This page contains all of my F-4 Phantom Drawings. As my all time favorite aircraft, it will get the most attention. I try to do at least one Phantom per year, even when my wife rolls her eyes at me!
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ANATOLIAN THUNDER!
McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II
Original Size: 30” x 20” Media: Pencil/Graphite
The Turkish Air Force is one of the many Allied Air Forces to operate the ubiquitous Phantom. After an initial purchase of new aircraft in the 1970’s, the TuAF has received additional aircraft from converting USAF units.
The Turks continue to operate Fighter and RF-4E Reconnaissance versions of the Phantom and have even developed their own upgrade “package” known as the “Terminator 2020.” This package includes new engines and avionics and promises to keep the TuAF Phantoms operating effectively alongside their F-16 squadrons until at least 2020.
This particular Phantom is operated by 172 Filo and is shown in flight over the Anatolian Mountain Range. What a spectacular view for any aircrew!
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PHINAL BREAK!
McDonnell Douglas F-4F Phantom II
Original Size: 20” x 16” Media: Pencil/Graphite
On December 12, 2005, an era came to an end. On that day, the Luftwaffe closed down it’s last unit training German Pilots to fly and fight the legendary F-4 Phantom II. The “Phinal Phlyout” featured a Phantom II with a unique ceremonial paint scheme. An all black Phantom with a white horse emblazoned on the sides must have made quite an impression on the people present for the ceremony.
The Phantom will continue to serve with the Luftwaffe for several more years, but it’s days are definitely numbered. The Germans have already scrapped several airframes, with none being sent to the “boneyard.”
This illustration is dedicated to our German brothers, who stood the line in their Phantoms for so many years, and in a significant way, helped to bring and end to the Cold War.
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ALONE, UNARMED & …
McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II
Original Size: 20” x 16” Media: Pencil/Graphite
“Alone, Unarmed & Unafraid” was the official motto of USAF reconnaissance pilots during the Vietnam era. The unofficial (and more accurate) motto was “Alone, Unarmed & Hauling Ass.”
The RF-4C was introduced into the Air Force inventory in the mid 60’s and served with distinction until the mid 90’s. This can be attributed to the excellent sensor suite and the basic ruggedness of the Phantom II airframe. The fact that it was also the fastest model of the Phantom series, and in fact one of the two fastest jets in the Air Force inventory didn’t hurt either.
From 1989 thru 1995, I served with the California Air National Guard, and this particular RF-4 was one of our aircraft. I’ve captured “746” screaming through one of our designated training areas over the deserts of southern California.
I’ll let you decide which version of the motto to use….
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GREETINGS, UNCLE HO
McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II
Original Size: 20” x 16” Media: Pencil/Graphite
Who knew that an aircraft that started life as a Navy interceptor would become one of the all-time great aircraft designs. The F-4 Phantom series spent more than 20 years in production, served with all three US air arms and with the air forces of at least two dozen other “friendly” countries. Some air forces are still flying the ubiquitous Phantom.
This illustration show an early “C” model Phantom in the marking of the 8th TFW, releasing a load of 500 pound. “daisy cutters” on a high altitude bombing run somewhere over North Vietnam. This aircraft currently belongs to the March Field Museum in Riverside, CA and probably never flew with the 8th, but they asked me to draw it in action….
