@ New Orleans, LA
September 2024
Among the aircraft displayed on the grounds of Jackson Barracks in New Orleans is this F-4C Phantom II (63-7556), added to the Museum collection in 1984. Delivered in 1963 as a “C” model designed specifically for U.S. Air Force use, this aircraft was last flown by the 122nd Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Louisiana ANG, who operated the F-4C from 1979 until 1985, when the unit received the F-15 Eagle. A notable feature of the F-4C is the chin pod under the radome, housing Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) antennae. The distinctive upward angle of the wingtips is the result of wind tunnel testing that revealed some lateral instability with a flat wing, solved by McDonnell engineers who angled up only the outer portions of the wings by 12 degrees.
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.
