The F-4J was the last version produced for the USN and USMC. The “J” version was
basically an upgraded “B” version with new radar and avionics as well as a better
engine that required a longer afterburner nozzle. One of the most noticeable changes
to the “J” version is what isn’t there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted.
Also missing was an internal gun but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for
intercepting. These modifications were carried out on 522 aircraft. The only USN
Vietnam Ace was Lt. Randy (Duke) Cunningham with 5 victories all in an F-4J.

The first “Jolly Rogers” was VF-17 in 1943 and then VF-61 in 1944. In 1955 VF-84
was commissioned as the “Vagabonds” and when VF-61 was disestablished in 1959 it
wasn’t until 1960 that VF-84 was given the name “Jolly Rogers”. In 1967 while on the
USS Independence the VF-84 transitioned to the F-4J. In 1970 the squadron moved
to the USS F.D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and continued to fly the F-4J until 1972 when
they reverted to the F-4B in 1973 and the F-4N in 1974. The transition from the F-4 to
the F-14 took place in 1977 when they moved to the USS Nimitz. In 1995 VF-84 was
disestablished and VF-103 (originally - The Sluggers) became the new “Jolly Rogers”.

Specification for the F- 4J

Performance
Engines: 2 X General Electric J79-GE-8B/8C/10 turbojets, 11,870 lb.s.t dry, 17,900 lb.
s.t. with afterburner.
Maximum speed: 1,584 mph at 48,000 ft. (Mach 2.4), 875 mph at sea level (Mach
1.15).
Initial climb rate: 41,250 fpm.
Service ceiling: 70,000 ft.
Combat ceiling: 54,700 ft.
Combat range: 596 miles, maximum range 1,956 miles with maximum external fuel.

Weights
30,770 lbs empty.
46,833 lbs gross.
41,399 lbs combat weight,

Dimensions
Wingspan: 38 ft. 5 in.
Wing area: 530 square ft.
Length: 58 ft. 3.75 in.
Height: 16 ft. 3 in.

Fuel
Maximum internal fuel: in fuselage tanks 1,347 US gal.
Internal wing tanks: 630 gal.
Maximum external fuel: 3,317 US gal.
600 US gal in a centerline tank, 370 US gal in each of two tanks that could be carried
underneath the outer under wing pylons.

Armament
4 X AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles in semi-recessed slots
in the fuselage belly.
2 X to 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles carried under the wings
on the inboard pylons.
Maximum offensive load of up to 16,000 lbs carried on the centerline and 4 under wing
hard points.

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