The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a classic icon of the Cold War, a large, twin-engine powerhouse that served as the primary multirole fighter for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Marines simultaneously. When it first flew in 1958, it was a technological marvel, breaking world records for speed and altitude. Despite early controversy over its lack of an internal gun, the Phantom evolved into a highly effective combatant in the skies over Vietnam, utilizing large radar and early air-to-air missiles. Its distinctive "anhedral" tail and "dihedral" wingtips made it recognizable at any distance. With over 5,000 aircraft produced, the Phantom was a true global warrior, serving with dozens of nations and performing every role from high-speed interception and tactical bombing to "Wild Weasel" electronic warfare.
The original U.S. Air Force version, mainly for air superiority and interceptor roles. It was the baseline Phantom with basic radar and weapons systems.
| Engine type | GE J79 |
| Length | 63 ft / 19.2 m |
| Height | 38.4 ft / 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 16.5 ft / 5.3 m |
| Seats | 2 |
The first U.S. Navy version, similar to the F-4A but with carrier compatibility and stronger airframe. Served heavily in naval aviation with enhanced avionics.
| Engine type | GE J79 |
| Length | 63 ft / 19.2 m |
| Height | 38.4 ft / 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 16.5 ft / 5.3 m |
| Seats | 2 |
A versatile U.S. Air Force model combining features of the A and B versions, able to operate from USAF bases. It introduced improved avionics and ground-attack capabilities.
| Engine type | GE J79 |
| Length | 63 ft / 19.2 m |
| Height | 38.4 ft / 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 16.5 ft / 5.3 m |
| Seats | 2 |
An upgraded Air Force Phantom with better radar, avionics, and air-to-ground strike systems, enhancing multirole capability.
| Engine type | GE J79 |
| Length | 63 ft / 19.2 m |
| Height | 38.4 ft / 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 16.5 ft / 5.3 m |
| Seats | 2 |
Featured the first internal M61 Vulcan cannon in the F-4 series, along with improved avionics and engines. It became the most produced and widely used Phantom variant.
| Engine type | GE J79 |
| Length | 63 ft / 19.2 m |
| Height | 38.4 ft / 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 16.5 ft / 5.3 m |
| Seats | 2 |
A specialized 'Wild Weasel' variant for electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). Equipped with advanced radar-homing missiles and electronic countermeasures.
| Engine type | GE J79 |
| Length | 63 ft / 19.2 m |
| Height | 38.4 ft / 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 16.5 ft / 5.3 m |
| Seats | 2 |
Upgraded and modernized versions of the original F-4B for the U.S. Navy and Marines. The F-4N included structural and avionics improvements.
| Engine type | GE J79 |
| Length | 63 ft / 19.2 m |
| Height | 38.4 ft / 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 16.5 ft / 5.3 m |
| Seats | 2 |
Upgraded and modernized version for the U.S. Navy and Marines. The F-4S added leading-edge slats for better maneuverability.
| Engine type | GE J79 |
| Length | 63 ft / 19.2 m |
| Height | 38.4 ft / 11.7 m |
| Wingspan | 16.5 ft / 5.3 m |
| Seats | 2 |
