McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 Jet Fighter

The RAF's FGR.2 Phantom (fighter/ground-attack/reconnaissance) is in fact a McDonnell Douglas Phantom F-4M-35-MC, a modified export version of the F-4K already made by McDonnell Douglas for the Royal Navy where it was designated the Phantom FG-1 (fighter/ground attack), this was a F-4J re-engined with  Rolls-Royce Spey engines for UK use.

The RAF's FGR.2 Phantoms were gradually replaced by the Panavia Tornado F3 from the late 1980's, the last RAF Phantoms were retired from operational duties in 1993. The RAF FGR.2 Phantom pictured bellow is XV424, this aircraft was flown across the Atlantic in Feb 69 and became operational with No 6 Squadron based at RAF Coningsby the same month. XV424 remained operational with the RAF until Jul 92, in Nov 92 XV424 was delivered by road to the RAF Museum in Hendon where she remains on display.

McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 (fighter/ground-attack/reconnaissance) Specifications:

• Crew: Pilot and observer/navigator
• Length: 58ft 3in (17.76m)
• Wingspan: 38ft 4¾in (11.7m)
• Height: 16ft 3in (4.96m)
• Engines: Twin 12,250lb (20,515lb with afterburner) thrust Rolls Royce Spey RB168-25Rs engines
• Maximum Speed: 1,386mph (2,230km/h - Mach 2.1) at 40,000ft (12,192m)
• Service Ceiling: 58,050ft (17,694m)
• Maximum Range: 1,750 miles (2,817 km) with under-wing fuel tanks

Armament:

• Four Sky Flash or Sparrow air-to-air radar-guided missiles plus four Sidewinder air-to-air infra-red guided missiles.
• Eleven 1,000lb free-fall or retarded bombs or 126 SNEB 68mm armour-piercing rockets.
• Single optional pod mounted 20mm Vulcan SUU 23 rotary cannon