The F-4D was an improved “C” variant with most improvements being internal electronics and
avionics. The F-4D entered operational service in April 1966 and joined the combat forces in
Southeast Asia in May 1967. With the arrival of the “D” most of the “C” variant
was reassigned to ground attack with the “D”s taking on the air-to-air interceptor role. In 1968 –
1969 a total of 825 “D” models were produced 793 for the USAF and 32 for the Iranian Air Force.

Captain Chuck DeBellevue came from the 555th TFS / 432nd TRW with 4 MiG-21 victories
under his belt while flying with Captain R. Ritchie, but now was paired with Captain John Madden
of 555th TFS / 8th TFW at Udorn AB, Thailand. On September 9, 1972 during “Operation
Linebacker” while flying F-4D 66-0267 call-sign Olds 01, Madden and DeBellevue fired two
AIM-7 missiles at a MiG-21 but missed but then managed to down 2 MiG-19s giving DeBellevue
victories 5 and 6 making him the highest scoring American Ace of the Vietnam War.

Specifications McDonnell-Douglas F-4D Phantom II

Type – Fighter

Entered Operational Service - April 1966

Crew - 2

Dimensions
Length - 62 ft. 10 in. (18.9 m)
Height - 16 ft. 6 in. (5.03 m)
Wingspan - 38 ft. 5 in. (11.71 m)
Wing area - 530 sq ft. (49.23 sq m)

Weights
Empty Weight - 28,276 lbs (12,823 kg)
Gross Weight - 50,341 lbs (22,830 kg)
Max Weight - 58,000 lbs (26,303 kg)

Powerplant
Engines - 2 X General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets
Thrust
Dry - 11,870 lb. st
With Afterburners - 17,900 lb. st

Fuel load
Total - 3,230 US gallons (12,226 l)
Maximum internal
Internal fuselage tanks - 1,260 gallons (4,769 l)
Internal wing tanks - 630 gallons (2,384 l)
Maximum external
600 US gallon (2,271 l) centerline tank
+
2 - 370 US gallon (1,400 l) tanks under each wing on the outer pylons.

Performance
Range - 1375 mi (2,214 km)
Cruise Speed - 587 mph (945 kph) (510.81 kt)
Max Speed
@ 42,000 ft - 1,432 mph (2,304.5 kph) (12,801 m) (Mach 2.17)
@ Sea Level - 826 mph (1,329.3 kph) (Mach 1.08)
Landing speed - 165 mph (265.5 kph)
Initial rate of climb - 40,100 fpm (12,222.5 m/min)
Maximum rate of climb - 48,300 fpm (14,721.1 m/min)
Ceiling - 59,400 ft (18,104 m)
Combat range - 502 miles (807.9 km)
Maximum range - 1,844 miles (2,967.6 km) with maximum external fuel.

Armament
(4) Aim-7D or (4) Aim-7E Sparrow missiles semi-recessed on slots in the fuselage belly
+ up to (4) Aim-9 Sidewinder missiles on the inboard pylons or up to (18) x 750 lb
(340 kg) bombs for a maximum offensive load of 16,000 lbs (7,257.48 kg)

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