Aircraft overview
The Phantom FGR2 is the RAF’s Spey-powered version of the American F-4. It is a two-seat, twin-engine combat aircraft that began in the ground-attack and tactical-reconnaissance roles before becoming an air-defence interceptor. Its combination of Sparrow or Skyflash missiles, Sidewinders and an external gun pod supported different kinds of engagement.
The British Phantom family includes the FG1, FGR2 and F-4J(UK). Their engines, equipment and service histories differ. The RAF’s last Phantom unit disbanded in September 1992, before Air Defender’s 1998 setting.
Photograph: Alan Wilson · 3 October 2020 · Photo source: McDonnell Phantom FGR.2 ‘XV424 I (51073932463) · CC BY-SA 2.0
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At a glance
Phantom FGR2 · British Spey-powered version
- Role
- Ground attack and tactical reconnaissance to 1977, then air-defence interceptorThe FGR2’s RAF role changed during its career.
- Crew
- 2Pilot and navigator.
- Engines
- Two Rolls-Royce Spey afterburning turbofansThe British Spey-powered version; separate from the General Electric-powered F-4J(UK).
- Length
- 17.55 m · 57 ft 7 inFGR2 airframe dimensions.
- Wingspan
- 11.7 m · 38 ft 4.5 inFGR2 airframe dimensions.
- Height
- 4.9 m · 16 ft 1 inFGR2 airframe dimensions.
- Empty weight
- 14,061 kg · 31,000 lbAn empty-aircraft reference; fuel and stores add to the flying weight.
- Maximum take-off weight
- 25,402 kg · 56,000 lbTotal take-off weight, including aircraft, fuel, crew and stores.
- Air-to-air armament
- 4 × Sparrow or Skyflash under the fuselage, 4 × Sidewinder on wing pylons, 20 mm M61 Vulcan in an SUU-23 gun podA published weapon-carriage configuration; the load varies with the sortie.
In Air Defender
Role guidance · v0.8.16.0
Air Defender’s v0.8.16.0 catalogue includes Phantom FGR2 aircraft described as retained at Boscombe Down for weapons testing and contingency duties. This is a game premise: it does not mean an RAF Phantom squadron was standing air-defence duty in 1998.
The game’s catalogue values appear separately below. Compare the full aircraft designation in Aircraft Data, and use the specification guide when reading speed, height and range. A catalogue entry alone does not establish which aircraft are available in the current scenario.
Game catalogue values · v0.8.16.0
In-game specifications
These figures come from the game’s general aircraft reference. A matching civilian register entry can supply different fields in Aircraft Data. How to read the two layouts →
- Role
- Multirole Interceptor
- Category
- Military Fighter
- Service ceiling
- 60,000 ftA reference upper height. Read Flight Info for the contact’s present height.
- Maximum speed
- 1,430 knotsA reference maximum, not the speed the aircraft is flying now.
- Cruise speed
- 500 knotsA typical speed for the main part of a flight, not a guaranteed commanded speed.
- Stall speed
- 155 knotsA reference for specified conditions. Stalling means the wing loses lift, not that an engine stops.
- Typical crew
- 2
- Powerplant
- Twin Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines with afterburners Compare engine types →
- Manufacturer
- McDonnell Douglas (USA) / BAE (UK licence)
Use the right procedure
In depth
A British version of the Phantom
Britain bought 118 Phantom FGR2s and 52 FG1s. Both British versions used Rolls-Royce Spey engines. The FG1 served as an interceptor with the Royal Navy and RAF; the FGR2 initially equipped RAF ground-attack and reconnaissance units in Germany.
The later F-4J(UK) acquisition was different. Fifteen former US Navy aircraft were refurbished and fitted with some British equipment after the 1982 South Atlantic deployment. They retained General Electric engines and were not converted into FGR2s.
Airframe, engines and flying weight
The FGR2 is approximately 17.55 m long, with an 11.7 m wingspan and a height of 4.9 m. Two low-bypass Spey turbofans provide propulsion. Reheat adds fuel to the hot exhaust behind the turbines for extra thrust, at a substantial increase in fuel use.
Its reference empty weight is about 14,061 kg and maximum take-off weight about 25,402 kg. The difference is shared by fuel, crew and stores; it is not an allowance available entirely for weapons. A heavy aircraft’s fuel state and load remain separate from the maximum figures in a specification table.
Crew and air-to-air weapons
A pilot and navigator operate the aircraft. Sparrow or Skyflash missiles occupy recesses beneath the fuselage, while Sidewinders are carried on wing pylons. An air-to-air fit comprises four Sparrow or Skyflash missiles and four Sidewinders. Skyflash uses radar guidance; Sidewinder homes on infrared energy.
The 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon is carried in an external SUU-23 pod. The gun pod is a separate store, rather than an internal installation. Missile and gun provision therefore need to be considered as part of a particular aircraft’s load, not assumed from the Phantom name alone.
From attack to air defence
The FGR2’s early attack and reconnaissance service in Germany was followed by an interceptor career. From 1977 the RAF Phantom force concentrated on air defence. FGR2 interceptors served in both Britain and Germany.
Phantoms also deployed to the South Atlantic following the 1982 conflict. The end of the Cold War brought an accelerated reduction of the force, and its last RAF unit disbanded at the end of September 1992. This historical timeline is separate from the contingency aircraft included in Air Defender.
Variants
Phantom FG1
The Spey-powered interceptor version, also flown by the Royal Navy; 52 bought. Its figures are not the FGR2's.
Phantom FGR2
The RAF's ground-attack and tactical-reconnaissance version, 118 bought, used purely as an interceptor from 1977.
Phantom F-4J(UK)
Fifteen refurbished ex-US Navy F-4Js ordered after the 1982 Falklands deployment, with General Electric engines and some British equipment. A separate batch, not an FGR2.