With a total production of over 5,000 units, the F-4 Phantom II became the best-selling supersonic fighter of the liberal camp.
Its excellent all-weather combat capabilities and
versatility in both aerial combat and ground attacks
are the reasons why it has been adopted by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, as well as many other countries, and is still in active use today.
It was originally developed as an all-weather carrier-based fighter for the US Navy, and the first prototype made its first flight on May 27, 1958.
The Navy developed the first mass-produced B model, followed by the N model which was an improvement on the B model, the J model which became the mainstay, and the S model which was an improvement on the J model. The Air Force also decided to adopt it as the C model, and there was the D model which was an improvement on the C model,
the E model which was a long-nose type equipped with a Vulcan cannon on the nose,
and the G model which was called the Wild Weasel. Derivatives include the Marine Corps reconnaissance type RF-4B and the Air Force RF-4C.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force also license-produces the Air Force's E-type aircraft as the EJ type, and uses the RF-4E for reconnaissance aircraft.
Decals (markings)
- F-4N: US Navy VF-111 "Sundowners" CAG aircraft "NM200"
- F-4B: US Navy VF-151 "Vigilantes" CAG aircraft "NF200"
- F-4B: US Marine Corps VMFA-115 "Silver Eagles" aircraft "VE10"
