The F-4J was the last version produced for the USN and USMC. The “J” version was basically
an upgraded “B” version with new radar and avionics as well as a better engine that required a
longer afterburner nozzle. One of the most noticeable changes to the “J” version is what isn’t
there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. Also missing was an internal gun but
Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. Between 1966 and 1972 there were
522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-air combat victory in
Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in
South East Asia. In mid 1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new and improved F-
14 Tomcat.

On May 10, 1972 VF-96 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II 155749 was still a “J” variant and
credited with a MiG-17 kill. In 1979 the aircraft was converted to an “S” variant, one of the first 43
converted “J”s that didn’t receive the leading edge slats but were later added. The aircraft spent
time with VMFA-235 before retiring and conversion to a manned target drone. 155749 belonged
to the VF-301 (reserve) “Devil’s Disciples”. On April 20, 2002 during an air show at NAS Pt. Mugu
the F-4S crashed killing the crew.

The designation for the F-4J upgrade was F-4S, the upgrade for the F-4B was F-4N both involved
Structural improvements
New electrical wiring
New hydraulic systems with stainless steel tubing
Leading Edge Slats eventually to all 248 – 265 units
New electronics
New smokeless engines

Specification for the F- 4J

Performance
Engines: 2 X General Electric J79-GE-8B/8C/10 turbojets, 11,870 lb.s.t dry, 17,900 lb. s.t. with
afterburner. (lb.s.t. - Pounds Static Thrust)
Maximum speed: 1,584 mph at 48,000 ft. (Mach 2.4), 875 mph at sea level (Mach 1.15)
Initial climb rate: 41,250 fpm.
Service ceiling: 70,000 ft.
Combat ceiling: 54,700 ft.
Combat range: 596 miles, maximum range 1,956 miles with maximum external fuel.

Weights
30,770 lbs empty.
46,833 lbs gross.
41,399 lbs combat weight.

Dimensions
Wingspan: 38 ft. 5 in.
Wing area: 530 square ft.
Length: 58 ft. 3.75 in.
Height: 16 ft. 3 in.

Fuel
Maximum internal fuel: in fuselage tanks 1,347 US gal.
Internal wing tanks: 630 gal.
Maximum external fuel: 3,317 US gal.
600 US gal in a centerline tank, 370 US gal in each of two tanks that could be carried underneath
the outer under wing pylons.

Armament
4 X AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles in semi-recessed slots in the
fuselage belly.
2 X to 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles carried under the wings on the
inboard pylons.
Maximum offensive load of up to 16,000 lbs carried on the centerline and 4 under wing hard
points.

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