The McDonnell Douglas F-4 was the main multipurpose aircraft for the US Military for 20 years.
The F-4E variant was an improved version of the C/D with an elongated nose and compact
radar. These two things made it possible to install a 20mm M61A1 6 barrel 640 round Vulcan
gun pod in the nose. The F-4E was the most produced variant with 1387 aircraft being made
over its 12 year production period. The “E” also equipped more air forces than any other
variant of the Phantom II.

The German government had ordered 88 RF-4Es and this particular aircraft was the first one of
the order produced at the McDonnell-Douglas facility in St. Louis. Because of this the aircraft
was dubbed the “Spirit of St. Louis” and given the USAF serial 69-7448. It first flew on
September 15, 1970 and was accepted by the Luftwaffe on January 17, 1971. The first flight as
35+01 with the Luftwaffe was with the Aufklarungeschwader 51 "Immelmann" (AKG 51) based
at Bremgarten on January 20, 1971.

Specifications McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II

Note – The RF-4E variant was an unarmed reconnaissance version for export only. Retrofitted
to carry weapons by most customers.

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

Fuel
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 - 3334 US gallons (up to block 40) or 3195 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 - 1885 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.

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