Phantoms Phorever: the F-4 Issue
Remembering when Col. Olds became the leading Mig killer in SE Asia and a look back - and forward to one of the greatest aircraft of all time
“It became the middle finger I couldn’t raise in PR photographs. The mustache became my silent last word in the verbal battles I was losing with higher headquarters on rules, targets, and fighting the war.”
-Colonel Robin Olds
This issue will be a little different. Normally I lead with current events in military aviation, but as I started to write this column, I began with the “This week in aviation history” section, which you’ll see below. It just so happens that this week is 57 years ago from then Col Robin Olds’ third and fourth victories in Vietnam. I decided to make this issue all about the Phantom. Read on for an overview of this incredible aircraft, and stick around to the end of the column for some more F-4 insights:
Mission Briefing
Imagine you're standing on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in the 1960s. The roar of jet engines fills the air, and the salty sea breeze carries the scent of adventure and danger. Amidst this bustling scene, a sleek, powerful aircraft catapults off the deck and soars into the sky. This isn't just any fighter jet; it's the F-4 Phantom II, an aircraft that would become one of the most iconic and versatile fighters in aviation history.
The F-4 Phantom II, developed by McDonnell Aircraft, first took to the skies in 1958 and quickly established itself as a formidable presence. What made the Phantom so special? There are several factors, including its design, versatility, performance, and impact on aerial combat.
Design and Versatility
The Phantom's design was revolutionary for its time. With its twin-engine configuration, it offered exceptional power and speed. The two General Electric J79 engines could propel the Phantom to speeds exceeding Mach 2.2, making it one of the fastest fighters of its era. This speed, combined with its high-altitude capabilities, allowed the Phantom to outpace many of its adversaries.
The aircraft's design also featured a distinctive appearance, with its long nose, anhedral horizontal stabilizers, and upswept wingtips. These design elements not only gave the Phantom a unique look but also contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency and maneuverability.
One of the Phantom's most significant advantages was its versatility. Originally designed as a fleet defense interceptor for the U.S. Navy, it quickly proved itself adaptable to a variety of roles. The F-4 served as a fighter-bomber, reconnaissance aircraft, and even a Wild Weasel for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). This multi-role capability allowed it to be used by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as by numerous allied nations.
Performance and Firepower
The F-4 Phantom's performance was another key factor in its success. Its powerful engines and aerodynamic design allowed it to achieve impressive speeds and altitudes. The Phantom could reach altitudes of over 60,000 feet, giving it a significant advantage in high-altitude dogfights and reconnaissance missions.
In terms of firepower, the Phantom was a game-changer. It was one of the first fighters to carry a significant load of both air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance. Equipped with AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, the F-4 could engage enemy aircraft at long and short ranges. It also had the capability to carry a wide variety of bombs and rockets for ground attack missions. This firepower, combined with its speed and agility, made the Phantom a lethal adversary in combat
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Impact on Aerial Combat
The F-4 Phantom's impact on aerial combat was profound. During the Vietnam War, it became the backbone of U.S. air operations. It was used extensively in air-to-air combat against North Vietnamese MiGs, as well as in ground attack missions. The Phantom's versatility allowed it to perform a wide range of missions, from bombing raids to close air support for ground troops.
One of the Phantom's most significant contributions was in the realm of electronic warfare and SEAD missions. The Wild Weasel variants of the F-4 were equipped with advanced electronic countermeasures and radar-homing missiles, allowing them to detect and destroy enemy radar installations. This capability was crucial in reducing the threat of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and protecting other aircraft in the strike package.
Legacy and Influence
The F-4 Phantom's legacy extends beyond its impressive combat record. It set numerous speed and altitude records, demonstrating the capabilities of jet aircraft in the 1960s and 1970s. Its design and technology influenced the development of subsequent fighter aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcat and the F-15 Eagle.
Even today, the Phantom continues to serve in the air forces of several countries, a testament to its durability and effectiveness. Its adaptability and performance have made it a beloved aircraft among pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, the F-4 Phantom II was a special fighter for many reasons. Its innovative design, exceptional performance, versatility, and significant impact on aerial combat set it apart from other aircraft of its time. The Phantom's legacy continues to inspire new generations of aviators and engineers, solidifying its place in the annals of aviation history. As you watch a Phantom roar into the sky, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for this remarkable aircraft that truly earned its place in the pantheon of military aviation legends.
This week in aviation history
20 May 1967: A Daring Duel in the Skies
On a fateful day in May 1967, the skies over North Vietnam bore witness to a dramatic and daring aerial duel. Colonel Robin Olds, the legendary commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing stationed at Ubon Rachitani Royal Thai Air Force Base, and his Weapons System Officer, 1st Lieutenant Stephen B. Croker, embarked on a mission that would etch their names into the annals of aviation history. Piloting the formidable McDonnell F-4C-24-MC Phantom II, serial number 64-0829, affectionately named SCAT XXVII, they obliterated two Vietnam People’s Air Force MiG-17 fighters with precision and prowess, using AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided and AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles.
An official U.S. Air Force history recounts this electrifying encounter, painting a vivid picture of the intense battle. With the seasoned eye of a World War II ace, Col. Olds described the events of that day as “quite a remarkable air battle.” As F-105s unleashed their payloads on the northeast railroad, Olds and his squadron, flying in escort formation, were suddenly ambushed by a swarm of 10 to 12 MiG-17s, swooping in from both sides like predatory birds.
What ensued was a chaotic melee, reminiscent of the dogfights from a bygone era. The skies were a swirling cauldron of aircraft, with F-4Cs, MiG-17s, and a flight of F-105s interweaving in a deadly dance. The danger was not only from the enemy’s guns but also from the ever-looming threat of collision. Olds’ description of the battle lasting 12 to 14 minutes underscores the ferocity and complexity of the engagement.
Amidst this airborne chaos, Olds zeroed in on a MiG-17, locked onto it with a boresight lock-on, and unleashed a Sparrow missile that found its mark, sending the enemy fighter spiraling down in flames. Not content with one victory, Olds pursued another MiG, engaging it in a low-altitude chase that tested both his skill and nerve. At treetop level, he fired a Sidewinder missile, which streaked towards the MiG, exploding mere feet from its fuselage and sending it plummeting earthward.
Despite being perilously low on fuel and alone deep in enemy territory, Olds’ unyielding determination and tactical genius secured a stunning triumph. This exhilarating battle not only highlighted the unmatched bravery and skill of Col. Robin Olds and Lt. Stephen B. Croker but also imparted crucial lessons in the art of aerial warfare. Their victory on 20 May 1967 stands as a vivid testament to the fierce and unpredictable nature of air combat during the Vietnam War, forever enshrining their legacy in the lore of aviation.
In case you missed it
One of the incredible things about the Phantom is how many airframes it took to replace it. You could make the case that one of its most successful successors was the F-15 Eagle. Here is a video all about the origins of the Eagle:
Photo Outlet
The F-16 Demo team just changed their paint scheme from the Viper livery they were using below to the original F-16 livery from its early testing days. I’m looking forward to seeing that new paint scheme and getting some good shots of it, but for now here’s the “older” scheme:
Post Flight Debrief
The Phantom has always had a special place in my heart. As a young boy in Cub Scouts, I was able to visit Homestead Air Force base where I got to sit in the cockpit of an F-4. It was amazing and a core memory in my life. I had known about fighter planes, but to see one up close and sit in the cockpit - that was something else! When I started this journey with my YouTube channel, I promised myself I would make a video about the Phantom, but I wanted to do it justice. I wanted to become a good enough storyteller, video editor, and computer animator to tell the story of the F-4 in a way that would convey to the viewer the magic and sheer awe that is the Phantom. I think I am finally ready - and there is something that will help. Today, 21 May is the release of the F-4 module from Heatblur Simulations for the Digital Combat Simulator DCS World. The designers, programmers, and artists have spent years putting together the most detailed simulation of the F-4 to date. Every switch, rivet, and texture has been detailed.
I’ll be using this model as well as some of my own 3D models to bring you a comprehensive story of the Phantom - I plan at least two videos.
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-Tog
Thanks for the great article and your Phantoms Phorever video. Having spent 10 years flying F-4D's, F-4E's and F-4G's, I really appreciate the work you put into telling the story of the Phantom. One nickname I didn't hear you mention was the Rhino, because it was a beast that would do some damage. Thanks again.