENAME}} is not left defenceless after the bombs are away, each configuration has at least one 20 mm cannon pod and/or AIM-9B missiles to go with it.

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} relies on brute force to get its job done. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. As a brute, the Phantom II muscles its way into a fight, it brings the big guns whether it is cannons, rockets, bombs, missiles or any combination of them and when it does bring them, it brings lots of them. When attacking a Phantom, don't assume it is just a fighter, interceptor or a bomber as it can switch roles on the fly depending on its suspended armament loadout and what needs to be done.

;Air-to-air

The {{PAGENAME}} was originally developed to be an all-weather fleet defensive interceptor for the U.S. Navy, however that role was already taken by the Vought F-8 Crusader, so going back to the drawing board, McDonnell engineers reconfigured the Phantom II so that it can be more versatile and be configured with weapons to suit the mission needed or the branch of military it would be flying for.<ref name="Hachette" /> Though large and intimidating, the Phantom II is a fast-moving beast of an aircraft which can hold its own in air-to-air combat. Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its speed, acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted which almost has a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is and should put enough holes in it with a few quick bursts to get a critical or even just destroy the enemy aircraft. Sometimes the cannons may not be the right option and for this, the AIM-9B comes into play. The Sidewinder missile is very effective and has a very low failure rate, though, in the hands of a good pilot, an enemy fighter does have a chance to evade the missile. The {{PAGENAME}} carries four AIM-9Bs and can utilize them to "spook" an enemy aircraft which might have an energy advantage to attempt energy bleeding manoeuvres to avoid the missile only inadvertently actually setting them up for an easy fly-by shot with the Phantom II's cannons. Missiles are also helpful for finishing off enemies that are unable to dodge them due to battle damage or a lack of energy.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are the best bet of the three as they were designed to be fired off in large groups to take down large bombers, however, the Phantom II can make use of them not only with bombers but also against fighters attempting a head-on pass or even aircraft landing on airfield in domination matches, as a salvo of missiles will end short their attempt to capture the airfield.

;Ground pounding

[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|450px|thumb|right|Fully loaded '''{{PAGENAME}}''' en route to bombing site.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a ''Mud Mover'' for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> One of the other configurations the McDonnell engineers designed the Phantom II for was to fit the role of a bomber. Knowing ahead of time this option would increase the fighters value as a force multiplier, the aircraft's wings were originally super strengthened to support eleven hardpoint pylons to allow for up to 9,000 lbs of bombs to be carried (''to keep this in perspective, two {{PAGENAME}}s with four crew members could carry the same max weight of bombs of what one B-29 bomber with a total crew of 10 could but could do it a lot faster and at a lot lower altitude'').
The bomb options for the Phantom II range from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs which will allow this fighter/bomber to virtually attack any ground target on the map to include large bases. As a bonus, once all of the bombs have been dropped, the F-4 will not be a sitting duck while waiting for the reload timer (arcade) or when heading back to base (realistic and simulator) to reload as each loadout option includes one 20 mm gun pod to allow for a continued attack. Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These rockets are a mixed bag for the pilot as they excel at being used against tanks due to their 250 lb warhead; however, on the flip side, these rockets are MCLOS (manual command line of sight) which requires the Phantom II pilot to guide the rocket all the way to the target. Any cause for pilot deviation could potentially throw the Bullpup off course. During the guiding phase of Bullpup on the way to the target, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy aircraft and must keep a visual on the target until the rocket hits its target.

;Bait attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

;Most dangerous enemies

MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can typically outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the internal 30 mm cannon(s) can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]],[[MiG-21MF (Germany) | MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38's]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38's and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21's and Yak-38's, the [[SRAAM]]'s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in a power climb.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Centre-line gun pod is available in all load-out configurations no matter the desired secondary ordnance, but can also be removed in certain load-outs for a performance boost
* Wide variety of payload options to include 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* One of the fastest aircraft in the game pushing Mach 2
* Has access to the AIM-9B/E Sidewinders and the AIM-7D Sparrow air-to-air missiles
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a larger aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* No countermeasures
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures
* AIM-9E unavailable in air-to-ground loadouts

 
{{Notice|'''Fun Fact''': The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have ''12,500'' small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 ''Bat'' (also known as ''Moonbat''), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the ''Phantom II'' which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the '''F-4C''' and '''F-4D''' fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible.]]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== Citations ===
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

=== Biblography ===

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2021-05-17T23:20:31Z

U4885444: /* Flight performance */ more performance quirks and cons added

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F-3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. More than capable as a dogfighter, it, however, has many options up its sleeve to deal with enemy aircraft it may encounter. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are solid missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' from the VF-111 ''Sundowners'' squadron.]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total! The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination, though, to prevent having to redesign the entire wing, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the {{PAGENAME}} needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the {{PAGENAME}} pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind. Furthermore, beware pulling negative G's as this can result in a broken wing quite easily (especially if equipped with ordinance on the wing hardpoints).

In game however, the aircraft cannot actually reach both its: listed maximum altitude of 16,000 meters or top speed of over 2,000 kph in game. In fact, after about 8,000-9,000 meters the aircraft starts to slowly lose nearly all lift and eventually plateaus at 12,132 meters. In order to reach higher altitudes one must go supersonic, enter a steep climb, and then level off at your desired altitude (although currently this serves little to no gameplay purpose). As for your actual average speed, you're more likely to just barely break Mach 1 after about 30-40 seconds of level flight at any altitude with all upgrades (so keep this in mind when attempting to boom and zoom or outrun an opponent).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Listed Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Listed Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,230 || 2,204 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.4 || 27.9 || 144.1 || 135.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.6 || 26.0 || 202.1 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 580 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,900 kg || colspan="2" | 402 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,610 kg || 18,124 kg || 19,799 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 0.97 || 0.83 || 0.76 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,910 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.13 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|''Fox-2, Fox-2'' - ROKAF '''{{PAGENAME}}''' launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile.]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an '''{{PAGENAME}}''' displaying the variance of suspended armament.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon in a SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pod (1,200 rpg)
* 2 x additional SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pods for a total of 3 x M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

It is rare for a fighter not to have any native offensive weapons, typically this is a situation you would find on a bomber. The {{PAGENAME}} is unique in that what it lacks in offensive weapons, it more than makes up for in suspended weapons. With a total of 11 hardpoint pylons, an array of guns, bombs, rockets and missiles can be added, fully customizing the mission to suit the needs of the pilot. The pilot has the choice of configuring for air-to-air, air-to-ground or a mixture of both (bombs and Bullpup rockets are ground attack only, missiles are air-to-air attack only while the cannons, Zuni and FFAR rockets can be used for both).

In regards to air-to-air combat, the {{PAGENAME}} is hard-pressed to find a competitor on equal footing, but that can be found with an exceptional pilot flying a less than equal aircraft. This fighter is fast and with its speed, it can relatively sneak up on enemy fighters by closing the gap on the field with its twin J79-GE-15 engines. Once in place and the enemy is in range, two options are available, guns or missiles? The M-61 Vulcan cannon can spew 20 mm rounds at the rate of just over 6,000 rounds per minute (roughly 100 per second), now multiply that by three (if the Phantom is configured for three gun pods) and you can see devastating firepower which will be difficult for any enemy aircraft to avoid. Even just quick bursts at a manoeuvring fighter can be enough to inflict critical damage or even blowing off a wing. Ground attack with the guns can be effective on lighter armoured vehicles with just a few quick bursts.

The AIM-9B and AIM-9E Sidewinders are the missile options available for the {{PAGENAME}}. During the Vietnam War, when US Air Force models of the Phantom like the F-4C and F-4D began operations, they did so without the capability of mounting AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles as the Navy models did, instead using the AIM-4 Falcon. Falcons had gained a reputation of not being reliable (not firing, not tracking, not exploding) so several squadrons had their fighters field-modified with the ability to mount their trusted Sidewinder missiles. Here on the {{PAGENAME}}, four Sidewinders are available and are effective at hounding down an aircraft when a lock is acquired. However, they are not guaranteed to hit, as a competent pilot can avoid them with hard maneuvering, flying towards the sun, etc. However these actions will often hamper the target's speed and situational awareness, making them an easier target to clean up with the cannons.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg ‎|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 ''Showtime-100'' '''{{PAGENAME}}''' unloading bombs in Vietnam.]]
Zuni and FFAR rockets can be utilised effectively against bombers or even against other fighters, especially during a head-on. Though unguided and not very accurate, usually a salvo of these rockets is enough to cause an enemy to panic into an unexpected manoeuvre. Usage of these rockets on ground targets works very well too. Again, with them being unguided, shooting them en masse ensure a greater possibility of one or more to hit the target. The AGM-12B Bullpup rockets are excellent rockets to use against ground targets, however, the one drawback is that it needs to be guided in by the pilot, so if there are any distractions to the pilot, the rocket will likely go off course and miss the target.

9,000 lbs. Yes, you read that number correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can carry up to 9,000 lbs of bombs, which is half of what a [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] bomber could carry, however, the Phantom is quite a bit more accurate dropping from much lower altitudes. Using combinations of 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs allows the pilot to pick targets accordingly. To ensure the {{PAGENAME}} is not left defenceless after the bombs are away, each configuration has at least one 20 mm cannon pod and/or AIM-9B missiles to go with it.

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} relies on brute force to get its job done. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. As a brute, the Phantom II muscles its way into a fight, it brings the big guns whether it is cannons, rockets, bombs, missiles or any combination of them and when it does bring them, it brings lots of them. When attacking a Phantom, don't assume it is just a fighter, interceptor or a bomber as it can switch roles on the fly depending on its suspended armament loadout and what needs to be done.

;Air-to-air

The {{PAGENAME}} was originally developed to be an all-weather fleet defensive interceptor for the U.S. Navy, however that role was already taken by the Vought F-8 Crusader, so going back to the drawing board, McDonnell engineers reconfigured the Phantom II so that it can be more versatile and be configured with weapons to suit the mission needed or the branch of military it would be flying for.<ref name="Hachette" /> Though large and intimidating, the Phantom II is a fast-moving beast of an aircraft which can hold its own in air-to-air combat. Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its speed, acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted which almost has a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is and should put enough holes in it with a few quick bursts to get a critical or even just destroy the enemy aircraft. Sometimes the cannons may not be the right option and for this, the AIM-9B comes into play. The Sidewinder missile is very effective and has a very low failure rate, though, in the hands of a good pilot, an enemy fighter does have a chance to evade the missile. The {{PAGENAME}} carries four AIM-9Bs and can utilize them to "spook" an enemy aircraft which might have an energy advantage to attempt energy bleeding manoeuvres to avoid the missile only inadvertently actually setting them up for an easy fly-by shot with the Phantom II's cannons. Missiles are also helpful for finishing off enemies that are unable to dodge them due to battle damage or a lack of energy.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are the best bet of the three as they were designed to be fired off in large groups to take down large bombers, however, the Phantom II can make use of them not only with bombers but also against fighters attempting a head-on pass or even aircraft landing on airfield in domination matches, as a salvo of missiles will end short their attempt to capture the airfield.

;Ground pounding

[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|450px|thumb|right|Fully loaded '''{{PAGENAME}}''' en route to bombing site.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a ''Mud Mover'' for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> One of the other configurations the McDonnell engineers designed the Phantom II for was to fit the role of a bomber. Knowing ahead of time this option would increase the fighters value as a force multiplier, the aircraft's wings were originally super strengthened to support eleven hardpoint pylons to allow for up to 9,000 lbs of bombs to be carried (''to keep this in perspective, two {{PAGENAME}}s with four crew members could carry the same max weight of bombs of what one B-29 bomber with a total crew of 10 could but could do it a lot faster and at a lot lower altitude'').
The bomb options for the Phantom II range from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs which will allow this fighter/bomber to virtually attack any ground target on the map to include large bases. As a bonus, once all of the bombs have been dropped, the F-4 will not be a sitting duck while waiting for the reload timer (arcade) or when heading back to base (realistic and simulator) to reload as each loadout option includes one 20 mm gun pod to allow for a continued attack. Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These rockets are a mixed bag for the pilot as they excel at being used against tanks due to their 250 lb warhead; however, on the flip side, these rockets are MCLOS (manual command line of sight) which requires the Phantom II pilot to guide the rocket all the way to the target. Any cause for pilot deviation could potentially throw the Bullpup off course. During the guiding phase of Bullpup on the way to the target, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy aircraft and must keep a visual on the target until the rocket hits its target.

;Bait attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

;Most dangerous enemies

MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can typically outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the internal 30 mm cannon(s) can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the finishing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]],[[MiG-21MF (Germany) | MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38's]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38's and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21's and Yak-38's, the [[SRAAM]]'s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in a power climb.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Centre-line gun pod is available in all load-out configurations no matter the desired secondary ordnance, but can also be removed in certain load-outs for a performance boost
* Wide variety of payload options to include 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* One of the fastest aircraft in the game pushing Mach 2
* Has access to the AIM-9B/E Sidewinders and the AIM-7D Sparrow air-to-air missiles
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Decent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a larger aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* Has a low negative G limit, causing wings to snap easily
* No countermeasures
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing
* Cannot reach listed listed max speed/altitude performance figures

 
{{Notice|'''Fun Fact''': The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have ''12,500'' small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 ''Bat'' (also known as ''Moonbat''), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the ''Phantom II'' which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the '''F-4C''' and '''F-4D''' fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible.]]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== Citations ===
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

=== Biblography ===

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2021-05-13T16:05:23Z

U4885444: grammar fixes and update to include the mirages

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F-3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. More than capable as a dogfighter, it, however, has many options up its sleeve to deal with enemy aircraft it may encounter. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are solid missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' from the VF-111 ''Sundowners'' squadron.]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total! The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination, though, to prevent having to redesign the entire wing, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the {{PAGENAME}} needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the {{PAGENAME}} pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,230 || 2,204 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.4 || 27.9 || 144.1 || 135.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.6 || 26.0 || 202.1 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 580 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,900 kg || colspan="2" | 402 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,610 kg || 18,124 kg || 19,799 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 0.97 || 0.83 || 0.76 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,910 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.13 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|''Fox-2, Fox-2'' - ROKAF '''{{PAGENAME}}''' launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile.]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an '''{{PAGENAME}}''' displaying the variance of suspended armament.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon in a SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pod (1,200 rpg)
* 2 x additional SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pods for a total of 3 x M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

It is rare for a fighter not to have any native offensive weapons, typically this is a situation you would find on a bomber. The {{PAGENAME}} is unique in that what it lacks in offensive weapons, it more than makes up for in suspended weapons. With a total of 11 hardpoint pylons, an array of guns, bombs, rockets and missiles can be added, fully customizing the mission to suit the needs of the pilot. The pilot has the choice of configuring for air-to-air, air-to-ground or a mixture of both (bombs and Bullpup rockets are ground attack only, missiles are air-to-air attack only while the cannons, Zuni and FFAR rockets can be used for both).

In regards to air-to-air combat, the {{PAGENAME}} is hard-pressed to find a competitor on equal footing, but that can be found with an exceptional pilot flying a less than equal aircraft. This fighter is fast and with its speed, it can relatively sneak up on enemy fighters by closing the gap on the field with its twin J79-GE-15 engines. Once in place and the enemy is in range, two options are available, guns or missiles? The M-61 Vulcan cannon can spew 20 mm rounds at the rate of just over 6,000 rounds per minute (roughly 100 per second), now multiply that by three (if the Phantom is configured for three gun pods) and you can see devastating firepower which will be difficult for any enemy aircraft to avoid. Even just quick bursts at a manoeuvring fighter can be enough to inflict critical damage or even blowing off a wing. Ground attack with the guns can be effective on lighter armoured vehicles with just a few quick bursts.

The AIM-9B and AIM-9E Sidewinders are the missile options available for the {{PAGENAME}}. During the Vietnam War, when US Air Force models of the Phantom like the F-4C and F-4D began operations, they did so without the capability of mounting AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles as the Navy models did, instead using the AIM-4 Falcon. Falcons had gained a reputation of not being reliable (not firing, not tracking, not exploding) so several squadrons had their fighters field-modified with the ability to mount their trusted Sidewinder missiles. Here on the {{PAGENAME}}, four Sidewinders are available and are effective at hounding down an aircraft when a lock is acquired. However, they are not guaranteed to hit, as a competent pilot can avoid them with hard maneuvering, flying towards the sun, etc. However these actions will often hamper the target's speed and situational awareness, making them an easier target to clean up with the cannons.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg ‎|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 ''Showtime-100'' '''{{PAGENAME}}''' unloading bombs in Vietnam.]]
Zuni and FFAR rockets can be utilised effectively against bombers or even against other fighters, especially during a head-on. Though unguided and not very accurate, usually a salvo of these rockets is enough to cause an enemy to panic into an unexpected manoeuvre. Usage of these rockets on ground targets works very well too. Again, with them being unguided, shooting them en masse ensure a greater possibility of one or more to hit the target. The AGM-12B Bullpup rockets are excellent rockets to use against ground targets, however, the one drawback is that it needs to be guided in by the pilot, so if there are any distractions to the pilot, the rocket will likely go off course and miss the target.

9,000 lbs. Yes, you read that number correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can carry up to 9,000 lbs of bombs, which is half of what a [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] bomber could carry, however, the Phantom is quite a bit more accurate dropping from much lower altitudes. Using combinations of 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs allows the pilot to pick targets accordingly. To ensure the {{PAGENAME}} is not left defenceless after the bombs are away, each configuration has at least one 20 mm cannon pod and/or AIM-9B missiles to go with it.

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} relies on brute force to get its job done. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. As a brute, the Phantom II muscles its way into a fight, it brings the big guns whether it is cannons, rockets, bombs, missiles or any combination of them and when it does bring them, it brings lots of them. When attacking a Phantom, don't assume it is just a fighter, interceptor or a bomber as it can switch roles on the fly depending on its suspended armament loadout and what needs to be done.

;Air-to-air

The {{PAGENAME}} was originally developed to be an all-weather fleet defensive interceptor for the U.S. Navy, however that role was already taken by the Vought F-8 Crusader, so going back to the drawing board, McDonnell engineers reconfigured the Phantom II so that it can be more versatile and be configured with weapons to suit the mission needed or the branch of military it would be flying for.<ref name="Hachette" /> Though large and intimidating, the Phantom II is a fast-moving beast of an aircraft which can hold its own in air-to-air combat. Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its speed, acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted which almost has a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is and should put enough holes in it with a few quick bursts to get a critical or even just destroy the enemy aircraft. Sometimes the cannons may not be the right option and for this, the AIM-9B comes into play. The Sidewinder missile is very effective and has a very low failure rate, though, in the hands of a good pilot, an enemy fighter does have a chance to evade the missile. The {{PAGENAME}} carries four AIM-9Bs and can utilize them to "spook" an enemy aircraft which might have an energy advantage to attempt energy bleeding manoeuvres to avoid the missile only inadvertently actually setting them up for an easy fly-by kill with the Phantom II's cannons. Missiles are also helpful for finishing off enemies that are unable to dodge them due to battle damage or a lack of energy.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are the best bet of the three as they were designed to be fired off in large groups to take down large bombers, however, the Phantom II can make use of them not only with bombers but also against fighters attempting a head-on pass or even aircraft landing on airfield in domination matches, as a salvo of missiles will end short their attempt to capture the airfield.

;Ground pounding

[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|450px|thumb|right|Fully loaded '''{{PAGENAME}}''' en route to bombing site.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a ''Mud Mover'' for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> One of the other configurations the McDonnell engineers designed the Phantom II for was to fit the role of a bomber. Knowing ahead of time this option would increase the fighters value as a force multiplier, the aircraft's wings were originally super strengthened to support eleven hardpoint pylons to allow for up to 9,000 lbs of bombs to be carried (''to keep this in perspective, two {{PAGENAME}}s with four crew members could carry the same max weight of bombs of what one B-29 bomber with a total crew of 10 could but could do it a lot faster and at a lot lower altitude'').
The bomb options for the Phantom II range from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs which will allow this fighter/bomber to virtually attack any ground target on the map to include large bases. As a bonus, once all of the bombs have been dropped, the F-4 will not be a sitting duck while waiting for the reload timer (arcade) or when heading back to base (realistic and simulator) to reload as each loadout option includes one 20 mm gun pod to allow for a continued attack. Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These rockets are a mixed bag for the pilot as they excel at being used against tanks due to their 250 lb warhead; however, on the flip side, these rockets are MCLOS (manual command line of sight) which requires the Phantom II pilot to guide the rocket all the way to the target. Any cause for pilot deviation could potentially throw the Bullpup off course. During the guiding phase of Bullpup on the way to the target, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy aircraft and must keep a visual on the target until the rocket hits its target.

;Bait attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

;Most dangerous enemies

MiG fighters, Mirages, and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can typically outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 and the Mirages are comparable with the F-4, whereas aircraft such as the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry the R-3S/PL-2, missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the internal 30 mm cannon(s) can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. The best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100% it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the killing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, Mirage, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape. Although with the Phantoms and Mirages, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods (from the Phantoms) or taking a radar guided missile to the face (from both the Phantoms and the Mirages). Be wary of aircraft like the [[Mirage IIIC]], [[Mirage IIIE]], [[MiG-21SMT]],[[MiG-21MF (Germany) | MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38's]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38's and Mirages) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21's and Yak-38's, the [[SRAAM]]'s for the Hunter and Harrier, and the [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missile for the Mirages respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in a power climb.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Centre-line gun pod is available in all load-out configurations no matter the desired secondary ordnance, but can also be removed in certain load-outs for a performance boost
* Wide variety of payload options to include 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* One of the fastest aircraft in the game pushing Mach 2
* Has access to the AIM-9B/E Sidewinders and the AIM-7D Sparrow air-to-air missiles
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Excellent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a larger aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* No countermeasures
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing

 
{{Notice|'''Fun Fact''': The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have ''12,500'' small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 ''Bat'' (also known as ''Moonbat''), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the ''Phantom II'' which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the '''F-4C''' and '''F-4D''' fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible.]]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== Citations ===
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

=== Biblography ===

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-4C Phantom II

2021-05-12T20:01:26Z

U4885444: updates to bad matchups and cons

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

Development of fighter aircraft attempts to balance size, speed, armament and manoeuvrability to come up with the perfect fighter. Due to the difficulties and challenges of bundling all of these in one aircraft, many different varieties have been developed through the years which highlighted one or more aspects but rarely all in one. And sometimes the mould had to be broken and the motto "bigger IS better" came into play. Due to these such heavyweight fighters like the [[P-61C-1|P-61]], [[Me 410 (Family)|Me 410]], [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], [[J5N1]] and [[SM.91]] were developed to fly faster, remain manoeuvrable and carry heavier weapons and ordnance, sometimes much heavier than their lighter counterparts. The {{PAGENAME}} is no exception, originally developed as a souped-up F-3H Demon, this fighter was modified into a larger, heavier, faster fighter-interceptor/bomber that the U.S. Navy didn't realize it needed and when it did, it went all in.<ref name="Hachette" />

The imposing {{PAGENAME}} can seem a bit intimidating at first due to its size, but the pilot will quickly find that with the dual J79-GE-15 engines that this fighter is no slouch. Going from takeoff, acceleration in a climb and to level flight the {{PAGENAME}} will move and is quite agile for an aircraft of its size. More than capable as a dogfighter, it, however, has many options up its sleeve to deal with enemy aircraft it may encounter. Pilots new to the {{PAGENAME}} will initially be set up with an M61 20 mm cannon. Due to this aircraft not being configured with an internal cannon, one was required to be mounted on a centre-line pylon. Options become available to mount two additional 20 mm cannon gun pods, one under each wing which all together will spew out a slew of 20 mm rounds acting like a shotgun effect even at >500 m. [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles round out the Phantom's anti-air capabilities and are solid missiles to use against enemy aircraft which will cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid the missile. In the event that happens, be ready with the cannons for backup as the enemy pilot should be an easy target after bleeding all of their speed and energy avoiding the missile.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 002.jpg|350px|thumb|left|Bird's eye view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' from the VF-111 ''Sundowners'' squadron.]]

Another arena where the {{PAGENAME}} shines is in the ground-pounding or ground attack function of the aircraft. With eleven hardpoints, this fighter/bomber can be configured in many different ways to carry a combination of guns, bombs and rockets. When it comes to bombs, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to use either 250 lb, 500 lb, 750 lb or 1,000 lb bombs and can hold upwards of 9,000 lbs total! The Phantom also has three different rocket types to choose from, depending on the targets you are going after. These range from anti-tank AGM-12B and AGM-12C Bullpup guided rockets, Zuni Mk32 anti-tank rockets and the small but powerful FFAR Mighty Mouse in a volume of 228, which can be devastating when used en masse.

The amazing F-4 Phantom II was state-of-the-art in its day and even 60 years later, several countries are still utilising this iconic fighter/bomber as a force multiplier with their air forces today. This fighter coupled with a pilots skill and determination can help alter the outcome in the jet-battle matches.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


The {{PAGENAME}} is an incredibly stable aircraft, however from the way its wingtips and tailplanes look, one might think otherwise. Due to extensive wind tunnel testing, McDonnell engineers determined that by canting the tailplanes downward at a 23° anhedral (inclination) the stability and stall recovery characteristics of the aircraft dramatically improved and in the same fashion they didn't interfere with the engine's jet exhaust. The wings, on the other hand, were developed to be extremely strong to support large suspended armaments; however, they needed to be given a 5° upward inclination, though, to prevent having to redesign the entire wing, the engineers elected to just raise the wingtips at 12° dihedral which averaged the wing at the necessary 5°. The iconic shape of the {{PAGENAME}} was set.<ref name="Hachette" />

With the airframe, wings and tailplanes set in place, the fighter became a stable and solid aircraft. Stability is especially critical with a jet which closes in on the Mach 2 mark. Early speed trials identified flaws in the aircraft which at times proved fatal, but corrections and modifications for later aircraft increased their stability and airworthiness which saved many pilots with damaged aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 engines which are necessary to keep the fighter/bomber in the sky, especially with heavy ordnance loads, however, these engines don't bog down too much under heavy loads as it will still accelerate in a climb, during level flight and during a dive. A testament to the jet and its engines, during one altitude test, the F-4 flew Mach 2 all the way to 90,000 feet where the engines were shut off and the plane coasted up to 98,000 ft, slowing to almost 45 mph and upon dropping back to Earth, fired up its engines at around 70,000 ft and successfully landed.

The Phantom II has the speed and acceleration and also has sufficient manoeuvrability. As a low altitude bomber, the {{PAGENAME}} needed to be manoeuvrable or else it would have been an easier target for either the MiG fighters or the anti-aircraft ground fire. Even with heavy ordnance loads, the Phantom II could still shimmy into position, release its ordnance and then rocket away to a higher altitude. Pilots found out early on that some MiG fighters like the -17 were extremely manoeuvrable and had to be prepared to nullify the target to prevent the MiG from getting behind them.
For the {{PAGENAME}} pilot, it is important when bombing targets to keep a look around and watch for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in, attack the ground target and rocket up to safety. When flying at altitude, be careful not to get into a turning fight as the Phantom is a very heavy aircraft and does not turn very well, instead fly fast and work with Boom & Zoom techniques and always watch your six as a MiG may try to sneak up from behind.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,192 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,230 || 2,204 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.4 || 27.9 || 144.1 || 135.0 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,362 || 2,288 || 25.6 || 26.0 || 202.1 || 172.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 580 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-15 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,900 kg || colspan="2" | 402 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel
|-
| 1,720 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,610 kg || 18,124 kg || 19,799 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 32m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,910 kgf || 7,561 kgf
| 0.97 || 0.83 || 0.76 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,910 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,856 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.13 || 0.98 || 0.89 || 0.74
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

[[File:F 4 phantom sgtroach.png|350px|thumb|right|''Fox-2, Fox-2'' - ROKAF '''{{PAGENAME}}''' launching an [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder missile.]]
Due to the sheer weight of the {{PAGENAME}} it is surprising to note that there is no armour plating nor any bulletproof canopies. Littered with eight fuel tanks, one in each wing and the other six in the fuselage right above the engines, there isn't much protection for the self-sealing tanks. The Phantom pilot will need to be cognizant of where enemy aircraft are behind them to ensure they prevent their aircraft from taking damage as speed and manoeuvrability are the keys to survival and if lost, there is not much hope for the fighter.

For those aircraft attacking the {{PAGENAME}}, when using machine guns and cannons you can try to blow off a wing or snipe the pilot, however, your best bet will be to aim for centre fuselage where you have the greatest chance of hitting several fuel tanks or even the engines. Firing missiles will cause the pilot to take evasive manoeuvres which may cause the aircraft to pitch up or down which will expose the greatest surface area allowing your guns or cannons to finish the fight as for without any armour, only the thin metal skin separates the incoming bullets from critical {{PAGENAME}} components.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:F 4 phantom news001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Three-quarter view of an '''{{PAGENAME}}''' displaying the variance of suspended armament.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AGM-12C Bullpup|AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon in a SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pod (1,200 rpg)
* 2 x additional SUU-16/SUU-23 gun pods for a total of 3 x M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon + 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7D Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

It is rare for a fighter not to have any native offensive weapons, typically this is a situation you would find on a bomber. The {{PAGENAME}} is unique in that what it lacks in offensive weapons, it more than makes up for in suspended weapons. With a total of 11 hardpoint pylons, an array of guns, bombs, rockets and missiles can be added, fully customizing the mission to suit the needs of the pilot. The pilot has the choice of configuring for air-to-air, air-to-ground or a mixture of both (bombs and Bullpup rockets are ground attack only, missiles are air-to-air attack only while the cannons, Zuni and FFAR rockets can be used for both).

In regards to air-to-air combat, the {{PAGENAME}} is hard-pressed to find a competitor on equal footing, but that can be found with an exceptional pilot flying a less than equal aircraft. This fighter is fast and with its speed, it can relatively sneak up on enemy fighters by closing the gap on the field with its twin J79-GE-15 engines. Once in place and the enemy is in range, two options are available, guns or missiles? The M-61 Vulcan cannon can spew 20 mm rounds at the rate of just over 6,000 rounds per minute (roughly 100 per second), now multiply that by three (if the Phantom is configured for three gun pods) and you can see devastating firepower which will be difficult for any enemy aircraft to avoid. Even just quick bursts at a manoeuvring fighter can be enough to inflict critical damage or even blowing off a wing. Ground attack with the guns can be effective on lighter armoured vehicles with just a few quick bursts.

The AIM-9B and AIM-9E Sidewinders are the missile options available for the {{PAGENAME}}. During the Vietnam War, when US Air Force models of the Phantom like the F-4C and F-4D began operations, they did so without the capability of mounting AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles as the Navy models did, instead using the AIM-4 Falcon. Falcons had gained a reputation of not being reliable (not firing, not tracking, not exploding) so several squadrons had their fighters field-modified with the ability to mount their trusted Sidewinder missiles. Here on the {{PAGENAME}}, four Sidewinders are available and are effective at hounding down an aircraft when a lock is acquired. However, they are not guaranteed to hit, as a competent pilot can avoid them with hard maneuvering, flying towards the sun, etc. However these actions will often hamper the target's speed and situational awareness, making them an easier target to clean up with the cannons.

[[File:F 4 phantom markymark 001.jpg ‎|350px|thumb|left|VF-96 ''Showtime-100'' '''{{PAGENAME}}''' unloading bombs in Vietnam.]]
Zuni and FFAR rockets can be utilised effectively against bombers or even against other fighters, especially during a head-on. Though unguided and not very accurate, usually a salvo of these rockets is enough to cause an enemy to panic into an unexpected manoeuvre. Usage of these rockets on ground targets works very well too. Again, with them being unguided, shooting them en masse ensure a greater possibility of one or more to hit the target. The AGM-12B Bullpup rockets are excellent rockets to use against ground targets, however, the one drawback is that it needs to be guided in by the pilot, so if there are any distractions to the pilot, the rocket will likely go off course and miss the target.

9,000 lbs. Yes, you read that number correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can carry up to 9,000 lbs of bombs, which is half of what a [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] bomber could carry, however, the Phantom is quite a bit more accurate dropping from much lower altitudes. Using combinations of 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs allows the pilot to pick targets accordingly. To ensure the {{PAGENAME}} is not left defenceless after the bombs are away, each configuration has at least one 20 mm cannon pod and/or AIM-9B missiles to go with it.

== Usage in battles ==

The {{PAGENAME}} relies on brute force to get its job done. With this version of the Phantom II, there is no protective armour, there are no defensive weapons and there are no countermeasures to ward off the enemy and the weapons they bring to the table. As a brute, the Phantom II muscles its way into a fight, it brings the big guns whether it is cannons, rockets, bombs, missiles or any combination of them and when it does bring them, it brings lots of them. When attacking a Phantom, don't assume it is just a fighter, interceptor or a bomber as it can switch roles on the fly depending on its suspended armament loadout and what needs to be done.

;Air-to-air

The {{PAGENAME}} was originally developed to be an all-weather fleet defensive interceptor for the U.S. Navy, however that role was already taken by the Vought F-8 Crusader, so going back to the drawing board, McDonnell engineers reconfigured the Phantom II so that it can be more versatile and be configured with weapons to suit the mission needed or the branch of military it would be flying for.<ref name="Hachette" /> Though large and intimidating, the Phantom II is a fast-moving beast of an aircraft which can hold its own in air-to-air combat. Due to its size and weight, turn fighting is not the best way to handle the aircraft as with its speed, acceleration and climbing abilities, it can Boom & Zoom with the best of them.

Typically two weapons can be mounted which help this fighter excel in combat of this type and which are AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles and M-61 Vulcan cannons (in a configuration of one or three). The Vulcan cannons can spray the area in front of the Phantom II with an insane amount of 20 mm rounds, especially when three gun pods are mounted which almost has a shotgun scatter effect by the time it gets to where the enemy fighter is and should put enough holes in it with a few quick bursts to get a critical or even just destroy the enemy aircraft. Sometimes the cannons may not be the right option and for this, the AIM-9B comes into play. The Sidewinder missile is very effective and has a very low failure rate, though, in the hands of a good pilot, an enemy fighter does have a chance to evade the missile. The {{PAGENAME}} carries four AIM-9Bs and can utilize them to "spook" an enemy aircraft which might have an energy advantage to attempt energy bleeding manoeuvres to avoid the missile only inadvertently actually setting them up for an easy fly-by kill with the Phantom II's cannons. Missiles are also helpful for finishing off enemies that are unable to dodge them due to battle damage or a lack of energy.

Rockets are another option for this aircraft, however for air-to-air combat, the Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets are the best bet of the three as they were designed to be fired off in large groups to take down large bombers, however, the Phantom II can make use of them not only with bombers but also against fighters attempting a head-on pass or even aircraft landing on airfield in domination matches, as a salvo of missiles will end short their attempt to capture the airfield.

;Ground pounding

[[File:F 4 phantom iscari.png‎|450px|thumb|right|Fully loaded '''{{PAGENAME}}''' en route to bombing site.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was not called a ''Mud Mover'' for nothing as with its legendary suspended ordnance options it can quickly reshape the landscape with bombs and rockets.<ref name="Hachette" /> One of the other configurations the McDonnell engineers designed the Phantom II for was to fit the role of a bomber. Knowing ahead of time this option would increase the fighters value as a force multiplier, the aircraft's wings were originally super strengthened to support eleven hardpoint pylons to allow for up to 9,000 lbs of bombs to be carried (''to keep this in perspective, two {{PAGENAME}}s with four crew members could carry the same max weight of bombs of what one B-29 bomber with a total crew of 10 could but could do it a lot faster and at a lot lower altitude'').
The bomb options for the Phantom II range from 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 lb bombs which will allow this fighter/bomber to virtually attack any ground target on the map to include large bases. As a bonus, once all of the bombs have been dropped, the F-4 will not be a sitting duck while waiting for the reload timer (arcade) or when heading back to base (realistic and simulator) to reload as each loadout option includes one 20 mm gun pod to allow for a continued attack. Zuni and FFAR Might Mouse rockets can be used for great effect on vehicles and anti-aircraft sites, especially those which are clustered close together, however against heavy pillboxes and heavy tanks they might not do much. The final option is to outfit the AGM-12B or AGM-12C Bullpup rockets. These rockets are a mixed bag for the pilot as they excel at being used against tanks due to their 250 lb warhead; however, on the flip side, these rockets are MCLOS (manual command line of sight) which requires the Phantom II pilot to guide the rocket all the way to the target. Any cause for pilot deviation could potentially throw the Bullpup off course. During the guiding phase of Bullpup on the way to the target, a Phantom II is vulnerable as the pilot cannot be looking around for incoming enemy aircraft and must keep a visual on the target until the rocket hits its target.

;Bait attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is a phenomenal aircraft to use in a group manoeuvre known as a baiting attack. This fighter can play both roles as either the bait or an attacking aircraft. For this to work, the Phantom II can be used as the bait aircraft, which flies in a way to attract the attention of an enemy fighter (or two), after closing in, the Phantom II should use its speed and acceleration to go into a climb, almost like setting up for a rope-a-dope manoeuvre. While the enemy aircraft are attempting to chase the F-4 in the climb the group buddies can swoop in and take out the distracted enemy aircraft. Due to the fast speed and acceleration of the F-4, it can also be used as the support aircraft in the manoeuvre as with its cannons and missiles; it can lunge in to take out the baited enemy fighters.

;Most dangerous enemies

MiG fighters and [[VTOL]] aircraft tend to be the most dangerous enemies, especially the MiG-21 and Harrier variants, which are quite agile and can typically outmanoeuvre the F-4. The max speed of the MiG-21 is comparable with the F-4, whereas the earlier MiG 17 and 19 will get left in the dust as they are almost only half as fast. The early MiG-21 variants like the [[MiG-21F-13]] and [[J-7II]] can carry R-3S/PL-2 missiles similar to the AIM-9B but inferior to the AIM-9E. They can also be equipped with rockets, and the internal 30 mm cannon(s) can rip through the {{PAGENAME}} with careful aiming. Best bet against a MiG-21 is to attempt to first cripple the aircraft either during a head-on approach or through a missile, rocket or gun attack, once it is operating at less than 100%, it will be easier to manoeuvre around it and set up for the killing blow. When facing a Harrier, Hunter, or other Phantom variant the same strategy applies as they can be difficult to outmanoeuvre when in pristine shape (although with the Phantoms, it is best to avoid a head on approach due to the potential danger of a wall of fire from triple SUU-23/A gunpods). Be wary of aircraft like the [[MiG-21SMT]],[[MiG-21MF (Germany) | MiG-21MF]], [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38's]], [[Hunter F.6]], and [[Harrier GR.1]] as they can carry up to four (two in the case of the Yak-38's) high-performance missiles such as the [[R-60]] for the MiG-21's and Yak-38's or the [[SRAAM]]'s for the Hunter and Harrier respectively. These are air-to-air missiles with high agility and high-aspect capability that are extremely difficult to dodge without countermeasures (something the F-4C lacks). Furthermore, foreign variants of the Phantom can match you in performance and often come equipped with later (higher-performing) variants of the Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:F 4 phantom commander drew.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Artistic rendition of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in a power climb.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Centre-line gun pod is available in all load-out configurations no matter the desired secondary ordnance, but can also be removed in certain load-outs for a performance boost
* Wide variety of payload options to include 20 mm cannons, rockets, missiles and bombs
* One of the fastest aircraft in the game pushing Mach 2
* Has access to the AIM-9B/E Sidewinders and the AIM-7D Sparrow air-to-air missiles
* Fantastic rate of climb
* Excellent acceleration
* Good roll rate for a larger aircraft
* M61 Vulcan is devastating to enemy aircraft (especially when three gun pods are outfitted)

'''Cons:'''

* The gun pods are pointed slightly downwards (pilot must adjust aim to compensate)
* Large target profile compared to other fighters it will fly against
* Poor turning ability unless using minimum fuel
* When maxed out at 24 t (21,800 kg/48,000 lb) manoeuvrability suffers
* Using wing-mounted hardpoints will break wings at low altitudes while flying Mach +1.10
* No countermeasures
* AIM-7D Sparrow missiles are notoriously poor performing

 
{{Notice|'''Fun Fact''': The {{PAGENAME}}'s air-intake splitters each have ''12,500'' small holes drilled into them to reduce incoming turbulence and allow the maximum amount of ram air available into the air-intakes for the engines.}}

== History ==

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation began operations in 1939, though it didn't produce any fighter aircraft for the second great war, it did make a name for itself manufacturing aircraft parts for other aircraft. Though the company worked on a prototype twin-engine, single-seat interceptor aircraft, the XP-67 ''Bat'' (also known as ''Moonbat''), the destruction of the prototype due to an engine fire caused the project to be cancelled. However, starting in 1943, McDonnell began developing jet aircraft and successfully produced the FH-1 Phantom during the post-war era.<ref name="Hachette" /> The success of the Phantom prompted other McDonnell aircraft to have similar features such as the dual engines placed forward under the fuselage and exiting just behind the wings, unlike many single-engine jet fighters which ran the rear length of the aircraft and exited out the rear. Follow on aircraft which shared the engine style of the Phantom was the F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and the F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though McDonnell had initial success with the Phantom and Banshee, they started having problems with the Demon, though it was not because of the aircraft itself, however, it was because of the engines it was outfitted with. The aircraft was sound in its construction and aerodynamics. Later after the Westinghouse XJ40 turbojet was replaced with the Allison J71, the Demon saw greater success.<ref name="Hachette" /> The F-101 Voodoo was an excellent performing aircraft which fulfilled its multi-role capability as an interceptor, fighter/bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, however, when going up against Vought Aircraft Company for a contract with the Navy, McDonnell lost out with the F-8 Crusader being the winner<ref name="Joiner" />.

McDonnell's response to this failure was to task their design team to build a fighter aircraft that the Navy could not refuse, but they did not yet know they needed. Part of the time spent gathering information included interviews with pilots and their wives and one major find was that while the pilots loved to fly fast single-engine fighters, they felt safer in an aircraft which had two engines. With this and other information in hand, McDonnell knew that they needed a single-seat, long-range attack aircraft which manifested itself in a full-size mock-up as the F3H-H, looking noticeably like a combination of a shortened Demon with the swept wings of a Banshee, plus straight tailplanes and an aerodynamic fuselage. This fighter was outfitted with four internal 20 mm cannons plus numerous external payload pylons mounted under the wings and fuselage. The F3H-H was considered more than just an aircraft and was evolving into what would be known as a weapon system. The original engines specified for this aircraft were the Wright J65-W-2, but McDonnell was eyeballing the new General Electric J79 engines for this project.<ref name="Hachette" />

The F3H-H was soon changed to the AH-1 (later the F4H-1) when it went into prototype status, but the aircraft was still having difficulty trying to find a place in the Navy as existing aircraft were already fulfilling the same roles. To make a fit, it was understood to the McDonnell engineers that major changes and modifications were needed to be made, the biggest of which was adding a second crew member.<ref name="Hachette" /> Also, the Navy was willing to sit down and detail out all of the requirements they would need the aircraft to have before they would consider buying it.<ref name="Joiner" /> Three other major requirements were that the aircraft was to be outfitted with the GE J79 engines, the aircraft was to be capable of Mach 2 and the internal 20 mm cannons were removed from the design. Upon the Navy committing to two prototypes, McDonnell knew they needed to undergo a major redesign of the flight surfaces. Through extensive wind tunnel testing the rear tailplanes ended up needing to be bent downward at a 23° anhedral while remaining clear of the jet exhaust. The wings needed to go through a similar change of a 5° dihedral, however, to save time and engineering, it was settled on just adjusting the outer most section of the wings at 12° dihedral which averaged to 5° across the entire wing.<ref name="Hachette" />

Though the first two test flights of the F4H-1 ran into issues (after the first one, the right engine needed to be replaced due to foreign object damage to the compressor blades), flights three and four went smoothly including exceeding Mach 1. The F4H-1 was then shipped to Edwards Air Force Base where it was tested against the Crusader III where after being tested to its full capabilities showed that is undeniably beat the Vought aircraft across the board. Following this McDonnell followed up with breaking a height record where an F4H-1 successfully reached 98,500 ft in altitude and successfully returned. After this, the name of the jet was agreed to be the ''Phantom II'' which was a nod to the Navy's first jet fighter, the FH-1 Phantom.<ref name="Hachette" />

The United States Marine Corps had shown interest in the F-4 program since its inception as they were tired of the worn-out hand-me-downs that Navy tended to give them.<ref name="Roblin" /> Impressed with the payload and range of the aircraft, the Corps went all in with this fighter to augment and enhance their current aircraft inventory. The United States Air Force, on the other hand, balked at the F-4, believing it to be a second-rate fighter having to be constrained to be built for carrier operations. However, the Air Force could not turn down a request to pit the Phantom II against their finest fighter, the Convair F-106 Delta Dart. During the endurance trials between the two aircraft, again it was shown that the F-4 excelled in just about every area tested (speed, payload, altitude, range and maintenance hours needed) over the F-106 and because of this, the Air Force requested two prototypes for further evaluation.<ref name="Hachette" /> At this point the Navy was receiving the F-4B fighters and ultimately after further testing, the Air Force put in an urgent request for a transfer of 29 Navy F-4Bs while the Air Forces F-4C models were being built.<ref name="Hachette" />

Air Force versions of the F-4C differed from the Navy's F-4B in that the C version had additional ground-attack capabilities along with a full set of controls for the rear seat.<ref name="Joiner" /> The rear-seater was typically a junior pilot nicknamed "Wizzo" or Weapons Systems Operator. Other changes included a reworking of the landing gear which led to lower pressure, but wider tires and an anti-skid assembly attached to the landing gear.<ref name="Hachette" /> The refuelling probe was replaced with a receptacle in the spine of the fighter (for boom refuelling operations) and the cockpit was reconfigured to improve visibility for the guy in back. Updated SST-181X Combat Skyspot radar bombing system allowed the F-4s to accomplish bombing missions under complete cloud cover. Though, not essential to the Air Force, their F-4s did retain the Navy's folding wings, catapult hooks and arrestor hook.<ref name="Hachette" />

Initial deliveries of the F-4C delivered them in the standard non-combat grey and white paintwork; however, upon arriving in Vietnam at Udon RTAFB in Thailand, the aircraft was painted to the more appropriate green and brown tactical camouflage.<ref name="Hachette" />

===[[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|Devblog]]===
In the early 1950s, McDonnell Aircraft began work on a revised design of their F3H Demon naval fighter, in an effort to expand upon its capabilities and improve performance in general. By September 1953, the design was submitted for Navy consideration. Showing interest in the project, the U.S. Navy ordered the construction of a mock-up and expressed interest in potentially procuring the type.

By 1955, however, the U.S. Navy changed the requirements for the aircraft substantially. Instead of a multipurpose aircraft, the new design was now supposed to act as a two-seat, long-range, all-weather fleet interceptor. Having revised the design, orders were issued for the construction of two XF4H-1 prototypes as well as an additional five pre-production F4H-1s. Following comparative testing against other machines in service with the Navy at the time, the F4H proved itself as highly capable aircraft and was thus ordered into full-scale production as the F-4. The name 'Phantom II' was given to the aircraft at McDonnell's 20th anniversary celebration in July 1959.

Some time after the Navy procured the F-4, other branches of the U.S. military also became interested in the aircraft. A result, the USAF also introduced a special "army" version of the F-4 into service during the mid 1960s under the designation F-4C.

The F-4 Phantom II would become one of the most produced and widely used American combat aircraft of the second half of the 20th century. With over 5,100 machines being built, the F-4 Phantom II saw service with several operators around the globe and remained in service until the 1990s, while some still serve to this day. Phantom II is widely known as a symbol of the US campaign in Vietnam, in particular.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:F 4 phantom news002.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news003.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news004.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news005.jpg
File:F 4 phantom news006.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aFj2LOWdj5o|'''The Shooting Range #166''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

;Notable pilots

[[File:Robin_Olds_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Olds,_Robin.|During the Vietnam war [[User:U64962917#Olds, Robin|Robin Olds]] flew the '''F-4C''' and '''F-4D''' fighters and failed to claim aircraft kills after #4 to prevent attaining ace status to remain flying in the war as long as possible.]]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6352-development-f-4c-phantom-ii-the-record-breaker-en|[Development] F-4C Phantom II: The Record Breaker]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/462647-f-4c-phantom-ii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== Citations ===
<references>
<ref name="Hachette">Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019)</ref>
<ref name="Joiner">Joiner, S. (2015, March)</ref>
<ref name="Roblin">Roblin, S. (2019, April 17)</ref>
</references>

=== Biblography ===

* Hachette Partworks LTD. (2019). McDonnell F-4 Phantom II - The Greatest Warplane in the West. (5th ed.). London: Hachette Partworks LTD. ISSN:[https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2517-259X# 2517-259X]
* Joiner, Stephen. [https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/what-couldnt-f-4-phantom-do-180953944/ "What Couldn't the F-4 Phantom Do?"], ''Air & Space Magazine'', On-line, March 2015. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.
* Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-you-need-respect-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii-fighter-52862 "Why You Need to Respect the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Fighter"] ''Nationalinterest.org website'', On-line 17 April 2019. Retrieved on 27 September 2019.

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}