Difference between revisions of "F-4F Early (Germany)"

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{{About
 +
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f-4f
 
|code=f-4f
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|market=items_F-4F Early (Germany)
 
|market=items_F-4F Early (Germany)
 +
|cockpit=Cockpit f-4f early.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/7107-event-future-technology-en|Future Technology]] event.
+
Developed exclusively for the German Luftwaffe, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' was intended to be a cheaper and lighter version of the [[F-4E]]. At the time, Germany considered alternative fighters like a single-seat version of the F-4 and the Mirage F1 but ultimately chose the regular 2-seater Phantom for budget reasons. To keep the cost down, the ability to utilize the Sparrow missile was removed, the number 7 fuel tank was removed (most aft position), and more modifications were done to reduce weight and cost. Ultimately, the F-4F Early was around 3,300 pounds (1,496 kg) lighter than a normal F-4E and deliveries began in late 1973.
 +
 
 +
Introduced during the [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]] as a high-tier reward for the [[wt:en/news/7107-event-future-technology-en|Future Technology]] event, the F-4F Early is one of the lowest BR Phantoms in-game, second only to the [[F-4C|F-4C Phantom]]. The F-4F Early has significant improvements over the F-4C such as an internal gun, and access to AIM-9Js. However, it also lacks any ability to use guided weapons like Bullpups or Mavericks due to the removal of those systems in real life.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 13: Line 21:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,197 || 2,126 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 236.1 || 204.9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 607 || 580 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
| < 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" | MTU Aero Engines J79-MTU-17A || 2
 +
| colspan="2" | 14,375 kg || colspan="2" | 398 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 +
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 +
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel
 +
|-
 +
| 1,724 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 +
| 15,941 kg || 18,196 kg || 19,595 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
 +
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel || MTOW
 +
|-
 +
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,008 kgf
 +
| 1.00 || 0.88 || 0.82 || 0.67
 +
|-
 +
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 10,170 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
 +
| 1.28 || 1.12 || 1.04 || 0.85
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}
+
{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
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* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|M61 (20 mm)}}
 
−
{{main|AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
* 2 x 20 mm M61 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total)
+
|-
−
* 2 x 20 mm M61 cannons + 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
+
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
−
* 2 x 20 mm M61 cannons + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
+
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4F.png]]</div>
−
* 2 x 20 mm M61 cannons + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
+
|-
−
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
+
! [[GAU-4 (20 mm)|20 mm GAU-4]] cannons (1,200 rpg)
−
* 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
+
| 1 || || || || || || 1
−
* 11 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (11,000 lb total)
+
|-
−
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
+
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
 +
| 6 || 3 || || 6 || || 3 || 6
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 +
| 6 || 3 || || 6 || || 3 || 6
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
 +
| 6 || 3 || || 6 || || 3 || 6
 +
|-
 +
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
 +
| 3 || 3 || || 5 || || 3 || 3
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
 +
| 2 || 3 || || 3 || || 3 || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
 +
| 1 || || || 1 || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[M118 (3,000 lb)|3,000 lb M118]] bombs
 +
| || || || 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
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| || || 2 || || 2 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| || || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9J Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| || || 2 || || 2 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 600 gal drop tanks
 +
| || || || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 7,257 kg<br>Maximum permissible wing load: 3,000 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 600 gal drop tank
 +
* 2 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total)
 +
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
* 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 24 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 17 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,750 lb total)
 +
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
 +
* 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)
 +
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
 
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
−
* 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
* 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (7,500 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (7,500 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (7,500 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (7,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (7,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (7,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total) + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
The aircraft is pretty heavy, rather quick in acceleration and top speed and doesn't have the best turn time. Its armament, however, is impressive. With the gun pod modification equipped, you'll fire enough lead downrange to destroy any air target. Using the phantom as a turnfighter is generally ill-advised. Therefore, try to ambush a unsuspecting enemy. Even the single 20 mm cannon will give any foe a fiery end.
 +
 
 +
Using the bombs on the F-4F usually isn't that great of an idea: the match often evolves to the later stages before you will be able to rearm, and then two situations usually occur. Situation 1 involves your team destroying more aircraft of the enemy team, leading to a victory where bombing bases turned out to not be decisive and therefore it can be argued you are a dead weight. Situation 2 is when your team is losing. After you dropped the payload and destroyed the base in situation 2, the opposite team will start to hunt down the remaining friendly players. You might be able to survive 1 or 2 enemies, but having four on our tail usually ends badly.
 +
 
 +
Any engagement will boil down to three basic situations: you find an enemy doing a head-on, you chase an enemy or you get chased by the enemy. When doing a head-on, missiles aren't very effective so don't bother using them. Keep in mind if you're fighting another phantom, that he'll often have the afterburner on, and given the engines slight downward angle, kind of "drift", which has to be taken into account before taking the shot. You usually want to fire at around 3 km during the head-on, and keep on firing either until you get a critical hit(i.e he lost tail control, wings or he is on fire) or you can hear his shells whizzing by. In either situation, break off (an aircraft with no control travelling at 600 or more km/h still has a lot of kinetic energy, and the second situation speaks for itself). Otherwise, try to get onto his tail by starting to break off before he has passed you.
 +
 
 +
If you are chasing an enemy, try to predict his movements: your shells have a high muzzle velocity, but the enemy is still a fast and therefore difficult target. Fire along the path they can possibly go through, wasting ammo but securing a (usually critical) hit. Know when to disengage, i.e rolling scissors or another enemy is engaging you.
 +
 
 +
If you are being chased by the enemy, try to be as far and as fast as possible: if you have friendly fighters nearby, try to bait the enemies towards your teammates. If you play on a map with ships that have CIWS, many players usually underestimate those systems. It doesn't give you the kill but it keeps you alive to get more kills or bait more players. If a missile is locked onto you, try to lose as little energy as possible whilst also making sure the missile won't hit. Remember that you do not have countermeasures, although unguided rockets such as [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] or [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|Zuni]] can work as makeshift flares.
 +
 
 +
The missiles on the F-4F, apart from the AIM-9J, aren't very good. the AIM-9B FGW.2 and AIM-9E both have pretty poor lock-on range, small targeting window and they can pull roughly 10 G. The AIM-9J is better, it has a higher lock-on range, a pretty large targeting window, can pull 20 G and is faster. You want to fire a missile when the enemy is close and slow. Very close targets usually don't have the time to activate countermeasures, or the countermeasures are flat out ignored. Another way of using missiles is to make the enemy lose their energy, and making them an easy target to hit with either another missile or with your cannon.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Good performance at high altitude
 
* Good performance at high altitude
−
* Can carry up to 11,000 lb of ordnance
+
* Can carry up to 12,000 lb of ordnance
 
* Varied and mixed armament presets allow for multipurpose usage in ground battles
 
* Varied and mixed armament presets allow for multipurpose usage in ground battles
 +
* AIM-9J are one of the best missiles in game
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 148: Line 251:
 
* Underwhelming performance at very low altitudes
 
* Underwhelming performance at very low altitudes
 
* Lacks a [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
* Lacks a [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
* Cannot carry more than 4 missiles
 +
* Dodging IR missiles is harder, with its 2 engines, which make a bigger heat signature near the plane
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
In the early 1970s, West Germany was searching for a new aircraft. Multiple aircraft were considered, such as a single-seat version of the F-4, but that version of the F-4 was succeeded by the F-5 and the project lost steam in the 60s. It became active again in the early '70s when the West German government was planning to acquire single-seat Phantoms designated the F-4E(F). However, this procurement fell through and the government eventually finalized its decision with the 2-seater F-4E. The project was focused on making it lighter and inexpensive compared to the normal F-4E. As such, the AN/APQ-120 was simplified by removing functions for radar missiles, the rear-most fuel tank was removed, the tailplane was unslotted, and it also lacked any capability to use guided weaponry. These modifications meant the F-4F was more than 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg) lighter than a normal F-4E and significantly cheaper.
 +
 
 +
175 F-4Fs were ordered by the West German government and many parts were manufactured within Germany such as the J-79 engines. Deliveries began in September of 1973 and ended 7 months later in April. Some of the Phantoms were sent to squadrons that fulfilled the interceptor role while other Phantoms were sent to ground-attack-focused squadrons like JBG-35. In the early 1980s, many of the F-4Fs were upgraded to fire Sparrows and guided weaponry like Mavericks. These Phantoms would later undergo the ICE program which further increased the capability of the F-4Fs.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4f Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 164: Line 274:
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
−
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
+
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)|MiG-21]]
 
* SAAB [[J35D]]
 
* SAAB [[J35D]]
 
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]
 
* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]
Line 173: Line 283:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [[wt:en/news/7104-development-craft-srafting-event-early-f-4f-phantom-ii-en|[Devblog] Early F-4F Phantom II]]
+
* [[wt:en/news/7104-development-craft-srafting-event-early-f-4f-phantom-ii-en|[Devblog] Crafting event: Early F-4F Phantom II]]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
 
{{Germany jet aircraft}}
 
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 19:48, 19 June 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the German jet fighter F-4F Early (Germany). For other versions, see F-4 Phantom II (Family).
◄F-4F Early
f-4f.png
GarageImage F-4F Early (Germany).jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/3/3c/Cockpit_f-4f_early.jpg
◄F-4F Early
Germany flag.png Germany
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
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Description

Developed exclusively for the German Luftwaffe, the ◄F-4F Phantom II (Early) was intended to be a cheaper and lighter version of the F-4E. At the time, Germany considered alternative fighters like a single-seat version of the F-4 and the Mirage F1 but ultimately chose the regular 2-seater Phantom for budget reasons. To keep the cost down, the ability to utilize the Sparrow missile was removed, the number 7 fuel tank was removed (most aft position), and more modifications were done to reduce weight and cost. Ultimately, the F-4F Early was around 3,300 pounds (1,496 kg) lighter than a normal F-4E and deliveries began in late 1973.

Introduced during the Update "Ixwa Strike" as a high-tier reward for the Future Technology event, the F-4F Early is one of the lowest BR Phantoms in-game, second only to the F-4C Phantom. The F-4F Early has significant improvements over the F-4C such as an internal gun, and access to AIM-9Js. However, it also lacks any ability to use guided weapons like Bullpups or Mavericks due to the removal of those systems in real life.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 12 192 m2 140 km/h
Turn time26 s
Max altitude16 000 m
Engine2 х MTU Aero Engines J79-MTU-17A
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight24 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 12,192 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,066 2,020 16000 26.5 27.8 162.3 152.4 850
Upgraded 2,197 2,126 25.5 26.0 236.1 204.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1458 463 607 580 463 ~11 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 810 < 750 < 700 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
MTU Aero Engines J79-MTU-17A 2 14,375 kg 398 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 27m fuel
1,724 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 15,941 kg 18,196 kg 19,595 kg 24,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 8m fuel 20m fuel 27m fuel MTOW
Stationary 5,200 kgf 8,008 kgf 1.00 0.88 0.82 0.67
Optimal 5,200 kgf
(0 km/h) 		10,170 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.28 1.12 1.04 0.85

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural1 458 km/h
Gear463 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 077 → 4 157 Sl icon.png
RB10 039 → 13 562 Sl icon.png
SB8 759 → 11 833 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications226 900 Rp icon.png
355 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 340 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B FGW.2
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod SUU-23/A.
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9E
Research:
9 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk118
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9J
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M61A1 (20 mm)

The F-4F Early (Germany) is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)

Suspended armament

The F-4F Early (Germany) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Hardpoints F-4F (Germany).png
20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg) 1 1
250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs 6 3 6 3 6
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 6 3 6 3 6
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs 6 3 6 3 6
750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs 3 3 5 3 3
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 2 3 3 3 2
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1 1 1
3,000 lb M118 bombs 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
AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles 2 2
AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles 1, 2 1, 2
AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles 2 2
600 gal drop tanks 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 7,257 kg
Maximum permissible wing load: 3,000 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 600 gal drop tank
  • 2 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total)
  • 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
  • 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 24 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 17 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,750 lb total)
  • 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
  • 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)
  • 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
  • 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

Usage in battles

The aircraft is pretty heavy, rather quick in acceleration and top speed and doesn't have the best turn time. Its armament, however, is impressive. With the gun pod modification equipped, you'll fire enough lead downrange to destroy any air target. Using the phantom as a turnfighter is generally ill-advised. Therefore, try to ambush a unsuspecting enemy. Even the single 20 mm cannon will give any foe a fiery end.

Using the bombs on the F-4F usually isn't that great of an idea: the match often evolves to the later stages before you will be able to rearm, and then two situations usually occur. Situation 1 involves your team destroying more aircraft of the enemy team, leading to a victory where bombing bases turned out to not be decisive and therefore it can be argued you are a dead weight. Situation 2 is when your team is losing. After you dropped the payload and destroyed the base in situation 2, the opposite team will start to hunt down the remaining friendly players. You might be able to survive 1 or 2 enemies, but having four on our tail usually ends badly.

Any engagement will boil down to three basic situations: you find an enemy doing a head-on, you chase an enemy or you get chased by the enemy. When doing a head-on, missiles aren't very effective so don't bother using them. Keep in mind if you're fighting another phantom, that he'll often have the afterburner on, and given the engines slight downward angle, kind of "drift", which has to be taken into account before taking the shot. You usually want to fire at around 3 km during the head-on, and keep on firing either until you get a critical hit(i.e he lost tail control, wings or he is on fire) or you can hear his shells whizzing by. In either situation, break off (an aircraft with no control travelling at 600 or more km/h still has a lot of kinetic energy, and the second situation speaks for itself). Otherwise, try to get onto his tail by starting to break off before he has passed you.

If you are chasing an enemy, try to predict his movements: your shells have a high muzzle velocity, but the enemy is still a fast and therefore difficult target. Fire along the path they can possibly go through, wasting ammo but securing a (usually critical) hit. Know when to disengage, i.e rolling scissors or another enemy is engaging you.

If you are being chased by the enemy, try to be as far and as fast as possible: if you have friendly fighters nearby, try to bait the enemies towards your teammates. If you play on a map with ships that have CIWS, many players usually underestimate those systems. It doesn't give you the kill but it keeps you alive to get more kills or bait more players. If a missile is locked onto you, try to lose as little energy as possible whilst also making sure the missile won't hit. Remember that you do not have countermeasures, although unguided rockets such as FFAR Mighty Mouse or Zuni can work as makeshift flares.

The missiles on the F-4F, apart from the AIM-9J, aren't very good. the AIM-9B FGW.2 and AIM-9E both have pretty poor lock-on range, small targeting window and they can pull roughly 10 G. The AIM-9J is better, it has a higher lock-on range, a pretty large targeting window, can pull 20 G and is faster. You want to fire a missile when the enemy is close and slow. Very close targets usually don't have the time to activate countermeasures, or the countermeasures are flat out ignored. Another way of using missiles is to make the enemy lose their energy, and making them an easy target to hit with either another missile or with your cannon.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good performance at high altitude
  • Can carry up to 12,000 lb of ordnance
  • Varied and mixed armament presets allow for multipurpose usage in ground battles
  • AIM-9J are one of the best missiles in game

Cons:

  • Lacks countermeasures (flares/chaff)
  • Lacks SARH missiles found on other Phantoms, such as the AIM-7 Sparrow
  • Underwhelming performance at very low altitudes
  • Lacks a Ballistic Computer
  • Cannot carry more than 4 missiles
  • Dodging IR missiles is harder, with its 2 engines, which make a bigger heat signature near the plane

History

In the early 1970s, West Germany was searching for a new aircraft. Multiple aircraft were considered, such as a single-seat version of the F-4, but that version of the F-4 was succeeded by the F-5 and the project lost steam in the 60s. It became active again in the early '70s when the West German government was planning to acquire single-seat Phantoms designated the F-4E(F). However, this procurement fell through and the government eventually finalized its decision with the 2-seater F-4E. The project was focused on making it lighter and inexpensive compared to the normal F-4E. As such, the AN/APQ-120 was simplified by removing functions for radar missiles, the rear-most fuel tank was removed, the tailplane was unslotted, and it also lacked any capability to use guided weaponry. These modifications meant the F-4F was more than 3,000 pounds (1,360 kg) lighter than a normal F-4E and significantly cheaper.

175 F-4Fs were ordered by the West German government and many parts were manufactured within Germany such as the J-79 engines. Deliveries began in September of 1973 and ended 7 months later in April. Some of the Phantoms were sent to squadrons that fulfilled the interceptor role while other Phantoms were sent to ground-attack-focused squadrons like JBG-35. In the early 1980s, many of the F-4Fs were upgraded to fire Sparrows and guided weaponry like Mavericks. These Phantoms would later undergo the ICE program which further increased the capability of the F-4Fs.

Media

Skins

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
Jet Fighters  F2H-2 · F3H-2
  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
  F-15A · F-15C MSIP II · F-15E
Strike Aircraft  AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA)
Helicopters  AH-6M
Export/Licensed 
Aircraft  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · ◄F-4F KWS LV · Phantom FG.1 · Phantom FGR.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
  F-15J · F-15J(M) · Baz · Baz Meshupar · F-15I Ra’am
  ▄AV-8B Plus
Helicopters  Lahatut
  The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation merged with Douglas Aircraft Company in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Later it was merged with The Boeing Company in 1997.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

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