McDonnell F-4S Phantom II

The McDonnell F-4S Phantom II was an upgraded variant of the F-4 Phantom II developed for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the mid-1970s. The F-4S featured significant improvements, including leading-edge slats for better maneuverability, updated avionics, and more powerful J79-GE-10 engines. These modifications addressed the original Phantom's handling limitations at low speeds and high angles of attack while retaining its twin-engine, twin-seat configuration and massive ordnance-carrying capacity.

The F-4S served primarily with Navy and Marine Corps squadrons from the late 1970s through the 1980s, extending the Phantom fleet's operational life. It maintained the F-4's versatility as a multi-role fighter capable of air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. The F-4S proved valuable for its long range and heavy payload capacity, serving on aircraft carriers and forward bases. This final major Phantom variant bridged the gap until more modern fighters like the F/A-18 Hornet entered service.