Difference between revisions of "F-4EJ Phantom II"

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(Media: Added skin + video)
(Added modules)
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| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
 
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
== 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.'' -->
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
<!--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"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 12,192 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 12,192 m)
Line 26: Line 27:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
|2269||2236|| rowspan="2" |{{Specs|ceiling}}||26.5||27.7||142.2||132.6|| rowspan="2" | 850
+
| 2,269 || 2,236 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.7 || 142.2 || 132.6 || rowspan="2" | 850
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
|2419||2340||25.6||26.0||204.3||170.0
+
| 2,419 || 2,340 || 25.6 || 26.0 || 204.3 || 172.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
Line 44: Line 45:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
Line 55: Line 56:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
|{{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}}|| N/A || 625 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 625 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 105: Line 106:
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--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.-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
8.5mm of Steel below the cockpit.
+
* 8.5 mm of Steel below the cockpit.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 118: Line 119:
 
* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
 
* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
  
Due to this cannon's high rate of fire (only 6.60 seconds of continuous fire), trigger discipline is a must.
+
Due to this cannon's high rate of fire (only 6.60 seconds of continuous fire), trigger discipline is a must.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
<!-- ''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)|JM117 cone 45 (750 lb)}}
 
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|JM117 cone 45 (750 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|FFAR Mighty Mouse|M61 (20 mm)}}
+
{{main|AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 3 x 20 mm M61 cannons
+
* 3 x 20 mm M61 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
 
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 
* 16 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 
* 16 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
Line 148: Line 149:
 
The F-4EJ Phantom 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 all situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance. 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 among the best in the game, comparable to the [[R-60]] missiles equipped by the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)]] and the [[MiG-21SMT]].
 
The F-4EJ Phantom 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 all situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance. 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 among the best in the game, comparable to the [[R-60]] missiles equipped by the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)]] and the [[MiG-21SMT]].
  
The F-4EJ is more maneuverable than the [[F-4C Phantom II]], thanks to its leading-edge flaps. Because of this, it can calmly deal with more intense dogfight situations than its predecessor. As with all top-tier fighter jets, extended turn fights should be avoided, since they bleed much speed out of this heavy aircraft and leave the pilot defenseless against nearby vultures. Specifically, watch out for the [[J35D]] ''Draken'', which will beat any of its contemporaries in an extended turn, and also keep an eye on nearby [[Mitsubishi T-2]] pilots: although the T-2 doesn't do well in extended turns, it can pull a significant angle of attack in the first few moments of a turn fight. The [[F-4E Phantom II]] can also be considered a threat as it includes leading-edge slats not found on the F-4EJ.
+
The F-4EJ is more manoeuvrable than the [[F-4C Phantom II]], thanks to its leading-edge flaps. Because of this, it can calmly deal with more intense dogfight situations than its predecessor. As with all top-tier fighter jets, extended turn fights should be avoided, since they bleed much speed out of this heavy aircraft and leave the pilot defenseless against nearby vultures. Specifically, watch out for the [[J35D]] ''Draken'', which will beat any of its contemporaries in an extended turn, and also keep an eye on nearby [[Mitsubishi T-2]] pilots: although the T-2 doesn't do well in extended turns, it can pull a significant angle of attack in the first few moments of a turn fight. The [[F-4E Phantom II]] can also be considered a threat as it includes leading-edge slats not found on the F-4EJ.
  
It is advised to side climb up to at least 8000 meters before engaging the enemy to ensure a favorable position at the start of the battle.  
+
It is advised to side climb up to at least 8000 meters before engaging the enemy to ensure a favorable position at the start of the battle.
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! colspan="4" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
| Mk82
 +
|
 +
| Flares
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| New boosters
 +
| Airframe
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| JLAU-3/A
 +
| AIM-9E
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| G-suit
 +
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
| JM117
 +
|
 +
| AIM-9J
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Engine
 +
| Cover
 +
| Gun pod SUU-23/A.
 +
|
 +
| LAU-10/A
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Fairly maneuverable thanks to leading-edge flaps, especially when low on fuel
+
* Fairly manoeuvrable thanks to leading-edge flaps, especially when low on fuel
 
* AIM-9J air-to-air missiles are among the best in the game
 
* AIM-9J air-to-air missiles are among the best in the game
 
* Equipped with flares for evading enemy missiles
 
* Equipped with flares for evading enemy missiles
Line 171: Line 213:
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
 
F-4EJ "Samurai Phantom" was a jet fighter aircraft that saw service in the JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force) from 1971 until 2020. At the end of 2020 the F-4EJ will be replaced by the F-35A Lightning II.
 
F-4EJ "Samurai Phantom" was a jet fighter aircraft that saw service in the JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force) from 1971 until 2020. At the end of 2020 the F-4EJ will be replaced by the F-35A Lightning II.
  
In 1968 Japan made it public that they would update their JASDF with the F-4 phantom. Being one of the only countries to acquire the permissions to build the plane in their own Factories Japan started to develop the F-4EJ at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Due to post WW2 sanctions and restrictions, Japan was not allowed to equip any air-to-surface capabilities to the aircraft, as such the F-4EJ would be made without the AN/AJB-7 bombing computer system. 
+
In 1968 Japan made it public that they would update their JASDF with the F-4 phantom. Being one of the only countries to acquire the permissions to build the plane in their own Factories Japan started to develop the F-4EJ at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Due to post WW2 sanctions and restrictions, Japan was not allowed to equip any air-to-surface capabilities to the aircraft, as such the F-4EJ would be made without the AN/AJB-7 bombing computer system.
  
McDonnell Douglas built the first 2, F-4EJ prototypes with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries building the remaining Phantoms. They did, however, import RF-4EJ from McDonnell Douglas over the 10-year span of production. Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries would build the very last F-4 in the world, nicknamed "The Finale Phantom" on 20th of May, 1981, it served with the 306th and 301st Tactical Fighter Squadrons. 127 EJ variant Phantoms were built. 
+
McDonnell Douglas built the first 2, F-4EJ prototypes with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries building the remaining Phantoms. They did, however, import RF-4EJ from McDonnell Douglas over the 10-year span of production. Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries would build the very last F-4 in the world, nicknamed "The Finale Phantom" on 20th of May, 1981, it served with the 306th and 301st Tactical Fighter Squadrons. 127 EJ variant Phantoms were built.
  
 
The first squadron equipped with the new F-4EJ would be the 301<sup>st</sup> Hikotai, in August 1<sup>st</sup> 1972. In October 1973 the 301<sup>st</sup> would be deemed operational with the Phantom, having 14 Phantoms in their squadron. On October 30<sup>th</sup> 1978, five years after the squadron was equipped and trained in the Phantom: the 301<sup>st</sup> was designated as JASDF Quick Ready Alert force. In 1979 they would be the first F-4Ej to intercept another aircraft when a Soviet T-95 was deemed a threat in February 21st of that year. Ironically the same day of the intercept is when Japan launched the Hakucho X-ray satellite & Corsa-B.
 
The first squadron equipped with the new F-4EJ would be the 301<sup>st</sup> Hikotai, in August 1<sup>st</sup> 1972. In October 1973 the 301<sup>st</sup> would be deemed operational with the Phantom, having 14 Phantoms in their squadron. On October 30<sup>th</sup> 1978, five years after the squadron was equipped and trained in the Phantom: the 301<sup>st</sup> was designated as JASDF Quick Ready Alert force. In 1979 they would be the first F-4Ej to intercept another aircraft when a Soviet T-95 was deemed a threat in February 21st of that year. Ironically the same day of the intercept is when Japan launched the Hakucho X-ray satellite & Corsa-B.
  
In July of 1984, after the post-war sanctions were dropped, Japan put together plans to upgrade its F-4EJ Phantoms. In 1989 their F-4EJ Phantoms were updated starting with the 306<sup>th</sup> Hikotai. The new Phantoms were equipped with APG-66J pulse-Doppler radar, which allowed the Phantoms to carry out air-to-ground and Air-to-Ship capabilities while being lighter, smaller, and more efficient than the old radar. A new computer and heads up display was added to Phantom allowing them to bring the Phantom into the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Additional upgrades to the pylons allowed the new Phantoms to be equipped with the F-15 fuel tanks, which could sustain more G forces than the current fuel tanks being used. And with the adoption of the Westinghouse AN/ALQ-131 countermeasures, it allowed the pilot to quickly adapt and counter any threats on the modern battlefield. These upgrades were desperately needed for the JASDF as their Mitsubishi F-1 and F-2 did not have the range needed to adequately defend their countries territory if war ever arose. 96 Phantoms were upgraded and designated as F-4EJ Kai (Kai means "Modified" in Japanese).
+
In July of 1984, after the post-war sanctions were dropped, Japan put together plans to upgrade its F-4EJ Phantoms. In 1989 their F-4EJ Phantoms were updated starting with the 306<sup>th</sup> Hikotai. The new Phantoms were equipped with APG-66J pulse-Doppler radar, which allowed the Phantoms to carry out air-to-ground and Air-to-Ship capabilities while being lighter, smaller, and more efficient than the old radar. A new computer and heads up display was added to Phantom allowing them to bring the Phantom into the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Additional upgrades to the pylons allowed the new Phantoms to be equipped with the F-15 fuel tanks, which could sustain more G forces than the current fuel tanks being used. And with the adoption of the Westinghouse AN/ALQ-131 countermeasures, it allowed the pilot to quickly adapt and counter any threats on the modern battlefield. These upgrades were desperately needed for the JASDF as their Mitsubishi F-1 and F-2 did not have the range needed to adequately defend their countries territory if war ever arose. 96 Phantoms were upgraded and designated as F-4EJ Kai (Kai means "Modified" in Japanese).
  
 
The F-4EJ Phantoms were equipped with 3 different colour schemes. Blue Camo, Green Camo, and Grey. 127 aircraft were built, with 8 squadrons adopting the plane. The F-4EJ was decommissioned in 2020 to adapt the F-35A Lightning II.
 
The F-4EJ Phantoms were equipped with 3 different colour schemes. Blue Camo, Green Camo, and Grey. 127 aircraft were built, with 8 squadrons adopting the plane. The F-4EJ was decommissioned in 2020 to adapt the F-35A Lightning II.
Line 196: Line 238:
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 202: Line 243:
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 11:53, 28 August 2020

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
F-4EJ Phantom II
f-4ej.png
F-4EJ Phantom II
AB RB SB
11.3 11.0 10.7
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the jet fighter F-4EJ Phantom II. For other versions, see F-4 Phantom II (Family).

Description

GarageImage F-4EJ Phantom II.jpg


The F-4EJ Phantom II is a rank VII Japanese jet fighter with a battle rating of 11.3 (AB), 11.0 (RB), and 10.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury".

General info

Flight performance

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 2,269 2,236 16000 26.5 27.7 142.2 132.6 850
Upgraded 2,419 2,340 25.6 26.0 204.3 172.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1458 463 N/A 625 463 ~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)
General Electric J79-GE-17 1 13,875 kg 401 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 26m fuel
1,750 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 15,679 kg 18,386 kg 19,739 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 26m fuel MTOW
Stationary 5,200 kgf 8,008 kgf 1.02 0.87 0.81 0.67
Optimal 5,200 kgf
(0 km/h)
9,379 kgf
(1,200 km/h)
1.20 1.02 0.95 0.78

Survivability and armour

  • 8.5 mm of Steel below the cockpit.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: JM61A1 (20 mm)

The F-4EJ Phantom II is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)

Due to this cannon's high rate of fire (only 6.60 seconds of continuous fire), trigger discipline is a must.

Suspended armament

The F-4EJ Phantom II can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 3 x 20 mm M61 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
  • 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 16 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 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
  • 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
  • 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
  • 10 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
  • 10 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 171 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

Usage in battles

The F-4EJ Phantom 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 all situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance. 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 among the best in the game, comparable to the R-60 missiles equipped by the MiG-21MF (Germany) and the MiG-21SMT.

The F-4EJ is more manoeuvrable than the F-4C Phantom II, thanks to its leading-edge flaps. Because of this, it can calmly deal with more intense dogfight situations than its predecessor. As with all top-tier fighter jets, extended turn fights should be avoided, since they bleed much speed out of this heavy aircraft and leave the pilot defenseless against nearby vultures. Specifically, watch out for the J35D Draken, which will beat any of its contemporaries in an extended turn, and also keep an eye on nearby Mitsubishi T-2 pilots: although the T-2 doesn't do well in extended turns, it can pull a significant angle of attack in the first few moments of a turn fight. The F-4E Phantom II can also be considered a threat as it includes leading-edge slats not found on the F-4EJ.

It is advised to side climb up to at least 8000 meters before engaging the enemy to ensure a favorable position at the start of the battle.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Compressor Fuselage repair Offensive 20 mm Mk82 Flares
II New boosters Airframe JLAU-3/A AIM-9E
III Wings repair G-suit New 20 mm cannons JM117 AIM-9J
IV Engine Cover Gun pod SUU-23/A. LAU-10/A

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fairly manoeuvrable thanks to leading-edge flaps, especially when low on fuel
  • AIM-9J air-to-air missiles are among the best in the game
  • Equipped with flares for evading enemy missiles
  • A wide range of suspended armaments, suitable for any play-style
  • Deadly frontal armament with high burst mass
  • Makes use of a ballistic computer for assisting in the aim of cannons, rockets, and bombs against ground targets

Cons:

  • Unlike the F-4E Phantom II, the F-4EJ does not have the Agile Eagle upgrade
  • Limited ammunition in the frontally-mounted cannon
  • Quite large and heavy compared to other fighters at its rank

History

F-4EJ "Samurai Phantom" was a jet fighter aircraft that saw service in the JASDF (Japanese Air Self Defense Force) from 1971 until 2020. At the end of 2020 the F-4EJ will be replaced by the F-35A Lightning II.

In 1968 Japan made it public that they would update their JASDF with the F-4 phantom. Being one of the only countries to acquire the permissions to build the plane in their own Factories Japan started to develop the F-4EJ at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Due to post WW2 sanctions and restrictions, Japan was not allowed to equip any air-to-surface capabilities to the aircraft, as such the F-4EJ would be made without the AN/AJB-7 bombing computer system.

McDonnell Douglas built the first 2, F-4EJ prototypes with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries building the remaining Phantoms. They did, however, import RF-4EJ from McDonnell Douglas over the 10-year span of production. Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries would build the very last F-4 in the world, nicknamed "The Finale Phantom" on 20th of May, 1981, it served with the 306th and 301st Tactical Fighter Squadrons. 127 EJ variant Phantoms were built.

The first squadron equipped with the new F-4EJ would be the 301st Hikotai, in August 1st 1972. In October 1973 the 301st would be deemed operational with the Phantom, having 14 Phantoms in their squadron. On October 30th 1978, five years after the squadron was equipped and trained in the Phantom: the 301st was designated as JASDF Quick Ready Alert force. In 1979 they would be the first F-4Ej to intercept another aircraft when a Soviet T-95 was deemed a threat in February 21st of that year. Ironically the same day of the intercept is when Japan launched the Hakucho X-ray satellite & Corsa-B.

In July of 1984, after the post-war sanctions were dropped, Japan put together plans to upgrade its F-4EJ Phantoms. In 1989 their F-4EJ Phantoms were updated starting with the 306th Hikotai. The new Phantoms were equipped with APG-66J pulse-Doppler radar, which allowed the Phantoms to carry out air-to-ground and Air-to-Ship capabilities while being lighter, smaller, and more efficient than the old radar. A new computer and heads up display was added to Phantom allowing them to bring the Phantom into the 21st century. Additional upgrades to the pylons allowed the new Phantoms to be equipped with the F-15 fuel tanks, which could sustain more G forces than the current fuel tanks being used. And with the adoption of the Westinghouse AN/ALQ-131 countermeasures, it allowed the pilot to quickly adapt and counter any threats on the modern battlefield. These upgrades were desperately needed for the JASDF as their Mitsubishi F-1 and F-2 did not have the range needed to adequately defend their countries territory if war ever arose. 96 Phantoms were upgraded and designated as F-4EJ Kai (Kai means "Modified" in Japanese).

The F-4EJ Phantoms were equipped with 3 different colour schemes. Blue Camo, Green Camo, and Grey. 127 aircraft were built, with 8 squadrons adopting the plane. The F-4EJ was decommissioned in 2020 to adapt the F-35A Lightning II.

Media

Skins
Videos

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;
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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (三菱重工業株式会社)
Ground Vehicles 
APC  Type 60 · SUB-I-II
IFV  Type 89
MCV  Type 16 (P) · Type 16 (FPS) · Type 16
RCV  RCV (P)
SPH  Type 75 · Type 99
SPAAG  Type 87
Main Battle Tanks 
Type 61  ST-A1 · ST-A2 · ST-A3 · Type 61
Type 74  ST-B2 · Type 74 (C) · Type 74 (E) · Type 74 (F) · Type 74 (G)
Type 90  Type 90 · Type 90 (B)
Type 10  TKX (P) · TKX · Type 10
Air Vehicles 
Jet Fighters 
F-86  F-86F-30 ▅* · F-86F-40 ▅* · F-86F-40 JASDF▅*
F-104  F-104J*
F-1  T-2 Early · T-2 · F-1
F-4  F-4EJ Phantom II* · F-4EJ ADTW* · F-4EJ Kai Phantom II*
F-15  F-15J* · F-15J(M)*
Naval Vehicles 
Patrol Boats (PT) 
No. 7 class  PT-8 (PT-808)
No. 11 class  PT-15 (PT-815)
Destroyers (DD) 
Harukaze-class  JDS Harukaze (DD-101)
Ayanami-class  JDS Ayanami (DD-103)
Murasame-class  JDS Murasame (DD-107)
  MHI's shipyards are positioned in Kobe, Nagasaki, and Shimonoseki
  * Licensed Production / Variants
See also  Mitsubishi Aircraft Company (1928-1945) · Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (1938-1945) · Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company (1884-1945)
  North American Aviation · Lockheed · McDonnell Aircraft Corporation

Japan jet aircraft
IJNAS 
Experimental  Kikka
Reconnaissance  R2Y2 Kai V1 · R2Y2 Kai V2 · R2Y2 Kai V3
IJAAS 
Fighters  Ki-200
JASDF 
Fighters  F-86F-30 ▅ · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅
  F-104J
  F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · F-4EJ Kai Phantom II
  F-15J · F-15J(M)
  F-16AJ
  F-1
Trainers  T-2 Early · T-2
Foreign 
Thailand  ▄AV-8S · ▄F-5E FCU