Subject: Re: (Silly Week 2008) Submission #3
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "S. Robert Sliger II" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:18:48 -0800

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: S. Robert Sliger II 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2007 8:38 PM
  Subject: (Silly Week 2008) Submission #3

  F-4T Phantom II 

  by Bud Sliger
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here

  F-4T

  Air Vehicle no.1

  Eglin AFB, Florida

  Summer 1981

   

  In the Mid-70’s MDD looked at re-rolling its F-4E into a dedicated interceptor by removing the air to ground capability and replacing the WSO w/a modified digital targeting computer from the F-15A. Citing that the F-4 was ‘old technology’, no customers expressed any interest, and the project was shelved. While this project didn’t amount to anything, it did lay the groundwork for a simplified F-4 variant aimed at the export market.

  The F-4T was resurrected in 1979 for a requirement from the FMS for a specific export fighter with diminished performance in weapons carriage and range when compared to US aircraft. MDD accomplished this by removing the external fuel tank capability from the outer under wing stations and replacing the centerline hard point with a new-designed Conformal Weapons Pallet, capable of carrying ordnance. The APQ-120 radar system had some of its modes removed, a downgraded targeting computer installed (in place of the WSO station), and a pair of canards were mounted to the intakes. 2 GE J79-17 engines power the aircraft, although the newer J79-17X with its Combat-Plus feature and the P&W F403-1120 are alternatives. Armament consisted of the 20mm Vulcan cannon, 4 AIM-9 Sidewinders and 4 AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, and up to 12,000lbs of ordnance on 4 underwing pylons and the centerline pallet. Air to ground ordnance consists of Mk. Series gen. purpose bombs, cluster bombs, precision-guided munitions and rocket pods.  The CWF could hold four 500lb-1000lb bombs in pairs, 2 laser guided bombs or 1 GBU-8 Hobo EO guided bomb. 1 prototype was converted in 1979, with the 1st flight in August of that same year. The prototype was finished in a 3-tone camo of dk. Green, olive drab and gunship gray with hi-viz markings applied. The aircraft was officially entered into the FMS-sponsored International Export FX competition in 1980. The aircraft was used in 1981 to test the Mitsubishi-designed AGM-3 unguided glide bomb. After much demonstration but without a single order, MDD decided to close the F-4T program in 1983. The prototype was placed in storage at Davis-Monthan AFB, and stayed there until a year later when it disappeared.

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 02.jpg here

  Photos and text © by 'your name goes here'

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