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. Between 1966 and 1972 there
were 522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-
air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in
South East Asia. In mid 1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new
and improved F-14 Tomcat.

VMF (AW –All Weather)-235 “Death Angels” were renamed VMFA-235 in
September 1968 and equipped with the F-4J Phantom II. VMFA-235 flew the last
active duty F-4 and aircraft 153879 was the last F-4 launched from a carrier.
VMFA-235 pilots referred to their red-nosed aircraft as “Bozo-Noses”. In April
1980 153879 was upgraded to an S variant retiring in December 1983 while with
VF-151. The aircraft went to storage and eventually was removed for restoration
and destined for the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum.

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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