These prototypes featured an early form of - what was to become - the legendary General Electric J79 afterburning turbojet engines. Two XF4H-1 Phantom II prototypes were built with the first one flying on and quickly outclassing any other aircraft in the skies at the time. In 1955 the USN turned the AH-1 requirement into a new two-seat, all-missile fighter design - and along with it, the designation of F4H Phantom II was born. The project began in 1954 and the USN ordered the F3H as two evaluation YAH-1 (AH-1) prototypes, though these fitted with the new General Electric J79 afterburning turbojet (x2). At the time, the United States Navy was looking for a replacement of their core F3H Demon series with a more viable and capable type and took notice of the McDonnell attempt. The design, the F3H-G/H was an advanced navy fighter proposal powered by twin Wright J65 turbojet engines, an armament suite of 4 x 20mm cannons and seating for one. The Phantom II was initially envisioned as an all-weather attack platform and began as a McDonnell company study project. Though widely retired from most national air forces, some continue to serve today - some 50 years after production had initially begun. The aircraft served American forces in the Vietnam Conflict and was pressed into service in the Persian Gulf War of 1991. The Phantom II grew into an all-around performer and went on to serve with the USAF, USN and USMC (concurrently - the first American aircraft to do so) - and some 11 other nations around the world. ![]() ![]() Arguably one of the finest combat fighters of the 20th Century, the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II series was produced in larger numbers since the end of World War 2 than any other Western fighter of the time.
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