Some aircraft are remembered for the number produced. Some are remarkable for their long service life. Some are memorable for their effectiveness in combat. When one aircraft becomes renowned world-wide for all three, it is unique indeed.
Such an aircraft is the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.
Produced by the McDonnell Aircraft Company division of McDonnell Douglas Corporation, the F-4 Phantom II exemplifies a tradition of more than three decades of eminent jet fighter design, and represents the most sustained program of development and production of any modern military jet aircraft, with more than 5000 produced since its first flight.
The Phantom has written remarkable chapters in the history of fighter aircraft. There are few missions that it has not successfully undertaken in peacetime or combat. Our nation's first line interceptor, fighter bomber, escort, and reconnaissance aircraft, the Phantom has performed every classical fighter mission ever conceived.
The Phantom was the first jet fighter to fly simultaneously with the U. S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, the first international fighter bomber to fly with the air arms of ten other free world nations, and the only fighter ever to fly concurrently with both U. S. aerobatic flight demonstration teams.
The most versatile, most popular jet fighter ever built, the F-4 Phantom II has truly become a legend in its own time. . .