Scimitar Fmk1 Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Hi Just coming to the end of a Phantom triple build. One of the models is an F-4S from VF-161 flying from the Midway. What was a typical loadout for these aircraft? All the pictures that I have seen have a centreline tank and only the inboard pylons fitted with either AIM-9s or TERs with mk 82 bombs. Did they eer carry all three tanks, were the outboard pylons ever fitted? I would be very grateful for any help with this. Will Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Darren Roberts Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 I've learned never to say "never", but for the most part, Navy F-4's carried the center fuel tank and the inboard pylons with missiles and/or bombs. The outboard pylons are very rarely seen. You'll occassionaly see the outboards empty, and I think I've seen exactly one photo out of hundreds with a Navy Phantom fitted with the outboard tanks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Collin Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 MK-82's or Rockeye on the TERs, centerline tank. Pretty much what I have seen reference wise for late period F-4S's. Guy I work with is a former F-4J/S USMC RIO, said they never carried wing tanks excpet for a TRANSPAC. Cheers Collin Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scimitar Fmk1 Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 Thanks Guys I will stand down the tanks and pylons and fill the holes! Will Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j-basset Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 I concur with what the others have said. Just would like to add that depending on the period (probably 1983 onwards), L model Sidewinders were used on VF-161 (& also VF-151) jets. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Scimitar Fmk1 Posted July 19, 2012 Author Share Posted July 19, 2012 Thanks for that - I am doing a 1981-2 bird with the large US insignia so I will be fitting Ds to mine - is this right? Will Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Andre Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 Thanks for that - I am doing a 1981-2 bird with the large US insignia so I will be fitting Ds to mine - is this right? The G and H would seem more appropiate for that timeframe than the D. HTH, Andre Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joe Hegedus Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 AIM-9D/G/H are externally identical. That should be fine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phantom ordie Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 For the most part,centerline tanks with MK-82's and Sidewinders on the inboard pylon's were a standard day to day load in the Tonkin Gulf with variations being Rockeye,etc. The wing tanks and centerline were carried in the fighter mode as fighter escort for the AWAC A/C.14 out of 23 years with 5 years in the Tonkin Gulf on the F-4 as an Aviation Ordnanceman with 2 years as an instructor but that was over 40 years ago. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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