Phantoms and the first flight of the Panther
Looking ahead to a video on the F-4 Phantom and a Grumman Cat takes flight
So long as large armies go to battle, so long will the air arm remain their spearhead.
-Cyril Falls
Mission Briefing
This is an an aircraft subject I’ve wanted to do for a long time: The F-4 Phantom, a legendary figure in the pantheon of fighter aircraft, is a remarkable embodiment of speed, power, and versatility. Originally developed for the U.S. Navy by McDonnell Aircraft, it made its maiden flight in 1958 and quickly established itself as a true multi-role fighter.
The Phantom's distinctive design features a tandem two-seat, twin-engine configuration. It was one of the first fighters to adopt a radar-guided air-to-air missile system, a significant advancement over the traditional gun-based combat. This innovation, along with its impressive payload capacity, allowed the F-4 to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Powered by two now infamous General Electric J79 engines, the Phantom could reach a maximum speed of over Mach 2.2, making it one of the fastest jets of its time. Its range and speed were complemented by a service ceiling that exceeded 60,000 feet, allowing for exceptional operational flexibility.
The F-4 saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, where it was used by both the Navy and Air Force. Its ability to carry a wide array of armaments, from air-to-air missiles to a variety of bombs, made it a formidable asset in various combat scenarios. The Phantom's adaptability also led to its use in reconnaissance and electronic warfare roles.
Over its service life, the F-4 Phantom was continuously updated and modified, resulting in numerous variants to suit different roles and requirements. Its global impact was significant, with several countries adopting it into their air forces. The Phantom's legacy is not just in its operational success but also in its influence on the design and capabilities of future combat aircraft. As I said, this is a topic I’ve wanted to cover for quite a while, I am working on a script for a video that I hope can do this legendary jet justice. Stay tuned, and in the meantime, be sure to check the channel!
This week in aviation history
21 November 1947: In a defining moment for Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, their esteemed test pilot Corwin Henry “Corky” Meyer took to the skies in the pioneering prototype XF9F-2 Panther, marking its first flight from the Bethpage airfield in Long Island, New York. Given the limited 5,000-foot runway at Bethpage, Meyer wisely chose to land the jet on the more accommodating runway at Idlewild Airport for its post-flight evaluation. This inaugural flight was a test of both pilot and machine, especially since it was Grumman's first venture into jet aircraft and uncertainties lingered about the Panther's ability to manage such a short runway.
According to Air & Space/Smithsonian magazine, Meyer described the day's weather as exceptionally challenging, the worst he had experienced for a first flight. Yet, he likened the prototype's handling to that of a J-3 Cub, a testament to its smooth performance. In his Flight Journal article, Meyer recalled this historic flight of the Rolls-Royce Nene-powered fighter on November 21, 1947, with its impressive 5,000-pound-thrust engine.
The XF9F-2 Panther, a significant breakthrough for Grumman and a major contributor to the United States Navy's fleet, was a single-seat, single-engine day fighter designed for aircraft carrier operations. It evolved from the initially proposed four-engine XF9F-1 night fighter. The Rolls-Royce RB.41 Nene engine, chosen for its unparalleled power and reliability, was initially supplied by Taylor Turbine Corporation as the J42-TT-2. Due to concerns about production capacity, the Navy facilitated a transfer of the J42 license to Pratt & Whitney.
The Panther entered service as the F9F-2, boasting dimensions suitable for carrier operations, including hydraulic wing-folding mechanisms. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney JT6 (J42-P-8) turbojet engine, it generated a remarkable thrust, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities.
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In flight, the Panther demonstrated formidable speed and range, reaching a maximum speed of 575 miles per hour and a service ceiling of 44,600 feet. It was armed with four M3 20 mm autocannon and could carry a considerable payload, making it a versatile fighter both in air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
During the Korean War, the Panther proved its mettle. A notable instance was on November 18, 1952, when Lieutenant Elmer Royce Williams of VF-781, flying from the USS Oriskany, engaged seven Soviet MiG 15 fighters, successfully downing four—a feat unmatched in a single combat action. Despite significant damage to his Panther, Williams returned safely, earning the Silver Star for his bravery.
The ruggedness and reliability of Grumman's fighters earned the company the nickname “The Grumman Iron Works,” a reflection of their aircraft's durability and combat effectiveness.
In case you missed it
Quiet Supersonic aircraft could change how we fly and how fast we fly:
Photo Outlet
Timing is everything in photography, I happened to catch the exact moment this Lightning touched down:
Post Flight Debrief
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to read this newsletter. Thank you for your readership and support, more content is on the way. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading! If you know a fellow aviation enthusiast that would enjoy these weekly newsletters, then please forward this along. Now you know!
-Tog