F4 Phantom Fatal Airdisplay crash 20 April

F-4 Phantoms in the U.S.

Just keep the families and the flight crew themselves in mind. It is always sad to see people killed doing their job. May they rest in peace.

Regarding Phantoms in the U.S. They are more abundant than you’d think. BAe Systems (formerly Tracor Flight Systems) flies them for various testing purposes. I believe they operate F-4D models. One prominent test program they’ve been involved with is the Brimstone air-to-ground missile. The undernose pod has been used to add various systems for test purposes and I believe it was utilized for the Brimstone firing systems in this case.

Also, the U.S. Navy still operates QF-4N aircraft for drones, cruise missile chase planes, and many other testing purposes. They can fly both manned or unmanned. I believe it was a QF-4N that crashed on Saturday. The QF-4’s are based at NAS Point Mugu, California.

The U.S. Air Force operates QF-4E/G aircraft as well as possibly QRF-4C aircraft in many of the same roles as Navy Phantoms. These include both manned and unmanned drones to test new weapons systems. Many other roles are also performed. In fact, BAe Systems was recently awarded a new contract for the conversion of 12 more QF-4’s. They are due to be ready by 2004. The unit that operates them is the 82nd ATS (Aerial Targets Squadron) based at Tyndall AFB, in Florida. I’m going to Destin in a few weeks and am going to try and set up a base visit to Tyndall and try to see and hear some Phantoms.

Also, the 20th FS, based at Holloman AFB, New Mexico operates F-4F’s owned by the German Luftwaffe. This is a joint-training unit, and the aircraft are actually painted in U.S. markings, but they do have a German flag on the tail. I believe Tornados are also in the unit. The 82nd ATS has a detachment of QF-4’s at Holloman as well.

Finally, the Collins Foundation operates a fully-restored and flyable F-4D. The aircraft is in superb condition and does air shows all around the country.

RE: F4 Phantom Fatal Airdisplay crash 20 April

BAE Systems also flies the former Tracor Flight Systems F-4’s as test and chase aircraft out of Mojave.
Cheers, Dazza.

RE: F4 Phantom Fatal Airdisplay crash 20 April

nah there are the german traiing unit out there as well as numerous qf-4 that are unmanned targets, observation aircarft, test aircraft, etc, etc. they can still be amnned and have been doing airshowes by the sound of it.

rabie :9

RE: F4 Phantom Fatal Airdisplay crash 20 April

My condolences to the families of those involved.

I’m surprised there are military F-4’s still flying out in the US though, I thought the Collings Foundation F4 was the last flyer out there.