The F-4D Phantom II

Florence's local chapter of the American Legion worked with city leaders and military officials at Fort McClellan to transport and assemble the F-4D Phantom, which has been located among other static displays in Veterans Park since 2013. This particular aircraft entered service in 1966 and was flown in Europe before becoming part of the fleet of the Alabama Air National Guard until 1986. Visitors to the park can also view static displays of field artillery and a Cobra helicopter. The F-4D Phantom II first flown by the United States Air Force in 1963 was the best fighter jet of its time. The Phantom II was also used by the Air Force in the Vietnam War against Mig-21s. The twin-jet engine aircraft powered by two 17,900-lb-thrust General Electric J79-GE-17 engines. During production, 5,068 Phantom IIs were produced until 1981. During the Vietnam War about 277 air-to-air combat missions were successful with the help of "Combat Tree". The Phantom II was used by the United States Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Prior to coming to Florence, this aircraft was on display at Fort McClellan.

The F-4 Phantom II was the fastest and longest range fighter jet used by U.S Air Force during the Vietnam War. The F-4 Phantom II was used by eleven other counties as well. The jet first flew on May 27, 1958 and in 1963, entered the United States Air Force. The Phantom II was produced by McDonnell at their plant in St. Louis, MO. There it was named the Phantom II in order to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the company. McDonnell had built 5,068 Phantom IIs by the time production had ended.

The United States Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team used the F-4 Phantom II from 1969 to December 1974 when they transitioned to the Douglas A-4F Skyhawk. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team used the F-4 for the seasons between 1969 and 1973, where they then transitioned to the Northrop T-38 Talon. The F-4 Phantom II was the first aircraft to be used by several other branches of the military as the United States Marine Corps also used the jet.

The Phantom II flew combat missions in the Vietnam War. It succeeded in 277 air-to-air combat missions. At the time the Phantom II was equipped with the best technology of its time, the "Combat Tree". The weapon systems officers would sit in the backseat of the jet and use the Combat Tree to look for Vietnamese aircraft that would have specialized transponders. By using Combat Tree, pilots were able to find and detect friendly and enemy aircraft and engage without using radar. The enemy pilots had no clue they were being approached by United States Phantom IIs which allowed for stealth maneuvering for the United States.

During the Vietnam War, the F-4 Phantom II would often carry the AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, as well as carrying a bomb load. In the early stages of the war, the Phantom IIs were only armed with missiles, they did not have a cannon, so they often had a disadvantage against the Vietnamese Mig-21 fighter.

The Phantom IIs were later equipped with an internal rotary cannon and could carry up to eight missiles while the Mig-21 could only carry two.

Specifications:

Wingspan: 38 feet 5 inches

Length: 58 feet 3 inches

Height: 16 feet 6 inches

Ceiling: 56,100 feet

Range: 1,750 miles

Weight: 55,597 pounds

Power: Two 17,900-lb-thrust General Electric J79-GE-17 jet engines

Max Speed: 1,485 mph (1,291 knots) (Mach 1.9)

Accommodation: Two Crew Members

Armament: 15,983 pounds of weapons, including 20mm nose-mounted M-61 "Vulcan" cannon

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