Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Germany IFV October 22, 2020

Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Efran Syah       Comment   

The Puma is a German infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) (Schützenpanzer or short SPz) designed to replace the aging Marder IFVs currently in service with the German Army.

Production of the first batch of 350 vehicles began in 2010 and is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2020. A second batch of 210 Pumas has received funding. Mass production began on 6 July 2009. The companies responsible for this project are Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Landsysteme, who created a joint venture in the form of Projekt System Management GmbH (PSM).

The Puma is one of the world's best-protected IFVs, while still having a high power-to-weight ratio. SAIC offered a derivative of the Puma as its contender in the now cancelled American GCV Infantry Fighting Vehicle program.

The Puma, while externally not very different from existing IFVs, incorporates a number of advances and state-of-the-art technologies. The most obvious of these is the incorporated ability to flexibly mount different armour. Another feature is the compact, one-piece crew cabin that enables direct crew interaction ("face-to-face"; like replacing the driver or gunner in case of a medical emergency) and minimizes the protected volume.

The cabin is air conditioned, NBC-proof with internal nuclear and chemical sensors and has a fire suppressing system using non-toxic agents. The engine compartment has its own fire extinguishing system. The only compromise of the otherwise nearly cuboid cabin is the driver station, located in a protrusion in front of the gunner, in front of the turret.

The outer hull (minus the turret) is very smooth and low to minimize shot traps and the general visual signature. The whole combat-ready vehicle in its base configuration will be air transportable in the Airbus A400M tactical airlifter.

Its 3+6 persons crew capability is comparable to other vehicles of comparable weight, like the US American M2 Bradley IFV, the same as in the Marder, but smaller than the 3+8 of the CV9030 and CV9035.

The primary armament is a Rheinmetall 30 mm MK 30-2/ABM (Air Burst Munitions) autocannon, which has a rate of fire of 200 rounds per minute and an effective range of 3,000 m. The smaller 30×173mm cartridge offers major weight saving advantages for example in comparison to the Bofors 40 mm gun mounted on the CV9040 because of a much lower ammunition size and weight. The belt feed system also gives a large number of rounds ready to fire, while the 40mm offers only 24 shots per magazine. This is not a problem in a CV9040, but would force the Puma off the battlefield to reload the unmanned turret.

There are currently two ammunition types directly available via the autocannon's dual ammunition feed. One is a sub-calibre, fin-stabilised APFSDS-T (T for tracer), with high penetration capabilities, mainly for use against medium armoured vehicles. The second is a full-calibre, multi-purpose, Kinetic Energy-Timed Fuse (KETF) munition, designed with the air burst capability (depending on the fuse setting) for ejecting a cone of sub-munitions. The ammunition type can be chosen on a shot to shot basis, as the weapon fires from an open bolt, meaning no cartridge is inserted until the trigger is depressed. The ammunition capacity is 400 rounds; 200 ready to fire and 200 in storage.

Keeping the weight within the 35-ton limit also led to a smaller calibre for the secondary armament, a coaxially mounted 5.56 mm HK MG4 machine gun firing at 850 rounds per minute and with an effective range of 1,000 m. The ammunition capacity is 2,000 rounds; 1,000 ready to fire and 1,000 in storage. While this is a smaller weapon than the western standard secondary armament (7.62 mm caliber MG), it offers the advantage that the crew can use the ammunition in their individual firearms. In situations where the lower range and penetration of the 5.56 mm rounds is an issue, the high ammunition load of the main gun enables the vehicle crew to use one or two main gun rounds instead. The gun housing can also host the 7.62 mm MG3. In next years, the MG4 will be replaced by MG5

To combat main battle tanks, helicopters and infrastructure targets, such as bunkers, the German Puma vehicles will be equipped with a turret-mounted EuroSpike Spike LR missile launcher, which carries two missiles. The Spike LR missile has an effective range up to 4,000 m and can be launched in either the "Fire and Forget" or "Fire and Observe" mode.

In addition to the usual smoke-grenade launchers with 8 shots, there is a 6-shot 76 mm launcher at the back of the vehicle for close-in defence. The main back door can be opened halfway and enables two of the passengers to scout and shoot from moderate protection.

The Puma was designed to accommodate additional armor, initially planning to offer three protection classes which are wholly or partly interchangeable. Protection class A is the basic vehicle, at 31.5 metric tons combat-ready weight air transportable in the A400M. Protection class C consists of two large side panels that cover almost the whole flanks of the vehicle and act as skirts to the tracks, a near-complete turret cover and armor plates for most of the vehicle's roof. The side panels are a mix of composite and spaced armor. It adds about 9 metric tons to the gross weight. Originally, there was also a protection class B designed for transport by rail. However, it became obvious that class C lies within the weight and dimension limits for train/ship transportation, thus class B was scrapped.

The Puma is protected by AMAP composite armour, the AMAP-B module is used for protection against kinetic energy threats, while AMAP-SC offers protection against shaped charges.

Specifications

• Mass: 31.45 t (level A), 43 t (level C)
• Length: 7.6 m
• Width: 3.9 m (uparmored)
• Height: 3.6 m
• Crew: 3 + 6
• Armor: modular AMAP composite armour
• Main armament: 30 mm MK30-2/ABM autocannon 400 rounds
• Secondary armament: 5.56 mm HK MG4 machine gun, to be replaced by the 7.62 mm MG5 2,000 rounds Spike LR anti-tank guided missile; 6-shot 76 mm grenade launcher
• Engine: MTU V10 892 diesel, 11.1 litres 800 kilowatts (1,100 hp) at 4,250 r/min
• Power/weight: 18.6 kW/t
• Suspension: hydropneumatic
• Operational range: 460 km (road)
• Maximum speed: 70 km/h (road)

Operators

Germany; Chile; Croatia; United States

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Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano

Fighter Aircraft October 21, 2020

Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano

Efran Syah       Comment   

The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, also named ALX or A-29, is a Brazilian turboprop light attack aircraft designed and built by Embraer as a development of the Embraer EMB 312 Tucano.

The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano carries a wide variety of weapons, including precision-guided munitions, and was designed to be a low-cost system operated in low-threat environments.

The Embraer 314, first appeared in the light as the Emb-312H in the early '90s, it was essentially a larger version of the coach Embraer 312 (Tucano). Although it looks very much like the trainer aircraft that preceded it, the 314 is a very different plane, which stands out for its size.

The Super Tucano is longer and taller than its predecessor, due to the need to accommodate a more powerful engine, which allows for more power and greater speeds. And thus making it more appropriate to the tasks for which it was designed.

The Super Tucano was evolved into two distinct airframes. The single-seat version was known as the A-29A and achieved first flight on June 2nd, 1999. This model was a dedicated light attack and armed reconnaissance platform and could fulfill the offensive needs required by the Brazilian Air Force. The twin-seat derivative became the dual-control A-29B and achieved first flight on October 22nd of that same year. This particular model could be equally suited up for the task of light attack and armed reconnaissance or double suitably as a surveillance mount if called upon while also acting as a two-seat trainer for an instructor and student seated in tandem (the addition of the second cockpit deletes an internal fuel tank as found on the A-29A model).

All Super Tucanos also feature Martin-Baker "zero-zero" ejection seats. The Super Tucano was accepted into Brazilian service in 2003 to which some 88 examples have since been produced with many more on order, either locally and from interested parties throughout South America. More than half of Brazil's orders have been of the two-seat variant. If the Super Tucano follows the same legacy as that of the original Tucano, the system should be in world-wide use before her history is written.

The EMB-314, will operate for many years in the Amazon and its characteristics make it an interesting possibility for the air forces of South America, where there are problems of narco-trafficking and terrorism, as in Colombia with the FARC. How advanced trainer, their characteristics, capabilities, and electronics, EMB-314/ALX is one of the best aircraft currently on the market.

Developed with affordability in mind, the Super Tucano has already proven to be a global success with operators numbering nearly twenty.

The Super Tucano cockpits are of an all-modern, ergonomic design putting all applicable system and mission controls within easy reach. The rear position is dominated by three full-color Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) designed to ease operation and workload.

The Super Tucano is cleared to use all manner of modern, in-service missiles and bombs as well as rocket and gun pods. This showcases an inherent versatility required of counter-insurgency platforms sought after by global powers to fight today's wars.

A second crewman in the tandem seating arrangement reduces pilot load and increases situational awareness - therefore longer mission times and enhanced survivability can be had.

In addition to its manufacture in Brazil, Embraer has set up a production line in the United States in conjunction with Sierra Nevada Corporation for the manufacture of EMB-314 Super Tucanos to many export customers.

Specifications (EMB 314 Super Tucano)

General characteristics

• Year: 2003
• Manufacturer: Embraer Defense and Security (Embraer SA) - Brazil
• Crew: 2 (Pilot plus one navigator/student in tandem on Martin Baker Mk 10 LCX zero-zero ejection seats)
• Length: 11.38 m (37 ft 4 in)
• Wingspan: 11.14 m (36 ft 7 in)
• Width: 11.15 meters
• Height: 3.97 m (13 ft 0 in)
• Empty weight: 3,200 kg (7,055 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 5,400 kg (11,905 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PT6A-68C turboprop engine developing 1,604 horsepower driving a five-bladed propeller unit at the nose.

Performance

• Maximum speed: 590 km/h (370 mph, 320 kn)
• Cruise speed: 520 km/h (320 mph, 280 kn)
• Stall speed: 148 km/h (92 mph, 80 kn)
• Range: 1,330 km (830 mi, 720 nmi)
• Combat range: 550 km (340 mi, 300 nmi) (hi-lo-hi profile, 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) of external stores)
• Ferry range: 2,855 km (1,774 mi, 1,542 nmi)
• Endurance: 8 hours 24 minutes
• Service ceiling: 10,668 m (35,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 16.4 m/s (3,230 ft/min)

Armament

2 x 12.7mm FN Herstal M3P Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs) in wing (one per wing); Externally-held ordnance across four underwing hardpoints (two hardpoints to a wing) and 1 x Fuselage centerline hardpoint. Armament types include Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs), Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASMs), rocket pods, gun pods, cannon pods, precision-guided bombs, conventional drop bombs, and jettisonable fuel stores.

Operators

Afghanistan; Angola; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Chile; Colombia; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Ghana; Honduras; Indonesia; Lebanon; Mali; Mauritania; Nigeria; Philippines; Senegal; United States

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S-300 Air Defense System

Air Defense System October 20, 2020

S-300 Air Defense System

Efran Syah       Comment   

The S-300 (NATO reporting name SA-10 Grumble) is a series of initially Soviet and later Russian long range surface-to-air missile systems produced by NPO Almaz, based on the initial S-300P version.

The S-300 system was developed to defend against aircraft and cruise missiles for the Soviet Air Defence Forces. Subsequent variations were developed to intercept ballistic missiles.

The S-300 system was first deployed by the Soviet Union in 1979, designed for the air defence of large industrial and administrative facilities, military bases and control of airspace against enemy strike aircraft.

The system is fully automated, though manual observation and operation are also possible. Components may be near the central command post, or as distant as 40 km. Each radar provides target designation for the central command post.

The command post compares the data received from the targeting radars up to 80 km apart, filtering false targets, a difficult task at such great distances. The central command post features both active and passive target detection modes.

The project-managing developer of the S-300 is Almaz-Antey. S-300 uses missiles developed by both MKB "Fakel" and NPO Novator design bureaus (separate government corporations, previously named "OKB-2" and "OKB-8").

(Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

The S-300 is regarded as one of the most potent anti-aircraft missile systems currently fielded. It is mainly used in Asia and Eastern Europe, including three NATO member countries: Bulgaria, Greece and Slovakia. An evolved version of the S-300 system is the S-400 (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler), which entered limited service in 2004.

Serial production of S-300 started in 1975. The tests have been completed in 1978 (P) and 1983 (V + 1987 for anti-ballistic V). Numerous versions have since emerged with different missiles, improved radars, better resistance to countermeasures, longer range and better capability against short-range ballistic missiles or targets flying at very low altitude. There are currently three main variations.

An important quality of all complexes of the family of S-300 is the ability to work in various combinations within a single modification and within the same complex, between the modifications (limited), as well as through a variety of mobile superior command posts to line up in a battery of any composition, quantity, modifications, location and so on including the introduction of other air defence systems into a common battery. Capable of hitting ballistic and aerodynamic targets. Became the first multi-channel anti-aircraft missile system, is able to accompany each system (ADMS) to 6 goals and build them up to 12 missiles. When creating funds management (FM), consisting of paragraph combat control and radar detection, solved the problem of automatic track initiation of up to one hundred goals and effective management divisions, located at a distance of 30–40 km from the (FM).

S-300V

For the first time established a system with full automation of combat operation. All tasks—detection, tracking, target setting is considered, target designation, development of target designation, target acquisition, maintenance, capture, tracking and missile guidance, assessment of results of firing system capable of dealing automatically with the help of digital computing facilities.

The operator functions are to control over the work of funds and implementation of the launch of rockets. In a complex environment, you can manually intervene in the course of combat operation. None of the previous systems possessed these qualities. Vertical launch missiles provided bombardment of targets flying from any direction without the reversal of the launcher in the direction of the shooting.

S-300V surface-to-air missile system. (ITAR-TASS/Sergei Savostyanov)

Missiles are guided by the 30N6 FLAP LID or naval 3R41 Volna (TOP DOME) radar using command guidance with terminal semi-active radar homing. Later versions use the 30N6 FLAP LID B or TOMB STONE radar to guide the missiles via command guidance/seeker-aided ground guidance (SAGG). SAGG is similar to the Patriot's TVM guidance scheme.

The earlier 30N6 FLAP LID A can guide up to four missiles at a time to up to four targets, and can track up to 24 targets at once. The 30N6E FLAP LID B can guide up to two missiles per target to up to six targets simultaneously. Targets flying at up to Mach 2.5 can be successfully engaged or around Mach 8.5 for later models. One missile can be launched every three seconds. The mobile control centre is able to manage up to 12 TELs simultaneously.

(Dmitry Rogulin/ITAR-TASS)

The original warhead weighed 100 kg (220 lb), intermediate warheads weighed 133 kg (293 lb) and the latest warhead weighs 143 kg (315 lb). All are equipped with a proximity fuse and contact fuse. The missiles themselves weigh between 1,450 and 1,800 kg (3,200 and 3,970 lb). Missiles are catapulted clear of the launching tubes before their rocket motor fires, and can accelerate at up to 100 g (1 km/s²). 

They launch straight upwards and then tip over towards their target, removing the need to aim the missiles before launch. The missiles are steered with a combination of control fins and through thrust vectoring vanes. The sections below give exact specifications of the radar and missiles in the different S-300 versions. Since the S-300PM most vehicles are interchangeable across variations.

The 30N6 FLAP LID A is mounted on a small trailer. The 64N6 BIG BIRD is mounted on a large trailer along with a generator and typically towed with the now familiar 8-wheeled truck. The 76N6 CLAM SHELL (5N66M etc.) is mounted on a large trailer with a mast which is between 24 and 39 m (79 and 128 ft) tall. Usually is used with a mast. Target detection range of 90 km if altitude of the target of 500 meters above the ground (with a mast).

The original S-300P utilises a combination of the 5N66M continuous-wave radar Doppler radar for target acquisition and the 30N6 FLAP LID A I/J-band phased array digitally steered tracking and engagement radar. Both are mounted on trailers. In addition there is a trailer-mounted command centre and up to twelve trailer-mounted erector/launchers with four missiles each. The S-300PS/PM is similar but uses an upgraded 30N6 tracking and engagement radar with the command post integrated and has truck-mounted TELs.

S-300V

If employed in an anti-ballistic missile or anti-cruise missile role, the 64N6 BIG BIRD E/F-band radar would also be included with the battery. It is capable of detecting ballistic missile class targets up to 1,000 km (620 mi) away travelling at up to 10,000 km/h (6,200 mph) and cruise missile class targets up to 300 km (190 mi) away. It also employs electronic beam steering and performs a scan once every twelve seconds.

The 36D6 TIN SHIELD radar can also be used to augment the S-300 system to provide earlier target detection than the FLAP LID radar allows. It can detect a missile-sized target flying at an altitude of 60 metres (200 ft) at least 20 km (12 mi) away, at an altitude of 100 m (330 ft) at least 30 km (19 mi) away, and at high altitude up to 175 km (109 mi) away. In addition a 64N6 BIG BIRD E/F band target acquisition radar can be used which has a maximum detection range of 300 km (190 mi).

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Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion

Helicopter October 20, 2020

Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion

Efran Syah       Comment   

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter rises from the flight deck to disembark Marines at Camp Pendleton, California after a scheduled six-month deployment aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), 3 November 2008. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Kelling/Released)

The Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter operated by the United States military. It was built by Sikorsky Aircraft for the United States Marine Corps.

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to the Evil Eyes of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 163 approaches the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), 7 July 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac/Released)

The less common MH-53E Sea Dragon fills the United States Navy's need for long range minesweeping or Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) missions, and perform heavy-lift duties for the Navy. 

A CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to the "Condors" of Helicopter Light Squadron Four Sixty Four (HMH-464) lifts off the deck of USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) for another combat mission to re-supply the Marines fighting for control of Southern Iraq, 23 March 2003. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Jeffrey Truett)

As the Sikorsky S-80 it was developed from the CH-53 Sea Stallion, mainly by adding a third engine, adding a seventh blade to the main rotor and canting the tail rotor 20 degrees. Under development is the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, which has new engines, new composite material rotor blades, and a wider aircraft cabin; this is to replace the CH-53E.

(ShakataGaNai/Wiki Common)

The CH-53 was the product of the U.S. Marines' "Heavy Helicopter Experimental" (HH(X)) competition begun in 1962. Sikorsky's S-65 was selected over Boeing Vertol's modified CH-47 Chinook version. The prototype YCH-53A first flew on 14 October 1964. The helicopter was designated "CH-53A Sea Stallion" and delivery of production helicopters began in 1966.

Djibouti (April 23, 2009). A Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461 approaches an Air Force C-130P aircraft from the 81st Rescue Squadron during a helicopter air refueling mission. (U.S. Navy photo by Jesse B. Awalt/Released)

The first CH-53As were powered by two General Electric T64-GE-6 turboshaft engines with 2,850 shp (2,125 kW) and had a maximum gross weight of 46,000 lb (20,865 kg) including 20,000 lb (9,072 kg) in payload.

A CH-53E Super Stallion lifts a flank armored High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) from the flightline of Al Asad Air Base (AB), Iraq, 24 September 2007. (CPL ALICIA M. GARCIA, USMC)

Although dimensionally similar, the three engine CH-53E Super Stallion or Sikorsky S-80 is a much more powerful aircraft than the original Sikorsky S-65 twin engined CH-53A Sea Stallion. The CH-53E also added a larger main rotor system with a seventh blade.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 secure 1,500 pounds of fuel to a cable under a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter at Al Anbar province, Iraq, April 14, 2007. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. James R. Richardson)

The CH-53E was designed for transporting up to 55 troops with the installation of seats along the cabin center line or 30,000 lb (13,610 kg) of cargo and can carry external slung loads up to 36,000 lb (16,330 kg). The CH-53E has incorporated the same crash attenuating seats as the MV-22B to increase survivability of passengers but reduced its troop transport capacity to 30.

CH-53E Super Stallions land to refuel in preparation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron S. Patterson/Released)

The Super Stallion has a cruise speed of 173 mph (278 km/h) and a range of 621 miles (1,000 km). The helicopter is fitted with a forward extendable in-flight refueling probe. It can carry three machine guns: one at the starboard side crew door; one at the port window, just behind the copilot; and a firing position on the tail ramp. The CH-53E also has chaff-flare dispensers.

A CH-53E Super Stallion hovers over a M777 155 mm Howitzer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Glen Santy)

The MH-53E features enlarged side-mounted fuel sponsons and is rigged for towing various minesweeping and hunting gear from above the dangerous naval mines. The Sea Dragon can be equipped for minesweeping, cargo and passenger transportation. Its digital flight-control system includes features specifically designed to help towing mine sweeping gear.

In addition, the CH-53E has been upgraded to include the Helicopter Night Vision System (HNVS), improved .50 BMG (12.7 mm) GAU-21/A and M3P machine guns, and AAQ-29A forward looking infrared (FLIR) imager.

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter settles over two pallets of water to hook onto the cargo and transport it to Marines operating in remote areas of southern Afghanistan, 29 January 2010. (Marines / Wiki Common)

The CH-53E and the MH-53E are the largest helicopters in the Western world, while the CH-53K now being developed will be even larger. They are fourth in the world to the Russian Mil Mi-26 Halo single-rotor helicopter and the enormous, twin transverse rotored Mil V-12 Homer, which can lift more than 22 tons (20 tonnes) and 44 tons (40 tonnes), respectively and the Mi-26's single-rotor predecessor Mil Mi-6, which has less payload (12 tonnes) but is bigger and has a higher MTOW at 42 tonnes.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter approaches the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) for landing, 4 September 2005. (Mate 3rd Class Kristopher Wilson , US Navy)

Variants

• YCH-53E. United States military designation for two Sikorsky S-65E (later S-80E) prototypes.
• CH-53E Super Stallion. United States military designation for the S-80E heavy lift transport variant for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, 170 built.
• MH-53E Sea Dragon. United States military designation for the S-80M mine-countermeasures variant for the United States Navy, 50 built.
• VH-53F. Proposed presidential transport variant, not-built.
• S-80E. Export variant of the heavy lift transport variant, not-built.
• S-80M. Export variant of the mine-countermeasures variant, 11-built for Japan. The last were retired in 2017.

A CH-53E Super Stallion approaches the refueling hose of a Marine Aerial Refueler Squadron - 352 C-130 Hercules for air-to-air refueling over the Red Sea, July 30, 2016. (Sgt. Seth Starr)

General characteristics

• Crew: 5: 2 pilots, 1 crew chief/right gunner, 1 left gunner, 1 tail gunner (combat crew)
• Capacity: 30 troops with new crash attenuating seats / internal: 30,000 lb (13,608 kg) / external: 36,000 lb (16,329 kg)
• Length: 99 ft 0.5 in (30.188 m)
• Height: 27 ft 9 in (8.46 m)
• Empty weight: 33,226 lb (15,071 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 73,500 lb (33,339 kg)
• Powerplant: 3 × General Electric T64-GE-416 / GE-416A / GE-419 turboshaft engines, 4,380 shp (3,270 kW) each
• Main rotor diameter: 79 ft 0 in (24.08 m)
• Main rotor area: 4,900 sq ft (460 m2) Sikorsky SC1095

Performance

• Maximum speed: 150 kn (170 mph, 280 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 120 kn (140 mph, 220 km/h)
• Range: 540 nmi (620 mi, 1,000 km)
• Combat range: 180 nmi (210 mi, 330 km)
• Ferry range: 990 nmi (1,140 mi, 1,830 km)
• Service ceiling: 18,500 ft (5,600 m)
• Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min (13 m/s)

Armament

• Guns:
• 2× .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) window-mounted GAU-21 machine guns
• 1× .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) ramp mounted weapons system, GAU-21 (M3M mounted machine gun)
• Other: Chaff and flare dispensers

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McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Supersonic Jet Interceptor

Fighter Aircraft October 19, 2020

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Supersonic Jet Interceptor

Efran Syah       Comment   

A U.S. Air Force McDonnell F-4D Phantom II taking off from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida (USA), on 27 August 1987. (SRA David Holt, U.S. Air Force)

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft.

Holloman AFB F-4 Phantom II, 18 November 2008. (USAF)

It first entered service in 1961 with the Navy. Proving highly adaptable, it was also adopted by the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force, and by the mid-1960s had become a major part of their air arms.

McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II. (USAF Museum)

The Phantom is a large fighter with a top speed of over Mach 2.2 (2716 km/h). It can carry more than 18,000 pounds (8,400 kg) of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and various bombs.

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, 25 July 2015. (wallycacsabre)

The F-4, like other interceptors of its time, was initially designed without an internal cannon. Later models incorporated an M61 Vulcan rotary cannon. Beginning in 1959, it set 15 world records for in-flight performance, including an absolute speed record and an absolute altitude record.

A U.S. Navy Northrop F-5E Tiger II flies in formation with a McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II on 1 July 1985. (LCdr. David Baranak, USN)

The F-4 was used extensively during the Vietnam War. It served as the principal air superiority fighter for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps and became important in the ground-attack and aerial reconnaissance roles late in the war.

A U.S. Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-4G Phantom II aircraft launches an AGM-45 Shrike missile on 1 August 1988. (TSgt. Bob Simons, USAF)

During the Vietnam War, one U.S. Air Force pilot, two weapon systems officers (WSOs), one U.S. Navy pilot and one radar intercept officer (RIO) became aces by achieving five aerial kills against enemy fighter aircraft. 

A flight of U.S. Air Force McDonnell F-4C Phantom II fighters refuel from a Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft before making a strike against targets in North Vietnam, 1966. (USAF)

The F-4 continued to form a major part of U.S. military air power throughout the 1970s and 1980s, being gradually replaced by more modern aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon in the U.S. Air Force, the F-14 Tomcat in the U.S. Navy, and the F/A-18 Hornet in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

An F-4 Phantom II aircraft lands during exercise FROST '83, 26 January 1983. (SRA Perry Heimer)

The F-4 Phantom II remained in use by the U.S. in the reconnaissance and Wild Weasel (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) roles in the 1991 Gulf War, finally leaving service in 1996. It was also the only aircraft used by both U.S. flight demonstration teams: the United States Air Force Thunderbirds (F-4E) and the United States Navy Blue Angels (F-4J).

An air-to-air left side view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82, 1 April 1982. (Garfield F. Jones)

The F-4 was also operated by the armed forces of 11 other nations. Israeli Phantoms saw extensive combat in several Arab–Israeli conflicts, while Iran used its large fleet of Phantoms, acquired before the fall of the Shah, in the Iran–Iraq War.

Phantom production ran from 1958 to 1981, with a total of 5,195 built, making it the most produced American supersonic military aircraft. As of 2020, 62 years after its first flight, the F-4 remains in service with Iran, Japan, South Korea, Greece, and Turkey. The aircraft has most recently been in service against the Islamic State group in the Middle East.

F-4 Phantom II (Luftwaffe). (Bomberpilot)

The Phantom gathered a number of nicknames during its career. Some of these names included "Snoopy", "Rhino", "Double Ugly", "Old Smokey", the "Flying Anvil", "Flying Footlocker", "Flying Brick", "Lead Sled", the "Big Iron Sled", and the "St. Louis Slugger". In recognition of its record of downing large numbers of Soviet-built MiGs, it was called the "World's Leading Distributor of MiG Parts". As a reflection of excellent performance in spite of its bulk, the F-4 was dubbed "the triumph of thrust over aerodynamics." German Luftwaffe crews called their F-4s the Eisenschwein ("Iron Pig"), Fliegender Ziegelstein ("Flying Brick") and Luftverteidigungsdiesel ("Air Defense Diesel").

F-4 Phantom II (Luftwaffe). (Bomberpilot)

Variants

• F-4A, B, J, N and S. Variants for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. F-4B was upgraded to F-4N, and F-4J was upgraded to F-4S.
• F-110 Spectre, F-4C, D and E. Variants for the U.S. Air Force. F-4E introduced an internal M61 Vulcan cannon. The F-4D and E were the most numerously built, widely exported, and also extensively used under the Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) U.S. air defense system.
• F-4G Wild Weasel V. A dedicated SEAD variant for the U.S. Air Force with updated radar and avionics, converted from F-4E. The designation F-4G was applied earlier to an entirely different U.S. Navy Phantom.
• F-4K and M. Variants for the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, respectively, re-engined with Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines.
• F-4EJ. Simplified F-4E exported to and license-built in Japan.
• F-4F. Simplified F-4E exported to Germany.
• QRF-4C, QF-4B, E, G, N and S. Retired aircraft converted into remote-controlled target drones used for weapons and defensive systems research by USAF and USN / USMC.
• RF-4B, C, and E. Tactical reconnaissance variants.

12 February 2002 - A formation of F-4 Phantom II fighter aircraft fly in formation during a heritage flight demonstration here. The heritage flight program was established in 1997 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. (MSgt Michael Ammons / USAF)

Specifications (F-4E)

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 19.2 m
• Wingspan: 11.7 m
• Height: 5 m
• Wing area: 49.2 m2
• Empty weight: 13,757 kg
• Gross weight: 18,824 kg
• Max takeoff weight: 28,030 kg
• Maximum landing weight: 16,706 kg
• Powerplant: 2 × General Electric J79-GE-17A after-burning turbojet engines, 11,905 lbf (52.96 kN) thrust each dry, 17,845 lbf (79.38 kN) with afterburner

Performance

• Maximum speed: 1,470 mph (2,370 km/h) at 12,000 m
• Maximum speed: Mach 2.23
• Cruise speed: 580 mph (940 km/h)
• Combat range: 420 mi (680 km)
• Ferry range: 1,677 mi (2,699 km)
• Service ceiling: 18,000 m
• Rate of climb: 210 m/s

Armament

• E-model has a 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan cannon mounted internally under the nose, 640 rounds
• Up to 18,650 lb (8,480 kg) of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including general-purpose bombs, cluster bombs, TV- and laser-guided bombs, rocket pods, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles, gun pods, and nuclear weapons. Reconnaissance, targeting, electronic countermeasures and baggage pods, and external fuel tanks may also be carried.
• 4× AIM-9 Sidewinders on wing pylons, Israeli F-4 Kurnass 2000 carried Python-3, Japanese F-4EJ Kai carry AAM-3
• 4× AIM-7 Sparrow in fuselage recesses, upgraded Hellenic F-4E and German F-4F ICE carry AIM-120 AMRAAM, UK Phantoms carried Skyflash missiles
• 6× AGM-65 Maverick
• 4× AGM-62 Walleye
• 4× AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-78 Standard ARM
• 4× GBU-15
• 18× Mk.82, GBU-12
• 5× Mk.84, GBU-10, GBU-14
• 18× CBU-87, CBU-89, CBU-58
• Nuclear weapons, including the B28EX, B61, B43 and B57

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