The F-4F (Model 98NQ) was a version of the USAF F-4E built explicitly for the
West German Luftwaffe. After having considered the Dassault Mirage F.1, the
Lockheed CL-1200 Lancer, and even a single-seat fighter version of the Phantom
under the designation F-4E(F), the Luftwaffe opted for 175 two-seat F-4Fs.
Back in 1960, McDonnell had entered a single-seat version of the Phantom in
the IFX fighter contest. The US government promised that the winning design
would be exported in substantial numbers to America's overseas allies. This
contest was won by the Northrop F-5E, and the concept of a single-seat Phantom
was quietly abandoned. It was briefly revived in 1971 when the West German
government ordered such an aircraft under the designation F-4E(F). The F-4E(F)
was to dispense with Sparrow capability and was to have a simplified electronics
suite. However, before the F-4E(F) could enter production, the West German
government changed its mind and decided instead to purchase a more
straightforward two-seat cost-reduced adaptation of the F-4E. The designation
F-4F was assigned to the project.
175 examples of the F-4F were ordered by the West German government. The F-4F
emerged as a lighter and simpler F-4E which was significantly cheaper and
incorporated major components that were manufactured in Germany. The number 7
fuselage fuel tank was removed and all Sparrow equipment was eliminated. The
AN/APQ-120 radar was simplified, with no beacon search or constant wave
illuminator being provided for Sparrow or Falcon missile launches. Although no
inflight refuelling receptacle was initially fitted, the internal plumbing
needed for midair refuelling was installed at the factory. An unslotted
tailplane was used as an economy and weight-saving measure. The F-4F as
originally designed lacked the capability of carrying nuclear weapons and it
could not carry or launch certain air-to-ground missiles such as the Maverick,
Shrike, or Walleye. The design that finally emerged was 3300 pounds lighter than
the stock F-4E.
The first F-4F took off on its maiden flight on May 18, 1973. The 175 F-4Fs
were assigned the Luftwaffe serials 3701/3875 (and for contract management
purposes were also given the USAF serials 72-1111/1285). Major components were
manufactured in Germany by MBB and by VFW-Fokker. The J79-MTU-17A engines were
built under license from General Electric by Motoren-und-Turbinenen-Union
Munchen GmBH.
Deliveries of the F-4F to the Luftwaffe began on September 5, 1973, and ended
with the delivery of 3875 in April of 1976. They equipped two interceptor wings
(JG-71 'Richthofen' and JG-74 'Molders') and two ground attack wings JBG-35 and
JBG-36. JBG-35 was a dual-role fighter-bomber wing, which has previoulsy
operated Fiat G-91s. The other wings had previously operated the F-104G
Starfighter. JBG-35 was renamed JG-73 in 1994 and is now a fighter wing.
Twelve F-4Fs were assigned the unofficial designation of TF-4F while they
were being used to train Luftwaffe crews in the United States. These aircraft
were later flown to Germany and restored to full F-4F operational configuration.
Between November 1980 and late 1983, Luftwaffe F-4Fs were retrofitted with
inflight refuelling receptacles and were upgraded with the capability of firing
the Sparrow missile as well as the ability to handle the AGM-65 Maverick and the
new AIM-9L Sidewinder. They were provided with a digital weapons computer and
improved electronic countermeasures equipment, cockpit displays, and all-weather
systems.
A further upgrade resulted in the F-4F ICE (Improved Combat Efficiency),
which will be described in the next article.
Serials of the F-4F:
72-1111/1119 McDonnell F-4F-52-MC Phantom (for Luftwaffe, 3701-3709)
72-1120/1134 McDonnell F-4F-53-MC Phantom (for Luftwaffe, 3710-3724)
72-1135/1158 McDonnell F-4F-54-MC Phantom (for Luftwaffe, 3725-3748)
72-1159/1182 McDonnell F-4F-55-MC Phantom (for Luftwaffe, 3749-3772)
37+56 w/o Sept 13, 1995 in southwest Germany
72-1183/1206 McDonnell F-4F-56-MC Phantom (for Luftwaffe, 3773-3796)
72-1207/1230 McDonnell F-4F-57-MC Phantom (for Luftwaffe, 3797-3820)
72-1231/1254 McDonnell F-4F-58-MC Phantom (for Luftwaffe, 3821-3844)
72-1255/1285 McDonnell F-4F-59-MC Phantom (for Luftwaffe, 3845-3875)