McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a long-range, all-weather supersonic fighter-bomber that first flew in the late 1950s. The Phantom is capable of travelling at Mach 2.2 and carrying over 18,000 pounds of weapons. The aircraft was originally developed as an all-weather interceptor for the US Navy and was designated the F4H-1. The name Phantom II was finally adopted after the suggested names Satan and Mithras were rejected. In addition to the USAF, US Marine Corps and US Navy, the Phantom was operated by 11 other nations, including the UK’s RAF and Royal Navy. 

Turkey has upgraded many of its Phantoms via the Terminator 2020 program, which built on previous upgrades, allowing the aircraft to carry the AIM-120 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. The Terminator upgrade included fully digital modern avionics, a reduction in weight, and the ability to carry a variety of guided air-to-ground weapons whilst still retaining or enhancing their air-to-air capabilities. 111 Filo who are based at Eskisehir Air Base are the final operational F-4E Phantom II unit in the Turkish Air Force. 

The Turkish Air Force will be joining our ‘Fighter Meet’ with at least one Phantom on static display. 

Photo Credit: RIAT Photographer