I got an idea the other day for a hypothetical F-4 Phantom. its definitely not a commitment to a project or near term project if I go for it, just something bouncing around in the cranium that started looking better with every bounce it took. Here’s the “vision” as it stands:
Canadair Phantom MK.4 (mid to late 60s era)
Short nosed, no internal gun
Wing folds deleted
Orenda Huron afterburning turbofans
Similar weapons load out to other Phantoms, but Canadian ones were also seen with Falcon misiles in pairs on the inboard weapons pylons frequently. Rocket pods were also a frequent sight on Canadian Phantoms. Gun pods were rarely seen on them.
The MK.4s all served in natural metal finish, including the European based ones.
So this leads to the question: where can I find some good pics of short nosed Phantoms in bare metal finish?
I’m not aware that any nation ever used them in bare metal.
I actually saw a Phantom stripped down to bare metal at Hill AFB, Utah. The F-4 was one of the first aircraft to use composite materials in its construction. The bulges on top of the wing are fiberglass honey comb material and is not metal color. A bare metal Phantom would look like it is suffering from some kind of skin disease.
Actually AF Phantoms did carry the AIM-4 missiles. With the cold wet skies over Europe and hot wet of South East Asia, moisture was getting into the exposed missiles causing all kinds of problems. These were soon deleted and the AF started carrying the AIM-9 as standard missiles.
MDD did test a single seat F-4, at least on paper. It was to be a light weight simple F-4, with many items deleted, intended for sales to smaller contries. It would be a simple day fighter, as it did not have the all weather capability. These countries went with the F-5 aircraft instead of the more expensive F-4 day fighter.
Squadron F-4 in Action has a picture of an F-4E before it was painted. It was destined for the Thunderbirds and the picture was used to illustrate why the T-birds painted their Phabulous Phantoms all white instead of the natural metal of the predecessors. [alien]
I knew that the E model Phantom had some composite content to her, but I though earlier models were all metal construction. Hmm… learn something new every day.
I also had no idea the Viper had that much metal in her, I thought she was composite nose to tail.
Well, as I said, the Phantom was just an idea, may not come to pass.
Anyway, I’m on my way to my LHS to pick up Hasegawa’s X-29 and an old Esci F-5B theyve got going cheap. A two seat Hypothetical X-29 has been a want of mine for years, but I’ve found that old Hasegawa X-29 to be VERY elusive.
There was a BMF F-4E at McClellan AFB for a while. I got to see it fly a few times and sure was different looking. Have you tried some of the ALC sites to see what they might have? You could try SA-ALC, SM-ALC (although this base is closed, you never know until you look) Also Hill AFB and Warner-Robbins AFB. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Thanks for the research ideas Roadkill. I’ve written them down and will keep them in mind.
Gary: Yes there was a short period of time (late 60s early 70s) When the Canadian Forces’ CF-101 fleet was in aluminum laquer, but I never really liked the look of it. As for what I’d have the Phantom replacing: I was actually thinking more along the lines of the F-104s, which were bare metal for the same period of time I want my phantom to represent.
