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Science & Technology
Why the F-4 Phantom Is Such a Badass Plane
2023-03-16
[PopularMechanics] The F-4 Phantom was neither pretty nor elegant. But it did its job when so many other aircraft in history couldn’t.

Flying Brick. Lead Sled. Rhino. Double Ugly. If nicknames are destiny, then the F-4 Phantom II fighter was cursed at birth.

Even its official name was ironic. "Phantom" evokes an image of stealth and subtlety, a supernatural nemesis that strikes without warning. But the F-4 was anything but stealthy or subtle; it was a big fighter that muscled its way through combat.
Posted by:Beavis

#8  ^ Dude, that's so Vanilla WoW. Used to be one could get a whole flame war goin' by just typing the name. These days it's, "who?". Exhibit #42 on Why We Can't Have Nice Things.
Posted by: Rex Mundi   2023-03-16 14:58  

#7  Dude only Chuck Norris can beat up Chuck Norris
Posted by: Beavis   2023-03-16 14:55  

#6  Let's just cut it with the "badass". It's done. The only time that term is used is when referring to a 90 lb female that just beat up Chuck Norris. No one uses it...except for Pop Mech and Sci Ameri. Screw that.
Posted by: Rex Mundi   2023-03-16 14:12  

#5  It could out climb and out accelerate any plane during its time. Combine that with a state of the art radar and targeting system it was lethal at all ranges of engagement. I knew it as a wild weasel platform and man it was good at that.
Posted by: DarthVader   2023-03-16 12:46  

#4  The opposite of the F-35: start out with a need for a carrier interceptor and put powerful enough engines to make a brick fly. For years the F-4 Phantom held many supersonic airspeed records. For more years to serve many roles such as interceptor, fighter, fighter bomber and recon ...like the A-10 it was a powerful brute that was handsome in its ugly.
Posted by: magpie   2023-03-16 10:27  

#3  As far as uncomplimentary plane names go, my personal favorite is "BUFF".
Posted by: Mercutio   2023-03-16 09:33  

#2  I'll never forget being in a Pilatus Porter as two F-4s took off side by side at Danang Airbase. The pilot fought like hell to control the little plane as the roar and wash of the F-4s so nearby made the hair on one's head stand at attention. They were indeed amazing phantoms.
Posted by: Slavising Unineting5672   2023-03-16 09:24  

#1  ....I never had the chance o work on the Phantom, it was pretty much retired from the active duty force by the time I finally got to the tactical side of the house. But the author gets it right - it inspires a respect and affection among its fliers and handlers that will last forever.

Mike
Posted by: MikeKozlowski   2023-03-16 06:47  

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