McDonnell Douglas F-4G Wild Weasel

The F-4G represented the "Wild Weasel" off-shoot of the successful F-4 Phantom II line. Wild Weasel aircraft represented (and continue to do so) specially modified platforms utilized to hunt enemy air defense systems such as surface-to-air missile radar emplacements via anti-radiation/anti-radar missiles and electronic warfare equipment. Though outwardly similar to their combat-oriented Phantom II's, F-4G Wild Weasels had their standard cannon armament removed in favor of mounting the AN/APR-47 in its place. F-4G Phantoms came about as conversion models from the F-4E aircraft and achieved their maiden flight on December 6th, 1975.

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.

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Last Revision: 9/8/2009