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.

Upon completion McDonnell Douglas F-4J BuNo 157249 was delivered to VF-114 “Aardvarks”
on October 6, 1969 and assigned to Lt. R Hughes and RIO Lt(jg) Adolph Cruz as NH-206. On
May 6, 1972 the crew was part of the cover flight for an evening strike and upon arriving at the
target area 4 MiG-21s were sighted by NH-206 and NH-201. Each of the F-4Js managed to
destroy a MiG-21 and safely return to the USS Kitty Hawk. 157249 converted to an F-4S in
1981-82 and on display at Leather Neck Museum,
MCAS Miramar, California.

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. (lb.s.t. - Pounds Static Thrust)
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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