McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

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Key Takeaways:

  • The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II served in U.S. frontline combat for 36 years, functioning as a versatile Mach 2.2 aircraft for fighter, interceptor, bomber, and electronic surveillance roles from land or sea.
  • Over 5,000 F-4s were produced between 1960 and 1981, and the jet is most recognized for its significant multi-service deployment during the Vietnam War.
  • It holds the unique distinction as the only aircraft ever used by both the USAF Thunderbirds and the USN Blue Angels flight demonstration teams.
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Photo by Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0,via Wikimedia Commons

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was used in frontline combat duty in the United States for 36 years. The Mach 2.2 screamer was a fighter, an interceptor, a bomber and an electronic surveillance platform that could launch from land or from sea. Over the plane’s production life from 1960 to 1981, McDonnell Douglas churned out more than 5,000 F-4s. The jet is perhaps best known for its service during the Vietnam War, during which it served as a ground attack, electronic surveillance and air superiority fighter, fielded by the Air Force, Navy and Marines. The Phantom, interestingly, is the only plane that was used by both the USAF Thunderbirds and the USN Blue Angels.

Do you want more great airplane lists? Take a look at “10 Cheapest Planes In The Sky,” “10 (More) Cheapest Planes In The Sky,” and “8 Great Used Planes.”

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