McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II (x2)

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a long range all weather supersonic fighter-bomber that first flew in the late 1950s and became for its exploits during the Vietnam War. The Phantom is capable of travelling at Mach 2.2 and also 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 Satan and Mithras names 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.

Greece first received brand new F-4E Phantoms from the USA in 1974 which which were supplemented by further F-4E and RF-4E models from Germany in the early 1990s. Greece has upgraded its F-4Es under the Peace Icarus program and intends to operate them until 2027. The Hellenic Air Force uses the F-4E Phantom for the ground attack mission.

338 Mira are the final Phantom unit in the European Unit and will be providing a pair of aircraft for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo as part of our 75 years of NATO celebration. Their squadron emblem is Ares, the god of war.

Photo Credit: Rich Cooper