McDonnell Douglas F-4G Wild Weasel Electronic Warfare Systems Platform (1963)
The F-4G represents the Wild Weasel conversion variant of the successful F-4 Phantom II aircraft line.
F-4 Phantoms in their Wild Weasel guise originally came about from thirty-six F-4C models converted to the new "Wild Weasel IV" standard by the USAF. These aircraft utilized two AGM-45 "Shrike" anti-radiation missiles along underwing hardpoints in conjunction with the ER-142/ALR-53 receiver and AN/ALQ-119 ECM pod to combat and track enemy radar signals. These aircraft were therefore designated as EF-4C's to designate their electronic warfare role. EF-4C models were put to the test in live combat during the Vietnam War by 1969 with mixed results.
Later, four F-4D models were utilized for the Wild Weasel IV/V program featuring the APS-38 warning and attack system and the AN/ANS-107 RHWS (Radar Homing and Warning System). By 1976, 116 F-4E models were picked for conversion to the Wild Weasel V standard followed by a further 18 in 1987, becoming the RF-4E. 116 total F-4G's were converted from the 993 existing F-4E models. F-4E models were billed as "improved" F-4D models, which themselves built upon the C-model successes.
The F-4G utilized two personnel in a tandem seat cockpit. The forward position was taken by the pilot while the rearward position housed the Electronic Warfare Officer. Since their cannon armament was removed in favor of applicable equipment, the Wild Weasel was complimented fairly with maintaining the ordnance capabilities of the base Phantom II. Along with the ability to carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, rockets and bombs or various makes, the true bread and butter of the Wild Weasel Phantom II lay in the utilization of AGM-88A, B- and C-model ant-radar/anti-radiation HARM (High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile) missiles.
With its origins in the F-4 Phantom II fighter-bomber, the F-4G Wild Weasel retained the excellent capabilities of the warfighter, including top performance specs and the need for a second crewmember to lighten the mission workload. Like their combat brethren, F-4G Wild Weasels were also fitted with two General Electric-brand J79-GE-17 series engines producing 17,900lbs of thrust with afterburner capability. Performance specs included a top speed of 1,245 knots and a range of 1,401 nautical miles along with a ceiling of 58,750 feet.
When deployed, the F-4G was used to directly combat enemy radar and missile threats on the ground. Additionally, the F-4G Wild Weasel could utilize its sensitive tracking and targeting equipment to direct another fighter-bomber aircraft (such as an anti-radar laden F-16C Fighting Falcon) to a target in a "hunter-killer" type arrangement. F-4G Wild Weasels were utilized to great success against Iraqi air defenses in Operation Desert Storm. As with most other aircraft selected for the dangerous Wild Weasel role, the F-4 Phantom II series inevitably reached its limit and was replaced by the more capable General Dynamics / Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon. It is expected that the F-35 Lightning II will eventually replace this Cold War-era aircraft in that role within the decade. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
McDonnell Douglas F-4G Wild Weasel
Electronic Warfare Systems Platform
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas - USA
Initial Year of Service: 1963
Production: 116
Focus Model: McDonnell Douglas F-4G Wild Weasel
Crew: 2
Length: 62.99ft (19.2m)
Width: 38.58ft (11.76m)
Height: 16.70ft (5.09m)
Weight (Empty): 28,274lbs (12,825kg)
Weight (MTOW): 61,793lbs (28,029kg)
Powerplant: 2 x General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojet engines generating 17,900lbs of thrust with afterburning.
Maximum Speed: 1,432mph (2,305kmh; 1,245kts)
Maximum Range: 1,612miles (2,594km)
Service Ceiling: 58,750ft (17,907m; 11.1miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 48,000 feet per minute (14,630m/min)
Hardpoints: 5
Armament Suite:
2 x AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles
2 OR 4 x AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
Other mission-specific weaponry can include AIM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles, conventional bombs, cluster bombs, rocket pods and ALQ-131/ALQ-184 countermeasures pods. Fuel tanks may take up any external hardpoint space.
Variants:
XF4H-1 - Prototype Model Designation of which two produced.
F4H-1F - Preproduction models fitted with General Electric J79-GE-2/2A engines generating 16,150 lbs; series would later become the F-4A model designation of which 45 produced.
F4H-1 - Production Model Designation fitted with J79-GE-8 engines generating 17,000lbs standard thrust; series would later be redesignated as the F-4B model series.
F-110A - Initial Production Designation for United States Air Force strike variant; redesignated as the F-4C model series.
F-4A - Production Model Designation of redesignated F4H-1F preproduction model variant.
F-4B - Redesignation of the F4H-1 model series; 649 produced.
F-4C - Redesignation of F-110A for strike fighter role in the United States Air Force; fitted with J79-GE-15 powerplants; 635 produced.
F-4D - USAF version of the United States Navy base F-4C model.
F-4E - USAF model fitted with J79-GE-17 powerplants of which 1,405 models produced; featured improved radar systems, internal 20mm cannon and leading edge slats.
F-4F - Air Superiority Model for West German export.
F-4G - USAF "Wild Weasel" Radar-Suppression Role Model.
F-4J - United States Navy Model fitted with J79-GE-10 engine series generating 17,900lbs of thrust; featured revised wing element and tail section assembly; 512 produced.
F-4K - Royal Navy (United Kingdom) Export Model based on the F-4J but fitted with Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines of which 52 were produced.
F-4M - Royal Air Force Export Model based on the F-4K model.
F-4N - Modernization Conversion Model fitted with updated avionics and similar features based on the F-4B base model.
F-4S - Modernization Conversion Model fitted with updated avionics and similar features based on the F-4J base model.
RF-4B - United States Marine Corps Designation for Reconnaissance Variant.
RF-4C - USAF Tactical Reconnaissance Variant of which 499 produced.
Phantom 2000 - "Super Phantom" model produced by the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) based on the F-4E base model.
FG.1 - British designation of the F-4K base model.
FGR.2 - British designation of the F-4M model.
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