Camouflaged F-4 Phantom II approaching an aerial refueling boom above patchwork farmland, with its two-seat cockpit and swept wings visible.

U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot, via DVIDS

Entered service 1961 · U.S. Navy

F-4 Phantom II

A two-seat fighter that gave the Navy, Marines, and Air Force one aircraft family for very different combat jobs.

The Inside Story

Designed to defend aircraft carriers against bombers, the Phantom went to Vietnam as both a fighter and a strike aircraft. Its pilot and rear-seat radar specialist worked together to find targets and bring weapons to bear.

F-4C carrier roots

Kept the tailhook on land

F-4E added firepower

Built-in 20 mm cannon

Both display teams

Blue Angels and Thunderbirds

QF-4 second career

Could fly without a pilot aboard