McDonnell F-4C Phantom II

The McDonnell F-4 Phantom II was developed in the late 1950s as a fleet defense interceptor for the U.S. Navy. The aircraft entered Navy service in 1961. The Air Force adopted the design as the F-4C in 1963 after recognizing its capabilities. McDonnell designed the aircraft with twin engines and an extensive radar system for long-range interception missions. The F-4C became the Air Force's primary fighter-bomber during the Vietnam War. Production continued through 1979 with over 5,000 units built for multiple air forces worldwide.

The F-4C was powered by two General Electric J79-GE-15 turbojet engines, each producing 17,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner, which resulted in a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 and a combat radius of 400 miles. The F-4C carried no internal gun but could mount various missiles and bombs on nine external pylons.