Posted on 04/14/2019 1:06:16 AM PDT by Spktyr
Found this video on YouTube. The 302nd Squadron, Japanese Air Self Defense Force retired their F-4EJ Kai Phantom IIs and converted to the F-35 Lightning II as of March 2019. The squadron decided to give the Phantoms sendoff flights and this is someone's video of the event.
always wondered if the f-22 was really cancelled because the Chinese found out how to “see” them so their main gig was busted. A lot of PRC spies in U.S.industry, government agencies, top university research labs, Los Alamos, etc. And taxpayers give them perfumed spots at college since they (funded by home government) pay out of state rates. And must go back to visit “grandparents” every year and bring back lichi candy. /crabbyrant-off
When do they become available at the local Army/Navy Store? I want one.
...and instantly put one in the drink.
“F-15,16 had teething problems too.”
There were (30) F16 crashes in its 36 months of operation I believe.
The ANG used to fly these around Ft.Wayne in the late 70’s, early 80’s.
They had a distinctive low moaning howl that I always enjoyed. The only other planes I can recognize by their sound is the A10, and the Osprey.
Was working at an Israeli air base back in the ‘90s when they still flew F-4s - nothing like watching (feeling) and F-4 screaming down the runway with full after-burners. Mmm -mmm good!
I remember sitting in the cockpit early in the morning after a hard evening of drinking sucking on the O2 to get over the hangover. Good thing I wasn’t the pilot. Just a lowly avionics tech trying to make it through the day. Oh to be young and foolish again.
Last time I’ve seen Phantom flying close-up in Turkey in summer 1995.
Yes, it was the subject of many derisive comments about bricks, etc.
But, when it came from behind you or from the side and released it’s eggs, the F4 was the finest airplane that ever flew, and was truly the favorite of the grunts.
“I love the smell of napalm in the morning”
For me it was not so much derisive as an accurate observation.
It was quite a successful platform with a large variety of role usages - air superiority, ground attack, photo recon, wild weasel, etc.
But grace in maneuver was never a strong point.
Strategic stealth (“Hey, is there an aircraft over there?”) was busted by Australian academics that published in open journals over a decade ago. It still has some effect but modern air defense systems currently available on the world market, when networked and not run by idiots, can generally tell when a stealth aircraft is in an area. Not well enough to throw a missile at them with any accuracy unless the stealth craft is really close, but enough to vector fighters or eyeballs into the general area.
Tactical stealth (“I am pointing my missile straight at it and it won’t lock on.”) is still a thing and still highly useful.
Of course, in peer combat, the radar systems on both the F-22 and F-35 are a liability. In the modern peer battlespace, you radiate, you *die.*
I’ll never forget two F-4s flying two abreast taking-off at Danang airfield. The noise was unearthly. The sight was breath-taking.
The F-4 Phantom...affectionately called “the lead sled” because of its dead stick glide ratio...but, what a bad ass looking plane, in flight, and on the ground.
“...when it came from behind you or from the side and released it’s eggs, the F4 was the finest airplane that ever flew”
As it happened, more often as not Marine artillery was our savior, they were on-call – on-target 24/7 despite any weather. God Bless All Cannon-Cockers.
Most of our air support was provided by A-4’s – Scooters. That said, one occasion on a nasty weather day in I Corp left me with a forever warm spot for F-4’s; “Old Droopy Nose” made a lovely sight, winging in through ground level overcast with moisture streaming off her wingtips.
The side-by-side dual landing of the 1st stage boosters is surreal to watch. About 10:35 in.
My favorite war machine. It proved that if you put enough post behind it even a rock could fly.
Early 80’s I was standing on the catwalk of a sand elevator 165’ up when a pair of ANG F-4’s screamed past at eye level about 200’ away. Caught me by surprise and I nearly soiled myself.
Ive watched ever angle I can get my hands on. Still quite impressed!
The boosters landing in a predetermined 50’ circle and on a sea-going platform was sweet indeed.
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