F-4E Phantom II: Overview and Specifications

The F-4E variant was an upgraded version of the C/D, featuring an extended nose and compact radar. These enhancements allowed for the installation of a 20mm M61A1 6-barrel 640-round Vulcan gun pod in the nose. With 1,387 aircraft produced over a 12-year period, the F-4E was the most popular variant and served in more air forces than any other Phantom II model.

Notable Aircraft: USAF 65-0713 c/n 1761

USAF 65-0713 c/n 1761 is significant for several reasons. Initially produced as an F-4D, it was modified to be the prototype F-4E equipped with an M-61 rotary cannon. However, missiles were deemed sufficient, and cannons weren't added to production models. Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Yeager took his final flight as an active-duty USAF pilot in this aircraft. The plane also served as a testbed for the F-4G Wild Weasel and other testbeds throughout the 1970s and '80s. It is now on display at the AFFTC Museum, Edwards Air Force Base.

Specifications of McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II

• Engines – (2) General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets
• Thrust – 11,870 lb. st dry, 17,900 lb. st with afterburners

Fuel Capacity

• Maximum internal fuel - fuselage tanks 1,364 US gallons (up to block 40) and 1,225 US gallons (from block 41 on).
• Additional - 630 gallons of fuel in internal wing tanks.
• External fuel load - 600 US gallons centerline tank
• Additional - 370 US gallons tanks under each wing attached to the outer pylon
• Total fuel load - 3,334 US gallons (up to block 40) or 3,195 US gallons (from block 41 on)

Performance

• Maximum speed – 1,430 mph at 36,000 ft (Mach 2.21), 914 mph at sea level (Mach 1.19)
• Cruising speed – 585 mph
• Landing speed – 158 mph
• Initial climb rate – 61,400 fpm
• Service ceiling – 62,250 ft
• Combat ceiling – 59,600 ft
• Combat range - 595 miles
• Maximum range - 1,885 miles with maximum external fuel

Weights

• Empty - 29,535 lbs
• Gross - 40,562 lbs
• Combat - 38,019 lbs
• Take off - 61,651 lbs

Dimensions

• Wingspan - 38 ft 5 in
• Wing area - 530 sq ft
• Length - 63 ft 0 in
• Height - 16 ft 6 in

Armament

• (1) 20-mm M61A1 cannon with 639 rounds in an under-nose gondola
• (4) AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles in semi-recessed slots in the fuselage belly.
• (2) to (4) AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles carried under the wings on the inboard pylons.
• Total offensive load of up to 16,000 pounds could be carried on the centerline and four under-wing hard-points.