F-4F Phantom II

The F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat supersonic all-weather fighter-bomber originally developed for the U.S. Navy by McDonnell Douglas. The Phantom flew in numerous variants in US service from 1960 to 1996 as well as the armed forces of 11 other nations.

The F-4 could carry up to 18,650 pounds of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and unguided, guided, and nuclear bombs. The F-4 was designed when air-to-air missiles were expected to eliminate the need for close air combat and did not enter service with an internal cannon. However, air combat experience over North Vietnam revealed that a gun was needed and the 20 mm Vulcan cannon was added in the F-4E variant.

Until recently the F-4F was assigned to the 20th FS of the 49th FW based at Holloman AFB in New Mexico and used by the Luftwaffe for training. The 20th Fighter Squadron was inactivated on December 20, 2004.