USAF Phantoms Tactics Training and Weapons

No modern jet fighter has had such a lasting effect on the air forces of the West than the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom. Combat proven in Vietnam, its production has spanned some quarter of a century and more than 5000 aircraft. And it continues in front-line service. The US Air Force, still the largest single user of the Phantom, has over 1400 aircraft still on its inventory and more than 300,000 flying hours accumulated each year - greater than any other USAF fighter aircraft.
While much has been written about the design, development and service history of this famous aircraft, little has been published on the roles of the Phantom today, in the late 1980s. This book sets out to fill that gap, concentrating on the specific operational roles of the aircraft in day-to-day use, what its crews train for and what weapons and equipment it operates. It documents in great detail all the current missions flown by the type, with special attention to all the upgrades that have been incorporated to ensure the F-4's continued viability as a fighting machine into the 1990s.
The author, Anthony M. Thornborough, makes clear why and how the aircraft adapts month by month to newer and ever more sophisticated technology. All USAF F-4 types, missions and upgrades are included, and special attention is devoted to three comparatively new missions: 'Wild Weasel' defence suppression, ARN-101 24-hour strike and "real-time" reconnaissance gathering. These particular roles epitomise the adaptability of the Phantom II to new technology and requirements. The massive programme to equip the US Air Force Reserve and Air National Guards of the USAF is also charted, as is the evolution of the F-4 throughout its period as an Air Force machine.
Nearly 200 illustrations, including some 160 photographs, accompany the text, and appendices include a complete tabulation of F-4 deliveries to the USAF and their fates; data on the differences between the RF-4C, F-4C, F-413, F-4E and F-4G; power plants; performance statistics; foreign users of USAF F-4s; Phantom weaponry; data of F-4 conversions; paint schemes; squadrons, units and training. A lively and incisive Foreword is contributed by Major-General Alexander P. MacDonald, USAF, an experienced fighter pilot and a campaigning proponent of the F-4 upgrade proposals.


by Anthony M.Thornborough
Published by Arms and Armour Press 1988 1st edition. 160pp profusely illustrated, index, appendix.19x25 fine, including d/j.





Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.

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