Employing sophisticated onboard radar and the AIM-7 Sparrow
air-to-air missile, McDonnell's Phantom II design easily met
a Navy requirement for a new long-range interceptor and
entered Fleet service in 1961. Powered by a pair of the
superb General Electric J79's, the F-4 had a performance
envelope that not only fulfilled the Navy's fighter and attack
needs, but became the first naval aircraft employed in large
numbers by the Air Force.
In combat over Vietnam, however, the Phantom's missile-only
armament became a drawback as the large fighter engaged the
smaller and more nimble MiG's in close dogfights. Despite this
handicap, the performance of the F-4 combined with the tactical
skill of its pilots and the excellent AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air
missile made the Phantom the dominant fighter in Southeast Asia.
Though replaced by the Tomcat on most carriers, the Midway
continued to fly the F-4 until 1986.
|
|
