This concise, illustrated history focuses on the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II aircraft and units assigned to George AFB, California, from 1964-92. George's association with the aircraft began with the arrival of the first F-4s in April 1964, and would last over twenty-eight years. The initial mission was to train F-4 aircrews, and from 1964 through 1973, the majority of these graduates went directly to Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam War. As the need for newly trained aircrews decreased, the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, and later the 37th TFW, added an operational commitment flying F-4Es and F-4C Wild Weasels, as well as F-4G Advanced Wild Weasel aircraft. The training of aircrews for Germany's Air Force was added to the 35th TFW's mission in December 1972. F-4 operations continued at George under the 35th and 37th wings until inactivation of the 35th Wing in December 1992, and the closing of George AFB at the end of the Cold War.

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was the most-produced American supersonic military jet with 5,195 aircraft being produced. By any standards the F-4 has been incredibly successful, used not only by the USAF and US Navy but many air forces around the world including Germany, Israel, Turkey and Japan. The F-4 was designed as a long-range fighter interceptor and fighter bomber, excellent in all roles assigned to it. The Phantom has performed leading roles in multiple conflicts around the world from the Vietnam War through to the Gulf War. Although the F-4 left US service in 1996 it has continued in service with other air forces, only just being retired in 2020 from the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force. This new title in Pen & Sword's highly successful Flight Craft series covers the development and operational use of the F-4 Phantom II and brings to life the variety of color schemes and markings applied by many of the multiple air arms that have operated the Phantom around the world by including quality color profiles. Multiple model projects are included covering significant variants of the F-4 like the F-4B, F-4D, F-4E, F-4F, F-4G, F-4J, F-4EJ-Kai; British FGR-2 and F-4J(UK). All the popular model scales are represented: 1:72, 1:48 and 1:32A first for scale modellers everywhere – a book aimed at scale modellers of all levels interested in building the F-4 Phantom II.

This newly revised and expanded edition is the complete story of the world's best-loved and greatest fighter, ever-the F-4 Phantom. Tasked with a host of different missions, the Phantom served many countries and took part in conflicts stretching from the Vietnam War through the Gulf War. This book's authoritative text provides the reader with in-depth analysis of this important cold war warrior. It is packed with two-page color artworks, cutaways, technical drawings and a staggering array of photos. Every variant, every operator and every weapon carried by the Phantom are described.

This book tells the fascinating story of this truly unique aircraft's design and development as an icon of American airpower, and relives its glorious record in the Vietnam War, various Arab-Israeli conflicts, the Cold War, and Operation Desert Storm.

During the twentieth century, civil and military aviation has played a prominent role in the history and development of California. Commercial operators have exploited the advantages offered by aircraft to overcome its unique challenges of geography and climate. By virtue of California’s comparative size and strategic importance on the West Coast of the continental USA, a wide variety of military aircraft have been based there through the years. The list of military aircraft types that made up the tapestry of California aviation is as extensive as the list of legendary figures who have contributed to its amazing history. While most of the military aircraft types no longer grace the airspace over California, many can be viewed in their former splendor as they stand as gate guards or museum exhibits. This booklet provides a comprehensive guide to where these restored aircraft can be found. Complementing the details concerning aircraft specifications and roles, the author has included many facts. Finally, the descriptions of the recovery, restoration and preservation efforts stand as a tribute to the many volunteers who have devoted time, energy and financial support to ensure this rich heritage is preserved.

The Phantom was developed for the US Navy as a long-range all-weather fighter and first flew in May 1958, before becoming operational in 1961. The US Air Force then realized that the Navy had an aircraft that was far better than any tactical aircraft in their inventory and ordered 543 F-4C variants. There then followed a spate of orders from around the world. In Britain, it was ordered for the Navy and Air Force, but was modified to take the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan. One of the Royal Navy's Phantoms stole the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing, a record that stood until taken by the remarkable Blackbird. Phantoms have been used in combat in many conflicts throughout its long service history. It was one of America's most utilized aircraft during the long Vietnam War and has been flown in anger in the Middle East by a number of different air forces.This is the perfect book for the general reader, enthusiast or modeler wishing to find a succinct yet detailed introduction to the design of the aircraft that has made history. It features a multitude of stories as relayed by USAF and Israeli airmen who actually flew this remarkable aircraft in wars in SE Asia and the Middle East, detailing just what it was like to fly the F-4 in combat. Many of the dozen or so chapters include combat testimonies of the Phantom design and durability in SE Asia and in the wars fought between Israel and her surrounding Arab enemies throughout the 1970s and beyond.The book also features a wealth of technical data along with stirring images that supplement the text perfectly, enhancing its visual appeal.