#F-4J

[usafphantom2]

F-4B-153009-VF51-MIRAMAR-NOV71 by Michel Klaveren

[padparadzha]

JASDF

[airmanisr]

Thunderbirds and BlueAngels thought the years

[airmanisr]

McDonnell YF-4J Phantom II Pima Airmuseum by Peter-Michael v d Goltz Via Flickr: Prototype at Naval Air Test Facility Lakehurst NAS

[manwe]

F-4J Phantom II of VF-74 Be-Devilers lands on USS America CVA-66, circa in 1972.

[milaeleanor546]

From Phantoms to Super Hornets: The Blue Angels' Legacy of Aerial Excellence

Introduction

The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's renowned flight demonstration squadron, boast a rich history of employing some of the most iconic aircraft in aviation. Among these, the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the F-4J Phantom II are particularly noteworthy. This article delves into the development and significance of these aircraft in the Blue Angels' fleet, underscoring their contributions to the squadron's illustrious history and their broader impact on aviation.

The F-4J Phantom II

The F-4 Phantom II, especially the F-4J variant, played a pivotal role in the Blue Angels' operations during a transformative era in aviation. Designed as a tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber, the F-4 Phantom II became an aviation icon, serving extensively across the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

Introduced in 1966, the F-4J was a significant upgrade tailored for the Navy and Marine Corps. It featured advanced radar and avionics, a reinforced airframe, and the powerful General Electric J79-GE-10 engines, providing exceptional performance. Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 2.2 and equipped with a formidable payload capacity, the F-4J was a versatile and formidable aircraft.

In 1969, the Blue Angels transitioned to the F-4J, marking a considerable upgrade from their previous aircraft. This shift was challenging due to the F-4J's larger size and increased power, which required greater skill and coordination from the pilots. However, the F-4J's superior performance capabilities allowed the Blue Angels to perform more intricate and visually striking maneuvers, elevating the overall impact of their shows.

Throughout its service with the Blue Angels, the F-4J Phantom II became synonymous with high-speed precision and agility. Its powerful engines and advanced avionics enabled the team to execute complex formations and daring aerobatic feats, captivating audiences worldwide. The distinctive shape and thunderous roar of the F-4J added to the spectacle, making it a crowd favorite.

The Transition to the F/A-18 Hornet

In 1986, the Blue Angels transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet, a fourth-generation multirole fighter that represented a significant leap in technology and performance. The F/A-18 Hornet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft, brought numerous advantages to the Blue Angels, enhancing their capabilities in aerial demonstrations.

The Hornet's fly-by-wire control system provided greater precision and responsiveness, allowing for tighter formations and more intricate maneuvers. Its twin engines delivered powerful thrust and high-speed performance, essential for the dynamic and high-energy displays that the Blue Angels are renowned for. This transition marked a new era for the squadron, as the F/A-18 Hornet's advanced avionics and flight control systems enabled more precise and dynamic performances.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet

Building on the success of the F/A-18 Hornet, the Blue Angels eventually upgraded to the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Introduced in the late 1990s, the Super Hornet featured numerous enhancements, making it an even more capable and versatile aircraft.

Available in both single-seat (E variant) and two-seat (F variant) configurations, the F/A-18 Super Hornet boasted increased payload capacity, advanced avionics, and improved survivability. Its larger airframe and more powerful engines provided enhanced performance, range, and endurance, making it an ideal choice for the Blue Angels.

One of the key features of the Super Hornet is its advanced radar and sensor suite, which improves situational awareness and targeting capabilities. The aircraft's digital flight control system, coupled with its powerful engines, allows for precise and agile maneuvering, essential for the Blue Angels' intricate formations and aerobatic displays.

The Blue Angels began flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet in 2021, ushering in a new era of aerial demonstration. The transition to the Super Hornet brought several benefits, including increased safety, reliability, and performance. The aircraft's advanced avionics and flight control systems enable the team to execute more precise and dynamic maneuvers, captivating audiences with their skill and precision.

Blue Angels Aircraft: A Legacy of Excellence

The evolution of Blue Angels aircraft, from the F-4J Phantom II to the F/A-18 Super Hornet, reflects the squadron's continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation in aviation. Each aircraft has played a crucial role in shaping the Blue Angels' legacy, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerial demonstrations.

The F-4J Phantom II, with its powerful engines and advanced avionics, set a new standard for the Blue Angels, enabling them to perform more complex and visually stunning maneuvers. The transition to the F/A-18 Hornet brought further advancements in technology and performance, allowing the team to refine their precision and agility.

The introduction of the F/A-18 Super Hornet represents the latest chapter in the Blue Angels' history. With its enhanced capabilities, the Super Hornet enables the team to continue pushing the envelope, showcasing the pinnacle of aviation excellence to audiences around the world. The Super Hornet's advanced systems and performance characteristics ensure that the Blue Angels remain at the forefront of aerial demonstration, inspiring awe and admiration with every performance.

Conclusion

The Blue Angels' journey through the F-4J Phantom II, F/A-18 Hornet, and F/A-18 Super Hornet illustrates the evolution of aviation technology and the squadron's unwavering commitment to excellence. Each aircraft has played a pivotal role in shaping the Blue Angels' legacy, enabling them to captivate audiences with their precision, skill, and daring maneuvers.

The F-4J Phantom II brought the Blue Angels into the supersonic era, showcasing the raw power and performance of modern jet aircraft. The F/A-18 Hornet introduced advanced avionics and flight control systems, allowing for more precise and dynamic displays. The F/A-18 Super Hornet, with its enhanced capabilities, ensures that the Blue Angels continue to lead the way in aerial demonstration, pushing the limits of what is possible in the sky.

As the Blue Angels continue to evolve and inspire, the legacy of their aircraft serves as a testament to the advancements in aviation technology and the unwavering dedication of the pilots and crews who make each performance possible. The Blue Angels' aircraft, past and present, stand as symbols of the enduring spirit of innovation and excellence that defines the squadron and its mission.

[alex99achapterthree]

Phantom Friday...

... meets the in-laws.

VX-4 Black Bunny F-4J meets another Blackbird., a USAF SR-71.

The Air Force always did have more money for bigger toys.

[planesawesome]

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4J-43-MC Phantom II (BuNo 157292) from Fighter Squadron VF-84 Jolly Rogers on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), in 1970.

image/Jim Readon YN2, USN

[dangerousthingobservation]

F-4J Phantom 153884 of VF-103 AC-211 This Phantom from VF-103 was photographed on a rainy day at NAS Oceana on 02 April 1976. The squadron's nickname was "Sluggers".

[dronescapesvideos]

McDonnell F-4J Phantom II VF-21 in flight (1974). Pioneering Jets from WWII to the Cold War: https://youtu.be/8QNBDkQFI8U ➤COLD WAR ERA VIDEOS: https://dronescapes.video/ColdWar

[a-4skyhawk]

F-4J Phantom of VF-191 'Satan's Kittens'

[usafphantom2]

F-4B-153039-VF84-EL-TORO-FEB73 by Michel Klaveren

[captain-price-unofficially]

Two experimentally camouflaged F-4J Phantoms intercept a Soviet Tu-95 Bear, 10 March 1977

[offender42085]

Post 1142

Robert Seth Denton, Tennessee inmate 603028, born 1996, incarceration intake March 2019 at age 22, sentenced to life

Murder

In March 2019, Robert Denton, a man convicted of killing three of his family members in August 2015 was sentenced to serve two life sentences. 

Judge James F. Goodwin Jr. sentenced Denton to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole plus five years.

A jury convicted Denton of three charges of first-degree murder, one charge of reckless aggravated assault, one charge of aggravated assault causing fear and one count of felony reckless endangerment. 

“I think, legally, that was the appropriate sentence in this case,” Sullivan County District Attorney Gen. Barry Staubus said. “We believe the facts that substantiate three people were murdered, but as the judge noted, in the room there were a number of children. That was important as a deciding factor in the case. 

Defense attorney Ricky Curtis said that the next step for them will be to file for a new trial. Curtis requested court transcripts, and will have 30 days to file a motion for a new trial. 

“Any time you have a case this serious, first of all, it’s generally standard procedure,” Curtis said, adding, “It’s our opinion that there may be some issues that we need to look at again to make sure all the right decisions were made during the course of the trial.” 

Goodwin said that he found Denton to be a dangerous offender with “no regard for human life.” 

“This case was all about hate. Hate for his mother and his grandmother. Therefore he is not a dangerous offender to other human life.” The defense attorney said he voluntarily left the children and his grandfather alive.

During the hearing, Goodwin said he was not giving Denton’s personal and family mental health conditions “a great deal of weight,” but said he would give “great weight” to the children who were present in the room at the time of the shooting. 

“When he did the shootings, all those children were in that confined space. All the children witnessed the killing,” Goodwin said. “At least two of those children remain in counseling to this day.” 

4j

[floridaboiler]

Aircraft Flown by Blue Angels since 1946

1. F6F-5 Hellcat

2. F8F-1 Bearcat

3. F9F-2 Panther

4. F9F-8 Cougar

5. F11F-1 (F-11) Tiger

6. F-4J Phantom II

7. A-4F Skyhawk

8. F/A-18 Hornet

9. F/A-18A/C

10. F/A-18E Super Hornet

Aircraft Flown by Thunderbirds since 1953

1. F-84G Thunderjet

2. F-84F Thunderstreak

3. F-100 Super Sabre

4. F-105 Thunderchief

5. F-4 Phantom II

6. T-38 Talon

7. F-16 Fighting Falcon

[confluencechimera]

Got tagged by @kokoinupi !!! I'll also tag @hexusproductions @sprimpfriedrice @sketchy-galaxy and @science-and-illusions!