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

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{{Specs-Card|code=f-4e}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
 
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=f-4e
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.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.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]]. This twin-engine aircraft is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 jets, each producing an incredible 8,010 kgf on maximum afterburner.  This multi-role vehicle is among the top fighter jets in the game and a supremely capable ground attacker.
{{Break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]]. This twin-engine aircraft is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 jets, each producing an incredible 8,010 kgf on maximum afterburner.  This multi-role vehicle is among the top fighter jets in the game and also a supremely capable ground attacker.
 
  
 
== 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
  
{| 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)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
|2,202||2,140||25.5||26.0|| 221.6 || 190.0
+
| 2,202 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 221.6 || 190.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
[[File:F-4E Phantom II deploying drogue chute.png|right|thumb|420x420px|A ROKAF F-4E Phantom II from to 153th Combat Squadron deploying its drogue chute for landing]]
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
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! 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}} || 607 || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! 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" | {{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" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 1
+
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 2
| colspan="2" | 14,115 kg || colspan="2" | 406 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br/>Weight
+
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel
+
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 15,919 kg || 18,626 kg || 19,979 kg || 24,000 kg
+
| 15,964 kg || 18,027 kg || 20,069 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="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)
 
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW
+
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,008 kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,010 kgf
| 1.01 || 0.86 || 0.80 || 0.67
+
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.67
 
|-
 
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf<br/>(0 km/h) || 9,379 kgf<br/>(1,200 km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 10,170 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
| 1.18 || 1.01 || 0.94 || 0.78
+
| 1.27 || 1.13 || 1.01 || 0.85
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The survivability features of the {{PAGENAME}} have grown compared to its [[F-4C Phantom II|predecessor]] with an armour plate and missile countermeasures attached.
 +
 
 +
By this stage in the high-rank battles, all the fuel tanks are self-sealing. While this will assist with any fuel tank punctures from machine gun calibre weapons, the presence of fast-firing autocannons and missiles mean that these self-sealing tanks are only an accessory to the overall survival of the aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The addition of an armour plate is a minor benefit as it is only an 8.5 mm steel plate just below the forward fuel tank in the fuselage. This is only thick enough to block a glancing shot to the fuselage. Its most effective use seems to when the {{PAGENAME}} as it is pulling up from an attack run, as it is in that angle where the armour plate can potentially block any shot threatening the fuselage fuel tanks and engine. However, considering the small size it is made up of and the large plane overall, this armour plate should not be relied upon for the overall survival of the aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The biggest change from previous version is the counter measure flares, which are greatly useful at deterring incoming infrared-homing missiles like the [[AIM-9J Sidewinder|Sidewinders]] or [[R-60|R-60s]]. To utilise the flares, one must turn off their engine afterburners to eliminate that as a significant source of heat, deploy the flares in a suitable manner, then bank away from the flares to that the missile lock onto the remaining heat source rather than the plane's engine.
 +
 
 +
A survivability feature shared with its predecessor is the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The RWR will ping the player in the source of any incoming radar scans, and will also notify if the radar source have achieved a lock-on with the player. Keep an eye on this as it may signify to the player that an enemy semi-active radar homing missile may be launched soon and evasive actions should be taken.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{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.'' -->
 
{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}
  
The '''''F-4E Phantom II''''' is armed with the following offensive weapons:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (640 RPG)
+
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
  
 
Due to this cannon's high rate of fire, trigger discipline is a must.
 
Due to this cannon's high rate of 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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
{{main|M61 (20 mm)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
+
<!-- ''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|AGM-12C Bullpup|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|AIM-9E|AIM-9J}}
+
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
 +
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder}}
 +
{{main|AGM-12C Bullpup|AGM-65B|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 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 M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 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)
 +
* 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
 +
* 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 M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
 +
* 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
 +
* 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
 +
* 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 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-9E Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon (1,200 rpg)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 11 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (11,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AGM-65B missiles
 +
* 2 x AGM-65B missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 2 x AGM-65B missiles + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon (1,200 rpg)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 11 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (11,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
The F-4E Phantom II 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 certain situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. 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 AIM-9J missiles are most effective when fired from between 1 to 2 km away from the target. Any closer and they will struggle to track and likely veer off target for a miss.
+
The F-4E Phantom II 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 certain situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. 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 AIM-9J missiles are most effective when fired from between 1 to 3 km away from the target. Any closer and they will struggle to track and likely veer off target for a miss.
  
The F-4E has one of the highest rates of climb out of any vehicle in the game, and is also one of the fastest, especially below 5,000 m altitude. It also has good to excellent acceleration at all speeds, unlike the MiG-21SMT, which only has above-average acceleration at speeds above 700 kph. This means that the Phantom is much more forgiving in dogfights since any lost speed can be regained fairly quickly.
+
The F-4E has one of the highest rates of climb out of any vehicle in the game. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not the best top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4 has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.
  
Unlike the [[F-4C]], this vehicle is equipped with leading-edge slats, which increase the aircraft's manoeuvrability. The plane has the best turning ability between 700 and 900 kph, although it has competitive turn rates at all speeds. However, 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 defenceless 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]] and MiG-21 pilots: although these aircraft don't do as well in extended turns, they can pull a significant angle of attack in the first few moments of a turn-fight.
+
In air realistic battles, it is recommended to take a balanced fuel load of 20 or 30 minutes, depending on how aggressive you fly. The most useful Air RB armament for the F-4E are the 4 AIM-9Js and 4 AIM-7Es. The best strategy is to accelerate to a speed of roughly 900-1100km/h and then zoom climb to altitude (5km or higher), where the pilot should accelerate to the highest speed possible. Lock on to targets with your radar and use your Sparrows to shoot down enemy aircraft when in range. Sparrows should ideally be launched above Mach 1 to take maximum advantage of their range and manoeuvrability. After using up all your sparrows, start using your AIM-9J's at targets below you. The missile will have much easier time following a target which is below it, simply due to gravity helping the missile keep its speed. It is important to note that because of its poor flight characteristics, the Phantom will struggle in one-on-one fights, making it vital to keep your teammates around. The Phantom should target enemies turnfighting its friendlies, as not only the enemy may be distracted and slow, but it provides you a chance to save your teammate, who in turn may down another enemy chasing you later in the match.
  
In air realistic battles, it is recommended to take a maximum fuel load (26 min), given the high fuel-usage of the aircraft's afterburner. It is also recommended to take armoured-target belts for the internal 20 mm cannon, as well as 4 AIM-9J air-to-air missiles. This setup will maximize the vehicle's anti-air capabilities.
+
Dogfighting should be avoided as much as possible. The Phantom was designed around missiles, so they will naturally be your main way of getting kills, with the gun being a backup weapon for opportune targets. Try to avoid getting into dogfights with MiGs, since most of them will easily be able to outturn and out accelerate you.
 +
 
 +
;Notable Air RB enemies include:
 +
 
 +
* MiG-21MF and SMT, which will easily outturn all but the lightest fuel loads with full flaps on an F-4.
 +
* MiG-21bis, which can use its amazing acceleration to catch you in a matter of seconds and evade missiles with flares.
 +
* J35 Draken, which is faster than you by 100km/h and more at low altitudes, and will outmanoeuvre any other aircraft.
 +
* Mirage, which is armed with two of the best infrared missiles in the game, the R.550 Magic, and a long-range radar-guided missile with similar performance to the AIM-7.
 +
* FGR.2, which can out accelerate and outrun you, armed with 4 longer-ranged AIM-9Ds, while also having flares.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Leading-edge slats allow for an above-average turn rate
+
* AIM-9J and AIM-7E air-to-air missiles are among the best in the game
* AIM-9J air-to-air missiles are among the best in the game
+
* Can carry up to eight missiles, with up to four AIM-9Js and four AIM-7Es
 
* Equipped with flares for evading enemy missiles
 
* Equipped with flares for evading enemy missiles
 
* A wide range of suspended armaments, suitable for any play-style
 
* A wide range of suspended armaments, suitable for any play-style
* Deadly frontal armament with high burst mass
+
* Deadly frontal armament with high burst mass is practically guaranteed to critically damage an enemy aircraft if hit
 
* Makes use of a ballistic computer for assisting in the aim of cannons, rockets, and bombs
 
* Makes use of a ballistic computer for assisting in the aim of cannons, rockets, and bombs
* Hard to rip the wings through G-overload
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 +
* Easily and frequently rips wings, especially when doing negative G manoeuvres or rolls
 
* Limited ammunition in the frontally-mounted cannon
 
* Limited ammunition in the frontally-mounted cannon
* Quite large and heavy compared to other fighters at its tier
+
* Large target for aircraft and AA alike
* Rate of climb suffers immensely when carrying large amounts of ordinance.
+
* The weight of the aircraft makes it have a lower turn rate
 +
* Two engines make for a large heat signature, making it harder to dodge missiles
 +
* Rate of climb suffers immensely when carrying large amounts of ordnance
  
 
== 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).''
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
[[File:F-4E Phantom.jpg|thumb|400x400px|An F-4E of Holloman Air Force base.]]
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The F-4E was initially designed as an incremental upgrade to the standard F-4C airframe used by the US Air Force. The aircraft carried a new radar in a redesigned radome, and more importantly, an internal M61 cannon mounted in the nose. As well, later-production aircraft featured the Agile Eagle upgrade, which gave the Phantom leading edge slats which improved manoeuvrability at the expense of top speed. The addition of an internal cannon was a highly anticipated upgrade, as it fixed a problem that F-4C squadrons faced when operating over Vietnam.
 +
 
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The first F-4Es entered service in the 1960s and were dispatched to serve in Vietnam, where they complemented the existing inventories of F-4C and D variant aircraft. The aircraft type was credited with 21 kills in Vietnam, most of which were achieved using the AIM-7E-2 'Dogfight Sparrow'. Several pilots achieved Ace status while flying the F-4 in Vietnam, including Charles B. DeBellevue, who was the highest-scoring American ace in Vietnam. The F-4 went on to form the backbone of the US fighter force for the bulk of the 1960s and 70s. As well, F-4E was flown by the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team between 1969 and 1974. The large, noisy Phantom performed around the world until 1974, when rising fuel costs forced the Thunderbirds to convert to the smaller T-38 Talon.
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The F-4E was exported to a variety of countries. Israel was the largest foreign user of the F-4 Phantom, having purchased 124 F-4 Phantoms from the United States betwen 1971 and 1974; the Israelis were credited with at least 115 kills using the F-4 Phantom during various conflicts. As well, Germany and Japan both procured modified versions of the F-4E, being the F-4F and F-4EJ, respectively. Other notable foreign users of the F-4E include Australia (24 aircraft), Egypt (35 aircraft), Greece (34 aircraft), and Turkey (40 aircraft).
 +
 
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During service, the Phantom gained a number of nicknames, including "Rhino" (referencing its titanium construction and long nose), "Double-Ugly", and even "The world's largest distributor of MiG Parts", referencing the 277 MiGs downed by the Phantom during various conflicts. The USAF retired the aircraft in 1996, and the aircraft was used as a target drone until 2016. The aircraft remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece and Turkey, 62 years after its maiden flight.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=f-4e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|TWT-ETcU_No|'''The Shooting Range #198''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:33 discusses the F-4E Phantom II.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|TWT-ETcU_No|'''The Shooting Range #198''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:33 discusses the F-4E Phantom II.}}
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* SAAB [[J35D]] ''Draken''
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* Dassault [[Mirage IIIC]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''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;''
* ''other literature.''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479889-f-4e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
 
{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Revision as of 11:13, 10 September 2021

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the American jet fighter F-4E Phantom II. For other versions, see F-4 Phantom II (Family).
F-4E Phantom II
f-4e.png
GarageImage F-4E Phantom II.jpg
F-4E Phantom II
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 10.7
Research:350 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The F-4E Phantom II is a rank VII American jet fighter with a battle rating of 11.0 (AB/RB) and 10.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury". This twin-engine aircraft is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17 jets, each producing an incredible 8,010 kgf on maximum afterburner. This multi-role vehicle is among the top fighter jets in the game and a supremely capable ground attacker.

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 General Electric J79-GE-17
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 2,097 2,074 16000 26.5 27.5 160.8 151.2 850
Upgraded 2,202 2,140 25.5 26.0 221.6 190.0

Details

A ROKAF F-4E Phantom II from to 153th Combat Squadron deploying its drogue chute for landing
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 463 607 584 463 ~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 2 14,205 kg 408 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel
1,750 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 15,964 kg 18,027 kg 20,069 kg 24,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel MTOW
Stationary 5,200 kgf 8,010 kgf 1.00 0.89 0.80 0.67
Optimal 5,200 kgf
(0 km/h)
10,170 kgf
(1,400 km/h)
1.27 1.13 1.01 0.85

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural1 458 km/h
Gear463 km/h

The survivability features of the F-4E Phantom II have grown compared to its predecessor with an armour plate and missile countermeasures attached.

By this stage in the high-rank battles, all the fuel tanks are self-sealing. While this will assist with any fuel tank punctures from machine gun calibre weapons, the presence of fast-firing autocannons and missiles mean that these self-sealing tanks are only an accessory to the overall survival of the aircraft.

The addition of an armour plate is a minor benefit as it is only an 8.5 mm steel plate just below the forward fuel tank in the fuselage. This is only thick enough to block a glancing shot to the fuselage. Its most effective use seems to when the F-4E Phantom II as it is pulling up from an attack run, as it is in that angle where the armour plate can potentially block any shot threatening the fuselage fuel tanks and engine. However, considering the small size it is made up of and the large plane overall, this armour plate should not be relied upon for the overall survival of the aircraft.

The biggest change from previous version is the counter measure flares, which are greatly useful at deterring incoming infrared-homing missiles like the Sidewinders or R-60s. To utilise the flares, one must turn off their engine afterburners to eliminate that as a significant source of heat, deploy the flares in a suitable manner, then bank away from the flares to that the missile lock onto the remaining heat source rather than the plane's engine.

A survivability feature shared with its predecessor is the Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The RWR will ping the player in the source of any incoming radar scans, and will also notify if the radar source have achieved a lock-on with the player. Keep an eye on this as it may signify to the player that an enemy semi-active radar homing missile may be launched soon and evasive actions should be taken.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 994 → 4 044 Sl icon.png
RB8 833 → 11 933 Sl icon.png
SB9 129 → 12 333 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications294 200 Rp icon.png
457 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 320 / 600 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
650 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
650 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9E
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods agm missile.png
AGM-12C Bullpup
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
8 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9J
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
AIM-7E
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod SUU-23/A.
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
AIM-7E-2
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
650 Ge icon.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-65B
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
650 Ge icon.png
Mods optical guided bomb.png
AGM-62A
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
650 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods optical guided bomb.png
GBU-8/15
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
650 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

Main article: M61 (20 mm)

The F-4E Phantom II is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)

Due to this cannon's high rate of fire, trigger discipline is a must.

Suspended armament

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

  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 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 M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 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)
  • 2 x AGM-12C Bullpup missiles
  • 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 M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
  • 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
  • 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
  • 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (6,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (6,000 lb total)
  • 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-9E Sidewinder missiles
  • 36 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon (1,200 rpg)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 11 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (11,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AGM-65B missiles
  • 2 x AGM-65B missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AGM-65B missiles + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon (1,200 rpg)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 16 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 11 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (11,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 7 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (7,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

The F-4E Phantom II 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 certain situations. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. 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 AIM-9J missiles are most effective when fired from between 1 to 3 km away from the target. Any closer and they will struggle to track and likely veer off target for a miss.

The F-4E has one of the highest rates of climb out of any vehicle in the game. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not the best top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4 has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.

In air realistic battles, it is recommended to take a balanced fuel load of 20 or 30 minutes, depending on how aggressive you fly. The most useful Air RB armament for the F-4E are the 4 AIM-9Js and 4 AIM-7Es. The best strategy is to accelerate to a speed of roughly 900-1100km/h and then zoom climb to altitude (5km or higher), where the pilot should accelerate to the highest speed possible. Lock on to targets with your radar and use your Sparrows to shoot down enemy aircraft when in range. Sparrows should ideally be launched above Mach 1 to take maximum advantage of their range and manoeuvrability. After using up all your sparrows, start using your AIM-9J's at targets below you. The missile will have much easier time following a target which is below it, simply due to gravity helping the missile keep its speed. It is important to note that because of its poor flight characteristics, the Phantom will struggle in one-on-one fights, making it vital to keep your teammates around. The Phantom should target enemies turnfighting its friendlies, as not only the enemy may be distracted and slow, but it provides you a chance to save your teammate, who in turn may down another enemy chasing you later in the match.

Dogfighting should be avoided as much as possible. The Phantom was designed around missiles, so they will naturally be your main way of getting kills, with the gun being a backup weapon for opportune targets. Try to avoid getting into dogfights with MiGs, since most of them will easily be able to outturn and out accelerate you.

Notable Air RB enemies include
  • MiG-21MF and SMT, which will easily outturn all but the lightest fuel loads with full flaps on an F-4.
  • MiG-21bis, which can use its amazing acceleration to catch you in a matter of seconds and evade missiles with flares.
  • J35 Draken, which is faster than you by 100km/h and more at low altitudes, and will outmanoeuvre any other aircraft.
  • Mirage, which is armed with two of the best infrared missiles in the game, the R.550 Magic, and a long-range radar-guided missile with similar performance to the AIM-7.
  • FGR.2, which can out accelerate and outrun you, armed with 4 longer-ranged AIM-9Ds, while also having flares.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • AIM-9J and AIM-7E air-to-air missiles are among the best in the game
  • Can carry up to eight missiles, with up to four AIM-9Js and four AIM-7Es
  • 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 is practically guaranteed to critically damage an enemy aircraft if hit
  • Makes use of a ballistic computer for assisting in the aim of cannons, rockets, and bombs

Cons:

  • Easily and frequently rips wings, especially when doing negative G manoeuvres or rolls
  • Limited ammunition in the frontally-mounted cannon
  • Large target for aircraft and AA alike
  • The weight of the aircraft makes it have a lower turn rate
  • Two engines make for a large heat signature, making it harder to dodge missiles
  • Rate of climb suffers immensely when carrying large amounts of ordnance

History

An F-4E of Holloman Air Force base.

The F-4E was initially designed as an incremental upgrade to the standard F-4C airframe used by the US Air Force. The aircraft carried a new radar in a redesigned radome, and more importantly, an internal M61 cannon mounted in the nose. As well, later-production aircraft featured the Agile Eagle upgrade, which gave the Phantom leading edge slats which improved manoeuvrability at the expense of top speed. The addition of an internal cannon was a highly anticipated upgrade, as it fixed a problem that F-4C squadrons faced when operating over Vietnam.

The first F-4Es entered service in the 1960s and were dispatched to serve in Vietnam, where they complemented the existing inventories of F-4C and D variant aircraft. The aircraft type was credited with 21 kills in Vietnam, most of which were achieved using the AIM-7E-2 'Dogfight Sparrow'. Several pilots achieved Ace status while flying the F-4 in Vietnam, including Charles B. DeBellevue, who was the highest-scoring American ace in Vietnam. The F-4 went on to form the backbone of the US fighter force for the bulk of the 1960s and 70s. As well, F-4E was flown by the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team between 1969 and 1974. The large, noisy Phantom performed around the world until 1974, when rising fuel costs forced the Thunderbirds to convert to the smaller T-38 Talon.

The F-4E was exported to a variety of countries. Israel was the largest foreign user of the F-4 Phantom, having purchased 124 F-4 Phantoms from the United States betwen 1971 and 1974; the Israelis were credited with at least 115 kills using the F-4 Phantom during various conflicts. As well, Germany and Japan both procured modified versions of the F-4E, being the F-4F and F-4EJ, respectively. Other notable foreign users of the F-4E include Australia (24 aircraft), Egypt (35 aircraft), Greece (34 aircraft), and Turkey (40 aircraft).

During service, the Phantom gained a number of nicknames, including "Rhino" (referencing its titanium construction and long nose), "Double-Ugly", and even "The world's largest distributor of MiG Parts", referencing the 277 MiGs downed by the Phantom during various conflicts. The USAF retired the aircraft in 1996, and the aircraft was used as a target drone until 2016. The aircraft remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece and Turkey, 62 years after its maiden flight.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development
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
Export/Licensed 
Aircraft  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · Phantom FG.1 · Phantom FGR.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
  Baz · F-15J
  ▄AV-8B Plus
Helicopters  AH-6M · Lahatut
  The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation merged with Douglas Aircraft Company in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-14  F-14A Early · F-14B
F-15  F-15A
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-6  A-6E TRAM
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late
B-57  B-57A · B-57B
F-105  F-105D
F-111  F-111A