1967USAFighter

McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was a heavy, twin-engined, two-seat fighter designed for the US Navy and later also used by the Air Force and the Marine Corps. With its powerful radar and radar-guided missiles it became one of the icons of the Cold War; more than 5,000 were built, and it flew for many years with many countries, the Turkish Air Force among them.

A fighter without a gun

The first Phantoms had no gun: guided missiles were expected to win air combat on their own. Over Vietnam the missiles hit far less often than expected and the lack of a gun was felt in close dogfights. The F-4E got a 20 mm Vulcan cannon under its nose, and the US Navy set up its famous “Top Gun” school to teach its pilots to dogfight again.

McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II, side view — McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II: the in-game model from the side.

A long service

In its early years the Phantom set many speed and altitude records. Besides the United States it flew with many countries, including Israel, Iran, Japan, Germany, Greece, South Korea and Turkey. The Turkish Air Force’s F-4Es were upgraded and remained in service for many years.

In WarSimBox

This aircraft cannot yet be flown in the game: it will enter the war in the next stage, together with radar and guided missiles. Its model and data can be inspected in the hangar.

Play WarSimBox