McDonell Douglas Phantom FGR2 XV406
History & Specifications
| Engine | 2 x Rolls Royce Spey Turbofan |
| Thrust | 20,500 lbs / 91 kN with afterburner |
| Max Speed | 1,386 mph / 2,231 km/h |
| Max Range | 1750 miles / 2,816 km |
| Length | 57 ft 7 ins / 17.55 m |
| Wing Span | 38 ft 4.5 ins / 11.7 m |
The Mcdonnell Douglas F4 Phantom II was developed in the 1950s for service with the US Navy and Army Air Corps (USAAC).
In the 1960s the government cancelled several major domestic aircraft development programmes, such as TSR2.
The RAF and Royal Navy still needed to replace their ageing fleets to maintain its effectiveness until some major European programmes came online. It was decided to purchase modified McDonell Douglas Phantoms from the US to fill this capability gap.
The aircraft were modified to meet UK standards. These modifications included the fitting of Rolls Royce Spey engines and UK avionics and weapons systems.
Phantoms served with the RAF from 1969 continuing into the 1990s.
XV406 made its first flight in 1969 and served with various units including 228 OCU and 111 Sqn.
