@ Speyer, Germany
December 2022
2022 marked a return visit to the excellent Speyer Technik Museum in Germany. Among the aircraft displayed on the grounds is this F-4C Phantom II (63-7446), added to the Museum collection in 1995. Delivered in 1963 as a “C” model designed specifically for U.S. Air Force use, this aircraft was last flown by the Michigan ANG in 1985 (171st Fighter Interceptor Squadron) before use as a battle damage repair trainer in Germany and subsequent retirement. The unit’s black and yellow checkerboard markings are still found on their current aircraft (KC-135).
Designed by McDonnell Aircraft and first flown in 1958, this classic fighter served with three US services and allied air forces around the world. December 21, 2016 would mark the phinal retirement of the Phantom from US service. F-4 production ran from 1958 to 1981, with a total of 5,195 built, making it the most produced American supersonic military aircraft. McDonnell Aircraft would later merge with Douglas Aircraft in 1967.
