McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle / Boeing F-15

F-15C

In September 1968, the USAF issued a request for proposals for a new FX fighter. The Air Force wanted a single air superiority fighter able to defeat the Mach 3 MiG 25 Foxbat, the MiG 21 Fishbed, and the MiG 23 Flogger. McDonnell was short listed and in late 1969 was selected to develop and produce the F-15 under the direction of Air Force Systems Command, full scale development being authorised in January 1970.

In February 1970, the Pratt & Whitney F100 turbofan was selected for development and a few months later the Hughes APG-63 radar was chosen for the F-15.

The initial contract called for 18 single-seat F-15As and two TF-15 trainers (re-designated F-15B in December 1977). The first F-15A was rolled out in June 1972, and made its maiden flight on 27 July 1972, to be joined by the first two-seater on 7 July 1973. Most of the major test hurdles had been successfully negotiated by late 1974, clearing the way for the Eagle to join TAC’s inventory.

The F-15 was the first USAF fighter to be developed under the DoD “Fly-Before-Buy” concept, but funding for long-lead items for the first wing of aircraft was released late in 1972, followed by full production funding in early 1973. The second wing was ordered late 1974. The first production aircraft was flown on 25 September 1974.

On 14 November 1974 President Gerald Ford formally accepted the first aircraft (actually a two-seat TF-15A designated F-15B) to be handed over to TAC at Luke AFB, Arizona. Initial operational capability was declared in July 1975, with delivery of the 24th aircraft, and the first wing was completely equipped by the end of 1976. From the outset the USAF planned a force of 729 production aircraft, of which 589 had been delivered by 1 May 1981.

McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagle Article

The first two models to enter service were the F-15A single-seater and TF-15A (later F-15B) combat-capable tandem two-seater. Both variants had the APG-63 radar and 10855kg Pratt & Whitney F100-P-100 afterburning turbofans, with AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles along the bottom of its large inlet ducts and 20mm cannon mounted in the right inboard wing. The two-seat F-15B combat trainer which first flew on 7 July 1973 is about 360kg heavier than the F-15A fighter, but retains most of its combat capability. The Eagle is equipped with Hughes APG-63 pulse-Doppler radar with computerised data-processing and the F-15 pioneered the HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) concept.

The 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Virginia, was the first USAF recipient of the F-15A, while the first operational aircraft in Europe were assigned to the 36th TFW at Bitburg AB, West Germany.

The production totalled 366 and 58 respectively for the US Air Force plus 19 and two respectively for the Israeli Air Force.

Israel, the first export country, ordered 40 F-15 under the ‘Peace Fox’ program. Delivery started in 1976 on an initial batch of 25 aircraft. At least one Syrian MiG-23 has been shot down in clashes with Israeli F-15s over Lebanon.

Japan’s programme to acquire the F-15 began in 1975. The first of the two single-seat F-15Js produced by the parent company was accepted on 29 July 1980, with the second following on 29 July, and after 39 test flights with ASDF pilots, were ferried to Japan landing at Kadena Air Base on 1 March 1981. Essentially similar to the USAF’s F-15C, the F-15J differs in having various avionics changes, the Tactical Electronic Warfare System – the TEWS pod being omitted from the tip of the port fin.

Continuing procurement of the F-15A variant enabled two more TAG wings and one more USAFE squadron to be equipped between 1977-9, production thereafter switching to the F-15C and the basically similar two-seat F-15D.

In June 1979 deliveries of the improved and more advanced F-15C single-seat (flown for the first time on 27 February 1979) and F-15D two-seat models began. Equipped with AGP-70 radar (with a programmable digital signal processor, synthetic-aperture ground mapping and track-while-scan air-to-air capability), an uprated powerplant, and provision for low-drag conformal packs carrying fuel and fitted with tangential attachments for weapons. The two variant were built for the USAF, Israel and Saudi Arabia and are still operated today. These variants were also built under licence in Japan by Mitsubishi and designated F-15J.

F-15D

In addition, it is also compatible with the company-developed FAST (Fuel And Sensor Tactical) packs, whereby conformal fuel tanks and/or sensor packages can be attached to the outside of each air inlet. Extra fuel tanks conform to the sides of the fuselage and hold an additional 10,000 lb / 4536 kg of fuel to supplement the 11,600 lb / 5260 kg of internal fuel, or a variety of sensors (such as reconnaissance cameras, infra-red equipment, radar warning receivers, laser designators and low-light-level television cameras to be carried. Thus, overall capability the Eagle has been significantly enhanced. Operational deployment of the F-15C and F-15D began in 1979. The 18th TFW at Yridena, Okinawa, was the first unit to receive this version, re-equipment of this Wing’s three squadrons being effected between September 1979 and April 1980. Subsequent deliveries were made to existing Eagle units, most of which were progressively re-equipped during the early 1980s.

The first single-seat air superiority F-15C incorporating MSIP enhancements was rolled out in June 1985.

Renowned as an extremely capable interceptor, the F-15D Eagle was modified in 1980 to perform in the all-weather interdictor role whilst still retaining the ability to operate as an air superiority aircraft. This private venture, first known as the Strike Eagle, first flown on 8 July 1980, was redesignated McDonnell Douglas F-15E Enhanced Eagle when the USAF expressed interest in the concept and conducted an evaluation between November 1982 and April 1983. Together with the delta-winged General Dynamics F-16E, the Enhanced Eagle was competing for selection in the USAF’s Derivative Fighter Program as a supplement and eventual replacement for the General Dynamics F-111.

The dual-role F-15E Strike Eagle is basically a converted F-15B/D trainer for the ground-attack role. It has a total of 18 external hardpoints.

On 11 December 1986 the F-15E made its first flight and the US Air Force announced that it was to order 392 examples though this requirement was later reduced to 200 and deliveries began in 1988, initially to the 405th TTW for training and then the 4th TFW for operations, replacing the F-4E. The rear cockpit of the prototype (a converted F-15B trainer) has been fitted with four multi-purpose cathode ray tubes (CRTs) for information display to the systems operator and three more CRTs are to be installed for the pilot in production versions.
Beneath the nose-cone, high resolution radar provides long-range ground-mapping of remarkable clarity, whilst forward looking infra-red (FLIR) gives close range images of similar quality. In combination, these systems allow rapid target identification in all weathers and ensure accurate weapon delivery. Ordnance carriage has been improved by addition of bomb attachment points on the ‘conformal’ wing-root fuel and sensor packs, resulting in less drag and freeing wing pylons for additional fuel tanks. Called Tangential Carriage, the modification extends the Eagle’s endurance by 40 per cent in some cases. During proving trials, the F-15E demonstrated an ability to take off at a weight of 34020 kg (75,0001b), some 3175kg (7,0001b) above the previous maximum.

McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

The type has an advanced nav/attack system with APG-70 main radar as well as several radar and infra-red navigation and targeting options displayed to the rear seat, leaving the pilot free to concentrate on tactical flying using his head-up display. Equipment installed in the F-15E includes the LANTIRN night nay/attack pod system, FLIR sensors, threat-warning displays, digital map displays, APG-70 radar, a wide-angle HUD an improved mission computer and provision for AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and the integral M61 Vulcan cannon.

F-15E Strike Eagle

21 Strike Eagles were exported to Israel designated F-15I. The Israeli Defence Force/Air Force aircraft have been involved in several dogfights with Syrian MiG-21s and MiG-23s and are officially confirmed as having shot down at least one MiG-25. On 7 June 1981, Israeli F-15s escorted F-16s making the strike against Iraq’s Osirak nuclear powerplant, covering a radius of 966km.

On the 1st of November 1968, Japan signed a letter of agreement with Mc Donnell Douglas and it was also announced that it would become one of the few countries worldwide that was going to license-produce this aircraft. Over the following years, the Nihon Koku Jietai (Japan Air Self-Defence Force) received a total of 154 F-4EJ and RF-4Es. The F-4EJs (the export version for Japan) were mostly similar to the F-4Es, although the Japanese aircraft had their in-flight refuelling and ground-attack capabilities removed to align with Japan’s defensive posture, the F-4EJs were delivered without the AN/AJB-7 bombing computer system.

The first two F-4EJs (JASDF serials 17-8301 and 17-8302) were built by McDonnell Douglas in St Louis and first flew on January 14, 1971. The next 11 F-4EJs (JASDF serials 27-8303/8307, 37-8307/8310, and 47-8311/8313) were built by McDonnell Douglas in kit form and were assembled in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. The first Japanese-assembled aircraft (27-8303) flew on May 12, 1972. Seven more F-15Js single-seat version based on F-15C were to be assembled by August 1982, leading to manufacture by Mitsubishi against contracts placed for a total of 45 F-15Js and 12 two-seat F-15DJs (including two aircraft assembled in the USA by McDonnell Douglas). Funding of 43 more F-15Js in the FY82 budget brought total procurements to 100. Subsequently, Mitsubishi built all the rest 127 F-4EJ during the following nine years. The last example was delivered to the JASDF on May 20, 1981.

Mitsibishi produced 213 McDonnell Douglas F- 15J/DJ fighters for the JASDF by 1998.

Japan also acquired 14 RF-4Es built by McDonnell Douglas to serve in the reconnaissance role. These RF-4Es were delivered between November 1974 and June 1975. They were virtually identical to the USAF RF-4C, with the only differences being the deletion of certain equipment such as the radar homing and the warning suite which had not been released for export to Japan.

The F-4EJs entered service with the JASDF in August 1972 with a total of six squadrons operating the aircraft: the 301st, 302nd, 303rd, 304th, 305th and 306th squadrons. The RF-4Es equipped the 501st that had previously operated one of the less-well-known Sabre models, the RF-86F.

Korea ordered the Boeing F-15K to replace its F-4 Phantom II fleet. The F-15K is more advanced than the original F-15E, it has better radar and improved systems and a helmet-mounted cueing system.

Saudi Arabia ordered the F-15 variant and took delivery of 72 downgraded F-15Es, redesignated F-15S.

The F-15 Eagle has a perfect combat record of 101 victories and zero defeats. F-15s downed four Mig-29 fighters during the Balkan conflict and 33 of the 35 fixed-wing aircraft Iraq lost in air combat during Operation Desert Storm.

Singapore ordered the F-15SG (previously known as F-15T), another customized advanced derivative of the F-15E Strike Eagle, to replace the A-4 Skyhawk in the ground-attack role.

The McDonnell Douglas F-15S/MTD, AF71290, is the prototype F-15B modified under a $US117.8 million programme for the US Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories to investigate short take-off and landing using vectored thrust jet nozzles and canards mounted on the engine intakes. The aircraft’s first flight was made on 7 September 1988 and after the fitment of the thrust vectoring reversing nozzles on the jet pipes these were flown for the first time on 10 May 1989. The aircraft was involved in a 13 month, 100 flight test schedule at Edwards. The aircraft’s controllable canard foreplanes are adapted tailplanes from the F/A-18 Hornet and can operate independently of each other for pitch and roll manoeuvres having a 20 degree dihedral.

F-15S/MTD 1989

Samurra Air Battle – F-15 vs MiG-25

The US signed a US$29.4 billion deal to sell 84 new F-15 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia in December 2011. The sale includes the 84 advanced Boeing F-15SA fighters with Raytheon Co radar equipment and digital. electronic warfare systems. Also included are upgrades that wilI bring Saudi Arabia’s 70 older F-15s up to the new standard, as well as HARM, AGM-88 AntiRadiation Missfies; Laser JDAM and Enhanced Paveway munitions and related equipment and services. The first new F-15s’ were expected to be delivered to Saudi, Arabia in early 2015.

By 1990, since the development two-seat Strike Eagle was displayed in 1984, this all-weather interdictor/strike aircraft has entered service with the USAF’s 4th TFW and production of 200 was underway. Powered by 23,800 lb st (10 800 kgp) P& W F100-PW-220s, the F-15E The F-15E has a range of 2,400 nm (4,445 km).

The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II represents the ultimate evolution of the F-15, thoroughly modernised to remain relevant against emerging threats.

The F-15EX incorporates 21st-century technology, including an APG-82 AESA radar, advanced cockpit displays, digital fly-by-wire controls, and the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a sophisticated electronic warfare suite that drastically improves survivability against modern air defence systems.

Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, each producing 29,000 pounds of thrust, the F-15EX reaches Mach 2.5 (approximately 3,100 km/h).

It can carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles or a mix of air-to-ground ordnance.
The US Air Force planned to acquire 144 F-15EX aircraft at $87 million each to replace aging F-15C/D models.

F-15EX_Eagle_II
F-15 wing skin panel of aluminium-lithium alloy – lighter than conventional aluminium alloys

Gallery

F-15A
Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney F-100-PW-100, 29,000 lb.
Wing span: 42 ft 9.75 in (13.05 m)
Length: 63 ft 9.75 in (19.45m)
Height: 18 ft 7.25 in (5.67m).
Wing area: 56.5 sq.m / 608.16 sq ft
Take-off weight: 18145-25000 kg / 40003 – 55116 lb
Empty weight: 12245 kg / 26996 lb
Max. speed: 2655 km/h / 1650 mph
Ceiling: 20400 m / 66950 ft
Range w/max.fuel: 8000 km / 4971 miles
Range w/max.payload: 4500 km / 2796 miles
Seats: 1
Internal fuel: 5278 kg (11,635 lb)
Armament: 1 x 20mm Vulcan, 6800kg ordnance

F-I5B / TF-15A
Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney, 29,000 lb.
Wing span: 42 ft 9.75 in (13.05 m)
Length: 63 ft 9.75 in (19.45m)
Height: 18 ft 7.25 in (5.67m).
Seats: 2
Weight: F-15A + approximately 363 kg (800 lb)

F-l5C
Engine: 2 x P&W F100-220, 105.73 kN (23,770 lb st)
Installed thrust (dry/reheat): 134 / 211 kN
Span: 13.05 m (42ft 9.75in)
Length: 19.43 m (63 ft 9in)
Height: 5.63m (18ft 5.5in)
Wing area: 56.48 sq.m (608 sq.ft)
Wheel base: 5.42m (17ft 9.5in)
Wheel tract: 2.75m (9ft .025in)
Empty wt: 12,247 kg (27,000 lb)
Take-off weight (clean): 20,244 kg (44,630 lb)
MTOW: 30,845 kg (68,000 lb)
Internal fuel: 6,103 kg (13,455 lb)
Conformal fuel tank capacity: 4536 kg (10,000 lb)
Max speed: 2.5+ Mach
Time to height: 1 min / 12,200 m
Service ceiling: 18,300 m
TO run: 274 m
Ldg run: 840 m
Fuel internal (external): 6100 kg (9820 kg)
Air refuel: Yes
Combat radius: 1062 nm.
Seats: 1
Hardpoints: 9
Armament: one 20mm M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon with 940 rounds; 10,705 kg (23,600 lb) disposable stores

F-15D
MTOW: 68,000 lb
Fuel internal: 6100 kg
Fuel external: 9820 kg
Seats: 2

F-15E
Powerplant: two 10855-kg (23,930-lb) thrust Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 afterburning turbofans.
Span 13,05 m (42 ft 9¾ in)
Length 19.43 m (63 ft 9 in)
Height 5.63 m (18 ft 5½ in)
Wing area 56.5 sq.m (608 sq ft).
Maximum speed Mach 2.5 + at altitude
Maximum speed 1481 km/h (920 mph) at sea level
Ceiling 20000 m (65,610 ft)
Endurance 5 hours 15 min
Armament: one M61A1 Vulcan 20-mm gun (with 940 rounds)
External load: 24,000 lb / 10,885 kg
Hardpoints: 3 fuselage / 6 fuel pack
Seats: 2

F-15E Eagle
Engines: two 23,450-lb (10,637-kg) reheated thrust Pratt & Whitney F100-P-220 turbofans.
Maximum speed 1,650+ mph (2,655+ km/h) or Mach 2.5+ at 36,000 ft (10,975 m)
Climb to 39,370 ft (12,000 m): 1 minute 0 seconds
Service ceiling 60,000 ft (18,290 m)
Radius 1,150+ miles (1,851+ km)
Empty weight 31,700 lb (14,379 kg)
Maximum take-off 81,000 lb (36,742 kg)
Wing span 42 ft 9.75 in (13.05 m)
Length 63 ft 9 in (19.43 m)
Height 18 ft 5.5 in (5.63 m)
Wing area 608.0 sq ft (56.48 sq.m)
Armament: one 20-mm multi-barrel cannon, up to 24,250 lb (11,000 kg) disposable stores.

F-15E
Powerplant: two 129.45 kN (29,100 lb st) Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofans
Length 19.43m (63 ft 9 in)
Height 5.63m (18 ft 6 in)
Wing span (over tip launchers) 13.05m (42ft 10 in)
Take-off weight (‘clean’) 14.515 kg (32,000 lb)
Max Take-Off Weight 36.741 kg (81,000 lb)
Wing loading: 133.25 lb/sq.ft / 650.0 kg/sq.m
Max level speed at high altitude (‘clean’) 2,655+ km/h (1,650+ mph)
Service ceiling: 60039 ft / 18300 m
Max rate of climb at sea level 15,240+ m (50,000+ ft)/min
Range int. fuel: 686 nm / 1270 km
Max range 4,455 km (2,762 miles)
Armament: one 20mm M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon with 512 rounds; 11.000 kg (24,250 lb) ordnance
Hardpoints: 18
Crew: 2

F-15I

F-15J

F-15DJ

F-15K

F-15S

F-15SG

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

McDonnell-Douglas C-17 Globemaster III / Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

C-17A

The first prototype flew in September 1991

McDonnell-Douglas C-17 Globemaster III Article

Three flight test models were built, and the aircraft became operational in 1994.

By October 2002 C-17s were being delivered at a rate of 15 per year, with a planned run of 180 aircraft.
The C-17 Globemaster is a four-engine transport aircraft fitted with the reversible-thrust F117-PW-100 by Pratt & Whitney, with each of 40,000 pounds of thrust. This powerplant represents the military version of the commercial Pratt & Whitney PW2040 as found on the 757 airliner. The aircraft is designed for operations utilizing shortened runaways.

The C-17 Globemaster III is crewed by a pilot, copilot and a loadmaster.
At rear of the aircraft, the C-17 features a large access ramp. The aft-loading ramp allows for transportation and delivery of varying types of cargo including over 100 fully-armed troops and paratroopers, 36 medical litters and nearly 171,000 pounds of cargo. The cargo hold is able to carry most all of the military’s air-portable weapon and vehicle systems. With in-flight refueling, the C-17 has a global reach.

Unit Cost: $237 million (2007)

The Boeing-produced C-17 Globemaster III represents one of the latest additions to the United States Air Force mobile airlift fleet. By 1998, over 140 Globemaster III’s were in active or reserve service with the USAF, Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.

The first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for the RAAF, A41-206, first flew at Long Beach on 8 November 2006. The Royal Australian Air Force had four C-17 Globemaster heavy transport aircraft.

RAAF A41-206

The first, A41-206, arrived in Australia on 2 December 2006. The RAAF’s second C-17 was handed over at Long Beach on 11 May 2007 and flown to Australia a few days later.

Gallery

C-17A Globemaster III
Engines: 4 x Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan, 40,440lbs of thrust each.
Installed thrust: 658.4 kN
Length: 173.88ft (53m)
Width: 169.78ft (51.75m)
Height: 55.09ft (16.79m)
Wing area: 3799.692 sq.ft / 353.0 sq.m
Weight empty: 269045.3 lb / 122016.0 kg
Maximum Take-Off Weight Peacetime: 585,001lbs (265,352kg)
Fuel internal: 79,925 lt
Air refuel: Yes.
Maximum Speed: 518mph (833kmh; 450kts) at 28,000 ft / 8,534m
Cruising altitude: 36007 ft / 10975 m
Wing loading: 152.73 lb/sq.ft / 745.0 kg/sq.m
Rate-of-Climb: 0ft/min (0m/min)
Service Ceiling: 45,000ft (13,716m)
Cruise speed: 442 kts / 820 km/h / 510 mph
Range: 8710 km / 5412 miles
Range w/max.payload: 2400 nm / 4456 km / 2769 miles
T/O run: 2320 m
Ldg run: 823 m
Armament: None.
Crew: 3
Payload: 72,500kg
Accommodation: 134 troops / 90 stretcher patients / 170,900 lb (77,519 kg) of cargo (18 pallet positions)

McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III

McDonnell 119 / 220

In the early 1960s Lockheed, McDonnell and North American were each vying for a military utility aircraft con¬tract and built commercial derivatives of their Air Force offerings to enter into the bizjet market.

First flown on 11 February 1959, the prototype was powered by 3250 lb Westinghouse J34 turbojets. They were to be replaced by newer 2900 lb Pratt & Whitney J60s.

The four engine McDonnell Model 220 only saw service as a one of a kind corporate barge for McDonnell executives.

The Model 119/220 was the first business, non-airline-type jet aircraft to receive an FAA Class I provisional type certificate as airworthy in the transport category.

Max take-off weight: 20560 kg / 45327 lb
Empty weight: 10529 kg / 23213 lb
Wingspan: 17.55 m / 57 ft 7 in
Length: 20.27 m / 66 ft 6 in
Height: 7.21 m / 23 ft 8 in
Wing area: 51.10 sq.m / 550.04 sq ft
Max. speed: 901 km/h / 560 mph
Cruise speed: 837 km/h / 520 mph
Ceiling: 13685 m / 44900 ft
Range: 3765 km / 2340 miles

McDonnell Model 119/220

McDonnell F-4 Phantom II

F-4C

The low wings are swept back at 45 degrees, swept-back tail surfaces and 23 degrees anhedral on the one-piece all-moving tailplane. The wings have a ‘dog-tooth’ leading edge and dihedral on the outer panels which fold upwards for stowage. The ailerons move only down and are supplemented by spoilers on the upper surface of each wing. Trailing-edge flaps and small leading-edge flaps are blown. The tricycle undercarriage has a single wheel on each main unit and twin wheels on the nose unit. The mains retract inward into the wings and the nose wheels retract rearwards. A fire-control radar is in the nose, with infra-red equipment in a small bulge underneath.

McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Article

The first flight for the F4H-1 Phantom prototype came on 27 May 1958. This aircraft differed from the 1955 mock-up mainly in the flying surfaces and around the jet intakes.

To protect against suspected lateral instability, the outer panels of the wings were canted upwards and the anhedral already planned for the tailplanes was increased. The jet intakes were enlarged and the edges cut back from the top to bottom.

The sixth Phantom protype (BuNo 143391) was used for initial catapult launching testing.

sixth Phantom prototype (BuNo 143391) Feb 1960

By February 1960 a second missile had been added with an IR sensor, and an AAA-4 seeker was fitted under the radome of the F4H-1’s 24in antenna APQ-50 search radar.

In late 1959, after it had been relieved of primary test responsibilities by the four remaining RTD&E airframes, the first Phantom far assigned to Project ‘Top Flight’, for a manned aircraft altitude record. On 6 December 1959 it reached 98,557 ft, breaking the previous Russian record by more than 4000ft.

Operation Top Flight

Powered by two 7711kg afterburning thrust General Electric J79-GE-8 engines. The first Phantom attained a speed record of 2585km/h on 22 November 1961, and a low-altitude speed record of 1452km/h on 20 August 1962.

During the testing of early Phantoms, some problems had been encountered with the original design of the intake, and in an attempt to improve airflow at all speeds a number of different configurations were tried. Here the splitter plate has been enlarged and the rake in the leading edge eliminated.

Of the 47 F4H-1/F-4As, 27 were assigned to test duties, the remainder going to training squadrons.

Eleventh Phantom BuNo 145310 with another variation in splitter plate and intake leading-edge design, and extended cooling intake behind radome which replaced NACA-style flush inlet of earlier prototypes.

The first squadron to receive F4H-1s was the ‘Grim Reapers’ of VF-101. The eleventh prototype was re-assigned from RTD&E to Det A of VF-101 in 1961.

Aircraft 145310 in August 1951 was in Operation Sageburner, a high-speed, low altitude, cross-country test run from San Diego, California, to NAS Oceana, Virginia.

Operation Sageburner

Aircraft 145310 was again on test duties in June 1963, by now designated F-4A.

Aircraft 145310 June 1963

The F-4B differed from the -A with a larger radar, the 32in-diameter APQ-72 introduced on a few F-4As, became standard, along with the requisite larger radome; the back seat was raised; and the entire canopy redesign was altered to give better forward vision for both crewmen. F-4Bs were also fitted with uprated engines, J79-GE-8s, in place of the -A’s -2s.

F-4B BuNo 149449

F-4B BuNo 149449 was assigned Project ‘High Jump’ to break the world’s time-to-climb records. During April 1962 new records were set at all eight recognised height increments between 3000 and 30,000m, reaching 30,000m in 371.43 seconds.

Production of the F 4B amounted to 649 aircraft. A large number of the F 4Bs have since been updated to F 4N standard

The RF-4B reconnaissance derivative served only with the US Marine Corps. The RF-4B was the second photo reconnaissance version of the Phantom, being a standard F-4B fitted with the nose developed for the Air Force F-4C. The first was RF-4B BuNo 151975t.

RF-4B BuNo 151975t March 1965

Photo Phantoms exchanged the large APQ-72 for a smaller APQ-99 radar.

The USAF reached an agreement with the Navy to take 27 more F-4Bs off the assembly line, all to be re-designated F-4C. A series of changes to the basic F-4B were implemented to make the Phantom more suitable for land-based service. These included larger, low-pressure mainwheel tyres (necessitating the thickening of the wing root) and the fitting of full dual controls and cartridge starters. The Navy retractable refuelling probe was replaced by a receptacle behind the cockpit.

The fourth F-4C 63-7410 on 27 Jan 64

The F-4C (F-110A) Phantom was the initial version for the USAF. The USAF’s Phantom II program was first designated F-110A Spectre but this name was later dropped and the USAF’s Phantom II was designated F-4C. The USAF F-4C made its first flight on May 27, 1963, and production deliveries began in November 1963 and the F-4C became operational with the 12th and 15th Tactical Fighter Wings at MacDill AFB, Florida, in January 1964. The F 4C was powered by J79 GE 15 engines.

Although very similar to the US Navy’s F-4B, it included some slight differences to make the aircraft suitable for air force use. Some of the items are: 1. The probe-and-drogue method of in-flight refuelling favoured by the US Navy was discarded in favour of the standard USAF boom’ method. 2. Full flying controls and instrumentation were duplicated in the rear cockpit. 3. In order to allow use from un-sophisticated airfields an anti-skid braking system was fitted, which included the use of thicker main-wheels. 4. The USAF version could carry a greater variety of external wea¬ponry.

The aircraft has flown a lot of combat mission in South-East Asia during the Vietnam War and has claimed 277 air-to-air combat victories.

During the Vietnam War in 1967 production was 72 Phantom IIs a month. 583 F 4Cs were built. 40 were transferred to Spain.

The service-test YRF-4C (YRF-110A) led to the RF-4C (RF-110A), 499 of which were constructed for the photo-reconnaissance role. Consideration was given to the possibility of developing a reconnaissance configured variant of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom at an early stage in the type’s operational career, but it was not until the US Air Force selected, the basic fighter model to equip Tactical Air Command units that this proposal began to move ahead rapidly. Known by the designation RF-4C, the resulting aircraft flew in prototype form for the first time on 8 August 1963, the last of which was formally handed over to the USAF over 10 years later, on 16 January 1974.

Easily recognised by the modified nose section which contains cameras and other reconnaissance sensors, the RF-4C entered operational service at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, in September 1964, although nearly a year passed before the first unit could be considered as combat ready. When that milestone was reached, overseas deployment followed quickly, aircraft being dispatched to South East Asia for combat duty by the end of 1965, and the RF-4C remaining in use as the principal tactical reconnaissance tool for the remainder of the Vietnam War.

The second reconnaissance model to appear, designated RF-4B, was intended specifically for service with the US Marine Corps and this made its maiden flight on 12 March 1965 with deliveries to El Toro, California, following just two months later. A total of 46 RF-4Bs was supplied to this service, and were the subject of modification and life-extension programmes.

By the mid-1960s, the Phantom was just about the best-known fighter in the world. On 2 January 1967 in Operation ‘Bolo’, F-4Cs of the 8th TFW under Colonel Robin Olds shot down seven North Vietnamese MiGs. Increasingly, F-4Ds took over from the Republic F-105 the job of bringing ordnance to bear on Vietnamese ground targets.

F-4 Phantom IIs in Israeli service are claimed to have shot down 116 aircraft during a number of conflicts.

Some F 4Cs were converted into EF 4Cs under the ‘Wild Weasel’ programme to suppress enemy weapon radar systems.

The F-4D differed from the -4C externally only in having a slightly larger nose cross-section, in order to house the new APQ-109 radar with its improved air-to-ground capability. A new weapons release computer and 30kVA generator occupied the forward fuselage fuel cell, reducing fuel capacity and range.

The F-4D Phantom fighter-bomber introduced a capability to deliver precision-guided munitions (PGM), or ‘smart’ bombs. Some 825 were built, including 32 delivered new to Iran and 36 transferred to South Korea.

On 28 March 1974, the Royal Hellenic Air Force received the first of 38 F-4 Phantom IIs ordered.

Once in action in Vietnam in 1965, the Phantom seemed to need a gun to augment its missile armament in close-quarter battles with MiGs. The SUU-16/A 20mm external gun pod was an interim measure. The F-4E, first flown on 7 August 1965, introduced the 17,900 lb thrust (with afterburning) General Electric J79-GE-17 engines but its principal change was the internally-mounted M61A1 20mm cannon. The F-4E established a 2.5-to-1 kill advantage over North Vietnamese MiG-17, MiG-19 and MiG-21 fighters. Armament is one 20 mm M61A 1 multi barrel cannon and eight air to air missiles or up to 16,000 lb (7,250 kg) of ground attack weapons.

The F-4E became the definitive Phantom, and 1,397 rolled off the line. Examples were supplied to Australia (on loan), Greece, Iran, Israel, Turkey, South Korea and West Germany. The RF-4E was an export reconnaissance derivative, supplied to Greece, Iran, Israel, Japan and West Germany.

As well as producing reconnaissance Phantoms for the home market, McDonnell Douglas also developed the RF-4E variant, initially in response to a Luftwaffe requirement for 88 aircraft to undertake this mission. Flown for the first time on 15 September 1970, the RF-4E subsequently also joined the air arms of Greece, Iran, Israel, Japan and Turkey, just over 160 aircraft of this type being built before production ceased.

Hellenic RF-4E Phantom

The RF 4E reconnaissance version and the F 4M RAF version carrys the service designation FGR.Mk 2.

The F-4F was a specialised air superiority version for the West German Luftwaffe, and 175 were delivered. The F-4G designation had been used initially for 12 aircraft taken from the US Navy F-4B production line. They had the two-way ASW-21 data-link system for automated carrier landings, and all later reverted to F-4B standard. In the 1970s, the F-4G appellation was used again for the US Air Force’s ‘Advanced Wild Weasel’ electronic warfare aircraft, 116 of which were converted from F-4E standard. Originally seen as a counter to enemy SAM missile sites and associated radars, the F-4G now carries out a wide portfolio of electronic missions. Aircraft are stationed as far afield as the 3rd TFW Clark Field, Philippines, and 52nd TFW, Spangdahlem AB, West Germany.

The F-4J was an improved production fighter for the US Navy with 8119kg afterburning thrust J79-GE-10 engines, enlarged wing and improved avionics.

On the 1st of November 1968, Japan signed a letter of agreement with Mc Donnell Douglas and it was also announced that it would become one of the few countries worldwide that was going to license-produce this aircraft. Over the following years, the Nihon Koku Jietai (Japan Air Self-Defence Force) received a total of 154 F-4EJ and RF-4Es. The F-4EJs (the export version for Japan) were mostly similar to the F-4Es, although the Japanese aircraft had their in-flight refuelling and ground-attack capabilities removed to align with Japan’s defensive posture, the F-4EJs were delivered without the AN/AJB-7 bombing computer system.

The first two F-4EJs (JASDF serials 17-8301 and 17-8302) were built by McDonnell Douglas in St Louis and first flew on January 14, 1971. The next 11 F-4EJs (JASDF serials 27-8303/8307, 37-8307/8310, and 47-8311/8313) were built by McDonnell Douglas in kit form and were assembled in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. The first Japanese-assembled aircraft (27-8303) flew on May 12, 1972. Subsequently, Mitsubishi built all the rest 127 F-4EJ during the following nine years. The last example was delivered to the JASDF on May 20, 1981. This was the last F-4 ever built in the world.

Japan also acquired 14 RF-4Es built by McDonnell Douglas to serve in the reconnaissance role. These RF-4Es were delivered between November 1974 and June 1975. They were virtually identical to the USAF RF-4C, with the only differences being the deletion of certain equipment such as the radar homing and the warning suite which had not been released for export to Japan.

The F-4EJs entered service with the JASDF in August 1972 with a total of six squadrons operating the aircraft: the 301st, 302nd, 303rd, 304th, 305th and 306th squadrons. The RF-4Es equipped the 501st that had previously operated one of the less-well-known Sabre models, the RF-86F.

Mitsubishi was the prime contractor in a modernization programme for up to 110 of the JASDF’s fleet of F-4EJ Phantoms. Known as the F-4EJKai, the prototype updated aircraft flew in July 1984. Improvements include installation of a Westinghouse AN/APG-66J pulse-Doppler radar, a Kaiser/VDO headup display, a Litton LN-39 inertial navigation system, and a J/APR-4Kai radar warning receiver. The F-4EJKai will have a look-down capability, armed with AIM-9L Sidewinders and AIM-7F Sparrows, and will also be able to carry two ASM-1 anti-shipping missiles. Funding for the first eight production F-4EJKai conversions was authorised in the FY1987 budget. Aircraft not covered by the upgrade programme will be converted later to RF-4EJ reconnaissance fighter stan¬dard.

Israel Aircraft Industries has flown a prototype conversion with one PW1120 turbofan and one standard J79 turbojet. This aircraft flew in July 1986, and has since been further modified and flown with two PW1120s. Flight testing continues.

An improved version of the EF 4C has been developed as the F 4G Advanced Wild Weasel, being basically a modified F 4E equipped with special electronics and carrying air to surface missiles to detect and attack early warning and weapon radar systems. The first of 116 entered service in 1978.

During its bombing attacks on North Vietnam, the USAF proved the effectiveness of the ‘Wild Weasel’ concept; that is the use of specially-equipped aircraft flying with, or slightly in advance of the main attack and tasked with destruction or suppression of hostile radars, particularly those associated with SAM and AA gun guidance, Republic F-105G Thunderchiefs performed well in this role in the early 1970s and 35 FAC Phantoms were similarly converted in 1968-9, but when the specification for an Advanced ‘Wild Weasel’ aircraft was drawn up in 1975 the F-4E variant of the Phantom was selected as the basis for modification. Already established as one of the world’s most effective interceptor and fighter-bomber aircraft, the Phantom took to the mission with ease, becoming the McDonnell Douglas F-4G ‘Wild Weasel’ in the process. First requirement of a ‘Wild Weasel’ is to locate and classify enemy radars. This is undertaken by a McDonnell Douglas AN/APR-38 radar homing and warning system (RHAWS), the principal external features of which are a receiver and computer pod beneath the nose (replacing the Vulcan rotary cannon) and 56 antennae in a small fintip pod, on the fin sides, upper fuselage and other locations. Three cathode-ray tube displays in the rear cockpit (backed by digital readouts, aural warning system and indicator lights) provide the electronic warfare officer with a detailed picture of the tactical situation and automatically allocate attack priorities to the 15 most pressing threats in order of the danger which they represent. Weapons delivery is also aided by computer, allowing the F-4G to attack its target ‘blind’ with bombs, anti-radiation missiles and the latest AGM-65D Maverick which has infra-red TV-type guidance. There were 116 conversions to F-4G, these aircraft entering service in 1978 and including 24 based at Spangdahlem, West Germany, with the 81st RFS/52nd TFW for operations on the NATO Central Front.

The F-4K was developed for the UK’s Royal Navy and the F-4M for the Royal Air Force, though both were operated by the RAF which, with expanded commitments following the 1982 Falklands war, has also inherited 15 ex-US Navy F-4Js.

Those supplied to the Royal Navy (F-4K) were powered by Rolls Royce Spey turbofan engines. Two versions of the Rolls Royce Spey-powered Phantom entered service with the Royal Air Force. The FG1 (the version also used by the Royal Navy) in the interceptor role and the FGR2 in the ground attack and tactical reconnaissance role in Germany. From 1977, all the Royal Air Force Phantoms were used exclusively as interceptor fighters over United Kingdom air-space.

Originally, adapting F-4B to smaller British carriers seemed to require only a change from GE J79 to RR Spey engines would be needed. By 1964, more modifications were required including drooped ailerons to slow landing speed, extended wing area and fuel capacity and others. These delayed closing the deal to reconfigure feasibility and costs.

Great Britain bought fifty two Phantom FG1s and 118 Phantom FGR2s.

With the deployment of Phantoms to the South Atlantic in 1982 an additional order for 15 Phantoms was placed. These were second hand United States Navy F-4Js fitted with General Electric F-79 engines. After an extensive refurbishment and the fitting of some British equipment they were designated F-4J(UK).

The collapse of the threat from the Eastern Europe led to an accelerated run down of the Phantom fleet and the last unit disbanded at the end of September 1992.

The German Luftwaffe was the biggest operator of the Phantom flying the F-4F ICE upgrade until the Eurofighter takes over its air defence role. Turkey and Greece were also still flying the F-4, their F-4E aircraft undergoing extensive upgrade work. Turkey was upgrading them to F-4E/2020 Terminator in cooperation with IAI. The Greek Air Force (HAF) upgrade program is known as Peace Icarus I&II and covered 40 aircraft. They also operated a number of RF-4 photo reconnaissance aircraft.

The Air National Guard was the last US operator of the F-4 until retirement in 1995/1996.

The EF-4B designation went to one airframe used for ECM training, and two modified, development airframes bore the NF-4B designation.

The F-4N is an upgraded ‘rebuild’ of the F-4B, and has in turn been converted to the QF-4N drone. The F-4S is an upgraded F-4J with wing manoeuvre slats and was the final Phantom variant to serve aboard an aircraft carrier, with VF-151 and -161 aboard the USS Midway.

Production ended in America after more than 5,050 had been delivered.

Operators: US Air Force, US Navy, US Marine Corps, Germany, United Kingdom, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Australia, Japan, South Korea

By March 2000, 336 F4E and F4G airframes – most at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona – had been identified for conversion to drones. The newer “G” and “E” models were chosen because their airframes typically have time remaining before USAF-regulated depot maintenance would be required for safe flight.

The fighters are flown to Mojave, Calif, where BAE Systems removes certain equipment and installs a drone autopilot, new computers, improved navigation systems and an onboard destruction package. Tails and wingtips are painted orange for easier visual acquisition during live-fire missions. Converting each F4 to a drone configuration costs approximately $2 million. Once QF-4s arrive it Tyndall AFB, they are classified in one of three roles: A manned flyer, flyable-storage drone, or a mission-ready drone. Some are sent to an 82nd ATRS detachment at Holloman AFB, N.M., to support Army and other aerial target requirements.

About 14 QF-4s are maintained as “manned” aircraft and flown regularly by USAF and Lockheed Martin pilots for mission rehearsals, proficiency and pilot upgrades.

Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. (AFNS) — The 82nd Aerial Target Squadron received the last of the “new” QF-4 aerial targets on 19 November 2013.

The QF-4, Aircraft 68-0599, spent more than 20 years in the Air Force “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., before being brought back to life for one last mission.

The supersonic, reusable QF-4 provides a realistic full-scale target for air-to-air weapons system evaluation, development and testing. Since the QF-4 replaced the QF-106 in 1998, more than 300 found a new purpose. The Phantoms began returning to work after the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group reinstalled the parts to the aircrafts making them serviceable again. The next step involved contractors BAE Systems converting the F-4 to the QF-4, which would be flown remotely by highly-trained civil service pilots with an average of 4,000 flight hours.

The teamwork of contractors, civilian and military members contributed to more than 16,000 manned and 600 unmanned QF-4 missions. Ultimately, 250 of the Phantoms succeeded in their missions and been successively destroyed over the Gulf of Mexico and the ranges near Holloman Air Force Base, NM.

There are only about 60 QF-4s remaining in the program both at Tyndall AFB and Holloman AFB by the end of 2013. The limited availability of F-4s and the continuing advancement of fighter aircraft such as the F-22 Raptors are forcing a shift to the fourth generation QF-16, a converted F-16 Fighting Falcon that should be ready for use in 2014.

Production of the Phantom at St Louis eventually totalled 5057 complete machines, the last of which was flown away on Friday 26 October 1979. Eleven further F-4Ejs were provided a knock-down kits to Mitsubishi Industries in Japan, for a total of 5068 complete airframes. Japan brought the eventual total up to 5195 when the last F-4EJ was rolled out in May 1981.

Gallery

Variants:

F-4A (F4H-1F)

F-4B (F4H-1)
Engines: 2 x General Electric J79-GE-2A, 16,150 lb
Wing span: 38 ft 5 in (11.7 m)
Length: 58 ft 3 in (17.76 m)
Height: 16 ft 3 in (4.96 m)
Max TO wt: 54,600 lb (24,765 kg)
Internal fuel capacity: 3665 gal
External fuel capacity: 500 gal (under fuse) / 2×300 gal underwing.
Max level speed: M2+.

F-4C (F-110A)
Engine : 2 x General Electric J79-GE-8 (4950/7711kp), 75645 N
Length : 62.828 ft / 19.15 m
Height : 16.273 ft / 4.96 m
Wingspan : 38.386 ft / 11.7 m
Wing area : 530.019 sq.ft. / 49.24 sq.m
Max take off weight : 54606.8 lb / 24765.0 kg
Weight empty : 28003.5 lb / 12700.0 kg
Max. speed : 1376 kt / 2548 km/h
Cruising speed : 499 kt / 925 km/h
Service ceiling : 70997 ft / 21640 m
Cruising altitude : 40026 ft / 12200 m
Wing load : 103.12 lb/sq.ft / 503.0 kg/sq.m
Maximum range : 1998 nm / 3700 km
Range : 1998 nm / 3700 km
Range (max. weight) : 783 nm / 1450 km
Crew : 2
Armament : 4x AIM 7E Sparrow III, 4x AIM 9 Sidewinder / 16,000 lb / 7250kg ext.

F-4D

F-4E
Power Plant: Two General Electric J79-GE-17A axial-flow turbojets each with a normal continuous rating of 11,110 lb St (5044 kgp), a max continuous (30-mm) rating of 11,870 lb st (5 390 kgp) and an afterburner rating of 17,900 lb st (8 127 kgp)
Fuel capacity, 1 225 US gal (46371) in seven bladder tanks in fuselage, 630 US gal (23851) in two integral wing tanks and up to 1,340 US gal (50721) in three drop tanks; max possible capacity, 3,333 US gal (12615 lt)
Max speed, Mach= 2.17, 1,245 kts (2304km/h) at 36,000 ft (10 973 m)
Max rate of climb (clean), 49,800 ft/mm (253 m/sec)
Service ceiling (clean), 58,750 ft (17 907 m)
Ferry range, 1,401 naut mls (2593 km)
Range w/max.payload: 700 km / 435 miles
Empty weight, 30,328 lb (13770 kg)
Basic weight, 31,853 lb (14461 kg)
Design weight (for 8.5g subsonic, 6.5g supersonic), 37,500 lb (17 025 kg)
Design take-off weight (7.75g subsonic, 5.93g supersonic), 58,000 lb (26 332 kg)
Max take-off weight, (5.17g subsonic, 3.95g supersonic), 61,795 lb (28 055 kg).
Max. payload : 31476.4 lb / 14275.0 kg
Span, 38 ft 4 in (11,68 m)
Span folded, 27 ft 6 in (8,38 m)
Length, 63 ft 0 in (19,20 m)
Height, 16 ft 5 in (5,00 m)
Undercarriage track, 17 ft 9 in (5,41 m)
Wing area, 530 sq ft (49,24 sq.m)
Aspect ratio, 2.82:1
Dihedral, zero on centre wing, 12 deg on outer panels
Sweepback, 45 deg at quarter chord.
Landing speed : 148 kt / 275 km/h
Cruising speed : 504 kt / 934 km/h
Initial climb rate: 29921.26 ft/min / 152.00 m/s
Wing load : 114.6 lb/sq.ft / 559.0 kg/sq.m
Crew : 2
Hardpoints: 9
Armament: One General Electric M61A1 multi-barrel 20-mm cannon under forward fuselage with 640 rounds. Provision for four AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles semi-recessed under fuselage. Centre line pylon up to 2,170-lb (986-kg) + up to 3,020-lb (1 371-kg) + four wing pylons / one AGM-45A Shrike or one Walleye ASM + inner pylons two AIM-4D Falcon or two AIM-9D or -9E Sidewinder AAMs.

F-4E(S)

F-4EJ
Wing span: 38 ft 5 in (11.71 m)
Max speed: M2.2.

F-4F Phantom II
Engines: 2 x GE J79-GE-17A, 17,900 lb / 8119 kg thrust
Span: 38 ft 7.5 in / 11.77 m
Length: 63 ft 0 in / 19.20 m
Height: 16 ft 5.5 in / 5.02 m
Empty weight: 31,328 lb / 13,757 kg
MTOW: 61,795 lb / 28,630 kg
Wing area: 530 sq.ft / 49.24 sq.m
Speed: 1433 mph / 2301 kph
Ceiling: 58,750 ft / 17,905 m
Range: 1424 mi / 2280 km
Armament: 1 x 20mm Vulcan
Bombload: 16,000 lb / 7257 kg
ROC: 30,000 fpm / 9145 m/min
Tactical radius: 700 mi / 1125 km
Seats: 2

F-4G Wild Weasel’ Phantom
Powerplant: two 8119-kg (17,900-1b) thrust General Electric J79-GE-17A afterburning turbojets.
Maximum speed with external stores Mach 2 +
Initial climb rate at maximum take-off weight 2003 m (6,570 ft per minute)
Service ceiling 16580 m (54,400 ft)
Combat radius 1145 km (712 miles).
Empty weight 13757 kg (30,328 lb)
Maximum take-off weight 28030 kg (61.795 lb)
Span 11.77 m (38 ft 7½ in)
Length 19,20 m (63 ft 0 in)
Height 5.02 m (16 ft 5½ in)
Wing area 49.2 sq.m (530 sq ft).
Hardpoints: 7
Armament: up to 7258 kg (16, 000 lb)

F-4J

F-4J(UK)

F-4K (FG.Mk 1)

F-4M (FGR.Mk 2)

F-4N

F-4S

EF-4C

RF-4B

RF-4C
Powerplant: two General Electric J79GE-15 turbojets, 7711-kg (17,000-lb) afterburning thrust.
Maximum speed at low level 1464 km/h (910 mph) or Mach 1.19
Maximum speed at altitude 2414 kph (1,500 mph) or Mach 2.27
Ferry range 3700 km (2,300 miles)
Empty weight 13290 kg (29,300 lb)
Maximum take-off 26309 kg (58, 000 lb)
Span 11, 71 m (38 ft 5 in)
Length 19.20 m (63 ft 0 in)
Height 5.02 m (16 ft 5 1/2 in)
Wing area 49.24 sq.m (530 sq ft)

QF-4B

QF-4J

QF-4S

QF-4E

QF-4G

QRF-4C

McDonnell F-101 Voodoo

F-101

Though the 1950 penetration fighter competition among XF-88, XF-90 and YF-93A resulted in no production contract, the Strategic Air Command still wanted an escort fighter, its F-84F being seen as only an interim solution. McDonnell’s design team under Herman Barkey responded with the heaviest single-seat fighter ever built. Powered by two 5307kg Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 turbojets, the F-101 would carry four 20mm cannon plus three Hughes GAR-ID or GAR-2A Falcon missiles or 127mm high-velocity aircraft rockets (HVAR) mounted on rotary bomb doors. A single-seater, with the two engines side-by-side, the wing has a 35 degree sweepback on the leading edge and distinctive ‘W’-shape trailing edge.

McDonnell F-101 Voodoo Article

The F-101 has mid-set wings with 35 degree sweepback, and swept-back tail surfaces with a one piece all-moving tailplane mounted near the tip of the fin. Conventional ailerons, rudder and trailing edge flaps are fitted, with an airbrake on each side of the tail-boom. A tricycle undercarriage has single wheels on each main unit and twin wheels on the nose unit. The mains retract inward into the wings and the nose wheels retract forward. A fire-control radar is in the nose.

The first F-101A flew on 29 September 1954 at St Louis, and exceeded Mach 1 on its maiden flight. This was a production craft, there being no service-test machine. SAC dropped its requirement and the 77 F-101As built went to the Tactical Air Command. The first delivery was made 2 May 1957 to the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing. Seven of these airframes were later designated JF-101A while being used for temporary tests.

F-101A Voodoo

The first of two YRF-101A service-test reconnaissance Voodoos flew on 10 May 1956, followed by 35 RF-101A airframes delivered to TAC’s 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. The reconnaissance Voodoo had a lengthened nose with space for downward or oblique cameras and other sensors.

On 12 December 1957, Major Adrian E. Drew, USAF, established a World Air Speed Record of 1207.6 mph, in an F-101 Voodoo.

An RF-101A was shot down during the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962.

The F-101B Voodoo was developed by modifying the single seat F-101 fighter involved extending the fuselage forward to house a new weapons system and a second crewman to operate it. The bigger F-101B Voodoo was fitted with 5438kg Pratt & Whitney J-57-P-55 engines, with their characteristic large afterburners.

The first F-101B flew on 27 March 1957 at St Louis. For long-range intercept, it could carry two Douglas MB-1 Genie nuclear unguided rockets as well as three Falcons. Deliveries began on 18 March 1959 to the 60th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.

Eventually, the F-101B equipped 16 ADC squadrons, guarding against the Soviet bomber threat to North America. ANG units operated the F-101B between 1970 and 1982.

The JF-101B designation was applied to two machines used for temporary tests. One NF-101B was structurally modified for development work. Very late in their careers, with reconnaissance Voodoos still needed long after the interceptor variant was retired, 22 of the two-seat airframes were converted to RF-101B. The TF-101B was a version of the interceptor with full dual controls.

The F-101C single-seat tactical fighter differed from the F-101A primarily in having the capability to carry a US tactical nuclear weapon, and 47 were delivered to TAC.

The RF-101C, the first of which was flown 12 July 1957, was an improved development of the RF-101A; 166 went to TAC squadrons. The USAF began operating the RF-101C in South East Asia in 1964 and suffered its first combat loss on 21 November 1964 when an RF-101C of the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was shot down over Laos.

Though not as much publicised as other combat types, the RF-101C remained in combat until 1970. No less than 31 airframes were lost in battle, plus another six to operational causes. In the mid-1960s, a few RF-101Cs served with the Nationalist Chinese air force, flying clandestine missions over the mainland.

Other Voodoo variants were the F-101F, the USAF designation for the CF-101F interceptor operated by Canadian forces; the RF-101G, a conversion of high-hour RF-101A airframes for reconnaissance duties with the Air National Guard; and the RF-101H, another reconnaissance conversion.

After the cancellation of the Avro Arrow in February 1959, Canada urgently needed a fast interceptor to meet the continued threat from manned Soviet bombers. By late 1959, the RCAF picked the Voodoo as the aircraft that best met Canada’s requirements. In June 1961, the RCAF agreed to purchase sixty six nearly new CF-101B Voodoos from existing USAF stocks. The deal transferred the aircraft to five front line squadrons and an OTU, to replace obsolete CF-100s.

In 1961 and 1962, 410 Cougar and 425 Alouette Squadrons of Bagotville, 409 Night Hawk Squadron of Comox, and 416 Lyns Squadron of Chatham were equipped with 66 Voodoos in total (55 CF-101B and 10 CF-101F), all built by McDonnell-Douglas.

At the beginning of the 1970’s, the aging CAF Voodoo fleet was exchanged for sixty six lower timed USAF Voodoos. These replacement aircraft were equipped with a superior missile control system. Even with the Voodoo fleet restored to its original size, serviceability began to be a problem. In 1977, the CAF launched a program to find a new fighter to replace the Voodoo and by April 1980, the search eventually narrowed down to the CF-18 Hornet.

Since the Summer of 1983 each of the four Voodoo Squadrons has been stood down. First 410 Squadron converted to the CF-18 OTU. 409 Squadron became the first operational CF-18 Sqn. 425 and 416 Squadrons received CF-18s in December 1984.

EF-101B 101067 “Electric” Voodoo

One aircraft remained in service. The CAF received Voodoo 191067 in the early 1980s and modified it to an EF-101B for ECM duties. The aircraft ws operated by 414 ‘Electronic Warfare’ Sqn and known as the “Electric” Voodoo. The EF-101B was retired by the end of 1986.

Most of the Voodoo fleet was phased-out by the end of 1984 and the last Voodoo flight anywhere was made in April 1987, when #101006 was delivered to CFB Chatham for display at CFB Cornwallis.

One F-101B appeared briefly on the US civil register, as N8234, used for thunderstorm research by Colorado State University.

Altogether 807 Voodoos were built for the USAF. The McDonnell Aircraft Co. manufactured 479 F-101B Voodoos in the United States, between 1957 and 1961.

Gallery

F-101
Engines: 2 x P&W J-57-P-13, 52.0kN
Max take-off weight: 18000-22250 kg / 39683 – 49053 lb
Empty weight: 12700 kg / 27999 lb
Wingspan: 12.1 m / 39 ft 8 in
Length: 20.6 m / 67 ft 7 in
Height: 5.5 m / 18 ft 1 in
Wing area: 43.2 sq.m / 465.00 sq ft
Max. speed: 1940 km/h / 1205 mph
Cruise speed: 950 km/h / 590 mph
Ceiling: 15800 m / 51850 ft
Range w/max.fuel: 4800 km / 2983 miles
Crew: 1
Armament: 4 x 20mm machine-guns, 15 missiles

F-101A Voodoo
Long-range escort fighter
Engines: 2x Pratt and Whitney J57 turbojets 10,000 lb. thrust with afterburners.
Crew: 1
Wingspan: 39 ft. 8 in
Length: 67 ft. 5 in
Armament: 4×20 mm. cannon

F-101B Voodoo
Engines: 2 x Pratt&Whitney J57-P-55, 53347 N / 16,900 lb
Length: 67ft 5in / 20.54 m
Height: 18.012 ft / 5.49 m
Wingspan: 39ft 8in / 12.09 m
Max take off weight: 46679.9 lb / 21170.0 kg
Max. speed: 1060 kts / 1963 km/h / 1,134 mph at 35,000 feet
Service ceiling: 52001 ft / 15850 m
Max ROC: 14,000 fpm
Range: 1350 nm / 2500 km
Crew: 2
Armament: 3x Missile AIM-4E Super Falcon, 2x AIR-2A Genie

McDonnell F-101 Voodoo

McDonnell XP-67 Bat

On 29 July 1941 the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation received a contract for two prototype of a long-range single-seat fighter designated XP-67. The design embodied several innovatory features, not least was an attempt to maintain true aerofoil sections throughout the entire fighter, the centre fuselage and thc rear portions of the engine nacelles merging to give the aircraft a unique appearance. The two 1,350 hp Continental XI-1430 12-cylinder inverted-vee engines were fitted with General Electric D-23 turbo-superchargers and featured exhaust thrust augmentation. The cabin was pressurised and proposed armament comprised six 37-mm M-4 cannon. The first XP-67 was flown on 6 January 1944, and flight trials continued until 6 September 1944, when the prototype suffered irreparable fire damage. This accident and the unsatisfactory nature of certain aspects of the fighter’s performance led to the decision to abandon the second prototype and terminate the development contract.

McDonnell XP-67 Bat Article

Engines: 2 x Continental XI-1430 12-cylinder inverted-vee engines with General Electric D-23 turbo-superchargers and exhaust thrust augmenta¬tion, 1,350 hp.
Max speed, 405 mph (652 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7 620 m)
Max climb, 2,600 ft/min (13,20 m/sec)
Max range, 2,385 sm (3 838 km)
Service ceiling: 11400 m / 37400 ft
Empty weight. 17,745 lb (8 049 kg)
Normal loaded weight, 22,11l4 lb (10 031 kg)
Span, 55 ft 0in (16,76m)
Length, 44 ft 9.25 in (13,65)
Height, 15 ft 9 in (4,80 m)
Wing area, 414 sq ft (38,46 sq.m)

McDonnell XP-67

McDonnell XF-88

Designed to meet a requirement for a single-seat long-range escort fighter, the XF-88 was recipient of a contract for two prototypes on 14 February 1947. Powered by two 3,000 lb st (1361 kgp) Westinghouse XJ34-WE-13 turbojets, the first XF-88 was flown on 20 October 1948, but proved seriously underpowered. The second XF-88 was therefore fitted with two XJ34-WE-22 engines fitted with short afterburners which boosted thrust to 3,600 lb st (1 633 kgp), a change in designation to XF-88A accompanying this modification.

Performance was still insufficient, but the XF-88 was considered by the USAF to possess development potential and a Letter of Intent was issued covering further evolution of the basic design into what was eventually to become the F-101 Voodoo.

The first prototype was then recast as the XF-88B testbed for the Allison XT38 turboprop, with which it undertook many flights from April 1953 with 27 different propellers featuring varying numbers of blades in diameters between 4 and 10 ft (1.2 and 3.05 m). The XF-88s airframe then went forward to provide the structural and aerodynamic basis for the F-101 interceptor and reconnaissance fighter.

Only the two were built.

Gallery

Engines: 2 x Westinghouse J34-WE-13 turbojets, 3000-lb (1361-kg) thrust
Max speed, 641 mph (1 032 km/h) at sea level
Time to 35,000 ft (10 670 m), 14.5 min
Range, 1,737 mls (2 795 km)
Empty weight, 12,140 lb (5 507 kg)
Normal loaded weight, 18,500 lb (8 391 kg)
Span, 39 ft 8 in (12,09 m)
Length, 54 ft 1.5 in (16,50 m)
Height, 17 ft 3 in (5,26 m)
Wing area, 350 sq ft (32,52 sq.m)

McDonnell XF-88
McDonnell XF-88B

McDonnell XF-85 Goblin

McDonnell proposed a ‘parasite’ (‘symbiote’) fighter had to be small enough to be carried aloft by a bomber and released as required. As early as 1942 McDonnell had proposed such a type as the MX-472 for semi-external carriage by the B-29, and further evolution of the concept resulted during 1945 in four variants of the Model 27 design for internal carriage by the Northrop B-35 and Convair B-36 heavy bombers. Under the spur of early ‘Cold War’ events, McDonnell reworked the Model 27 into the XF-85 Goblin. Designed under the leadership of Herman D Barkley, the XF-85 the subject of a Letter of Intent for two prototypes on 9 October 1945. The XF-85 was to be stowed in the number one or four bomb bay of the B-36 intercontinental bomber. Over target, it would be dropped free to protect the B-36 from enemy interceptors.

The fuselage was virtually filled by the 3000-lb (1361-kg) thrust Westinghouse J34-WE-7 turbojet and its fuel plus the four 0.5-in (12.7-mm) machine-guns and their ammunition, the pilot being seated astride the engine under a bubble canopy immediately aft of the hook that permitted aerial release and recovery of this tiny fighter. The wings were swept at 37 degrees and arranged to unfold from their vertically stowed position, which gave the fighter a ‘hangared’ width of only 5 ft 4.75 in (1.64 m), for an extended span of 21 ft 1.5 in (6.54 m) after being lowered from the parent aircraft. The fighter was intended to be launched from and recovered by a retractable trapeze which was to be extended beneath the parent bomber, no undercarriage being fitted.

In 1947, indoor tests were begun to evaluate the mating arrangement between the Goblin and a mock-up of a B-36 fuselage. On 9 November 1947 the first of two XF-85s was disassembled at the manufacturer’s St Louis plant and flown aboard a C-97 transport to Moffett Field, California, for wind-tunnel tests. While being positioned in the tunnel, the aircraft fell 12.2 m, was badly damaged, and had to be returned to St Louis, being replaced at Moffett by the second machine.

On 5 June 1948, this second XF-85 was transported to Muroc AFB, California, and, with no B-36 airframe available for evaluation of the parasite fighter concept, experiments began using an EB-29B Superfortress. Ed Schoch, a former US Navy F6F Hellcat pilot with four air combat kills in the Pacific war, was the only man ever to fly the XF-85.

Flight trials were initiated by the second prototype which was powered by a 3,000 lb st (1361 kgp) Westinghouse J34-WE-37 turbojet. After five captive flights on the trapeze of a specially modified Superfortress (EB-29B), the XF-85 was launched at 20,000 ft (6 095 m) on 23 August 1948, this first free flight terminating in an emergency landing. On his first attempt on 23 August 1948, Schoch was attempting to re-engage the bomber’s trapeze when he slammed into it, shattering his canopy, ripping his helmet off, and knocking him unconscious. Schoch recovered in time to make a shaky landing on the XF-85’s underside skid in the Muroc desert, damaging the plane.

The second flight on 14 October 1948, resulted in a normal mid-air drop and subsequent hook-up. Three more times, however, struggling to manoeuvre the tricky Goblin, Schoch was forced to make belly landings in the desert rather than regain his link-up with the Superfortress.


On 8 April 1949, the original XF-85 made its first and only flight. In budget-lean 1949, the XF-85 programme was quietly terminated after 2 hr 19 min of test flying, although the Strategic Air Command eventually became interested in the parasite fighter concept when it became possible to carry an RF-84K aboard a B-36. The first XF-85 is on display at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, while the second is at the Strategic Air Command Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, displayed in inaccurate markings with a spurious tail number.

Max speed (calculated), 664 mph (1 068 km/h)
Combat endurance, 30 min
Empty weight, 3,740 lb (1 696 kg)
Loaded weight, 4,550 lb (2 064 kg)
Span, 21 ft 1½ in (6,44 m)
Length, 14 ft 10.5 in (4,53 m)
Height, 8 ft 3.25 in (2,56 m)
Wing area, 90 sq ft (8,36 sq.m)

McDonnell XF-85 Goblin

McDonnell F3H Demon

The prototype of the Demon naval fighter first flew on 7 August 1951 but proved to have poor stability, poor forward visibility and a low roll rate. These faults were corrected on the initial production model, but the poor reliability and performance of the J40 engine meant that most of the 58 built never flew.

The airframe had mid-set wings, swept-back at 45 degrees, swept-back tail surfaces and one-piece all-moving tailplane. The wings were fitted with leading edge slats and trailing edge slotted flaps. Airbrakes were in the upper surface of each wing root trailing edge and on the sides of the rear fuselage. The outer wings fold upward for storage. In-flight fuelling is fitted.

McDonnel F3H Demon Article

The tricycle undercarriage had a single wheel on each unit, the mains retracting inwards into the wings, and the nose wheel retracting rearward.

By June 1955 the F3H 2 had been produced with the Allison J71 engine, which still gave limited power. A modified afterburner system gave power in the range needed to make safe carrier landings.

They served with the US Navy in three versions – F3H-2N all-weather fighter, F3H-2M missile-armed day fighter, and F3H-2P for photo-reconnaissance.

The first naval fighter to be armed with guided missiles was the F3H-¬2M.

A total of 519 Demons were built.

McDonnell F3H-1N Demon

Gallery

F3H-2 Demon
Engine: 1 x Allison J71-A-2E turbo-jet, 62.23kN / 14,250 lb with afterburner
Wingspan: 10.77 m / 35 ft 4 in
Wing area: 48.22 sq.m / 519.04 sq ft
Length: 17.96 m / 58 ft 11 in
Height: 4.44 m / 14 ft 7 in
Max take-off weight: 15377 kg / 33901 lb
Empty weight: 10039 kg / 22132 lb
Max speed: 730 mph at SL
Max ROC: 12,800 fpm
Service ceiling: 13000 m / 42650 ft
Range w/max.fuel: 2205 km / 1370 miles
Armament: 4 x 20mm cannons, 2722kg of weapons
Crew: 1

F3H-1N Demon
Carrier-based day and night fighter
Engine: Westinghouse J40-WE-22 turbojet, 7,500 lb with afterburner
Wingspan: 35 ft. 4 in
Length: 59 ft
Loaded weight: about 23,370 lb
Max speed: over 750 m.p.h.
Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
Range: about 2,000 miles.
Armament: 4×20 mm. cannon
Crew: 1

F3H-2N
Engine: Allison J71-A-2 turbojet, with afterburner, 9,700 lb. thrust

McDonnell F3H Demon

McDonnell FD-1 Phantom / FH-1 Phantom

By the beginning of 1943 Westinghouse had made considerable progress with the engines, and the next job was to design an efficient airframe. The US Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics decided to call on the services of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, the resultant joint effort to be designated XFD-1.

McDonnell FD-1 Phantom / FH-1 Phantom Article

The designers set out to produce the smallest possible fighter that would satisfactorily carry a pilot, four 0.50-inch guns and their ammunition for a specified length of time. Weight, wing area and even engine power were treated as secondary consideration. Everything was to be kept as simple as possible with no “frills” or unnecessary gadgets to complicate production. Unorthodox ideas such as a tailless or tail-first layout (to keep the tail out of the way of the jet exhaust) or a prone position for the pilot were quickly put aside.

The McDonnell engineering team took just about a year to finalise the design of the XFD-1, although a preliminary mock-up inspection was held at St Louis at the end of May 1943. The release of drawings for structural work began on 25 January 1944 and construction of the prototype took a further year. By January, 1945, the last drawings had been finished, the last airframe parts made and assembled. On paper, the Westinghouse 19B was now promising a thrust of 1,500 lb (680 kg) in a version designated WE-19XB-2B for the prototypes of the XFD-1, but, in practice, engines reaching McDonnell were unable to produce this thrust and deliveries were lagging behind airframe availability.

The first prototype McDonnell Phantom during deck-landing trials aboard U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In order to minimise the delay, taxy trials of the first XFD-1, by now named Phantom, began with only one engine installed, and ballast in the other engine bay, during January 1945. Although the 19B engine was producing only 1,325 lb at this stage, the company’s chief test pilot Woodward Burke felt confident enough to allow the aircraft to get airborne on 26 January 1945 in what has subsequently become widely re¬corded as the Phantom’s first flight. According to Kendall Perkins, though, this was only an “initial hop (rising a short way off the ground)”; the first real flight followed a few days later, after the second engine had been installed.

Satisfactory results were recorded in the first few weeks of flight testing, including a speed of 483 mph (778 km/h) at 20,000 ft (6 100 m), an initial rate of climb of 5,000 ft/min (25 m/sec) and a range of 750 mls (1 200 km). Consequently, the Navy was ready to initiate production of its first jet fighter, placing a contract for 100 FD-1s on 7 March 1945. They were to be powered by 1,600 lb st (726 kgp) Westinghouse J30-WE-20 turbojets, these being productionised WE-19s. The pro¬duction aircraft would closely resemble the prototypes, but would have increased internal fuel capacity, provision for a belly drop tank, a taller, square-tipped fin, slightly lengthened front fuselage and (on all but the first three production aircraft) dive brakes in the upper and lower surfaces of the outer wing panels.

Within a few months of production being launched, the war was over, first in Europe and then against Japan. VJ Day, on 2 September 1945, brought massive and immediate cuts in aircraft contracts in the US and that for the FD-1 was cut back to 30 aircraft, but later increased again to 60. Some considera¬tion was given to using an improved Model 19C version of the Westinghouse engine in the second batch of 30 aircraft, perhaps to have been designated FD-2s, but this did not materialise, and the entire production run was of the FD-1 configuration. After a first flight of a production FD-1 on 28 October 1946, deliveries were made from January 1947 to 29 May 1948, with the designation changing from FD-1 to FH-l halfway through the run, on 21 August 1947 (and then becoming retrospective for the Phantoms already in service).

First production aircraft designed by the company, the McDonnell FH-1 Phantom was notable in being also the first jet designed to operate from an aircraft-carrier. The US Navy placed the original letter of intent on 30 August 1943, and the first prototype made its initial flight from St Louis airport, Lambert Field, on 26 January 1945. The type was certainly not over-powered, because the final propulsion system, adopted after many studies of alterna¬tives, was two slim Westinghouse 19B engines buried in the wing roots. Later produced in small numbers as the J30, these were hardly enough for ade¬quate performance.

The first flight is thus all the more remarkable in that, at that time, Westinghouse had been able to deliver only one engine, and one of the wing-root engine bays was empty.

At that time McDonnell’s US Navy designator letter was D, the pro¬totype being the XFD-1, but because of confusion with Douglas (which also used letter D) McDonnell was assigned letter H, so that the 60 pro-duction Phantoms were designated FH-1, first flying on 28 October 1946. They were gentle and easy to fly, and on 21 July 1946 a prototype landed on and took off from USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. The production aircraft were delivered from December 1946 and served mainly with US Marine fighter squadron VMF-122. Their fault was lack of performance and lack of fire¬power, and the next-generation F2H Banshee was a vast improvement on both counts and after equipping one US Navy and two USMC squadrons, were withdrawn in 1950.

FH-1 Phantom
Powerplant: two 726-kg (1,600-lb) thrust Westinghouse J30-20 turbojets
Maximum speed 771 km/h (479 mph) at sea level / 813 km/h (505 mph) at high altitude
Cruising speed 215 kt / 399 km/h
Service ceiling 13000 m (43,000 ft)
Range 1110 km (690 miles) without belly drop tank.
Empty weight 3031 kg (6,683 lb)
Maximum take-off weight 5459 kg(12,035 lb)
Wing loading 43.67 lb/sq.ft / 213.0 kg/sq.m
Wingspan 12.42 m (40 ft 9 in)
Length 11.81 m (38 ft9 in)
Height 4.32 rn (14 ft2 in)
Wing area 25.64 sq.m (276 sq ft)
Armament: four 12.7 mm (0.5-in) machine-guns in upper part of nose
Crew: 1

McDonnell FH Phantom