Subject: McDonnell F-4 Phantom (33 of 50)

From: [email-masked] (joseph.f.baugher)
Date: 18 Jun 94 20:04:29 GMT

The F-4(FV)S was a 1966 McDonnell proposal for a variable-geometry 
version of the Phantom.  It was viewed as possible replacement for the 
failed General Dynamics/Grumman F-111B fleet defense fighter, and as a 
less expensive alternative to the Grumman F-14 Tomcat.  

There were two versions envisaged--the F-4J(FV)S based on the F-4J and 
intended for the US Navy, and the F-4M(FV)S based on the F-4M and 
intended for the Royal Air Force.  

The F-4J(FV)S offered a 57 percent parts commonality with the stock 
F-4J.  Since the existing inner wing of the F-4J was too thin to 
accept pivots, an entirely new high-mounted wing was adopted.  The 
inner wing glove contained the pivots and was fixed.  The outer wing 
panels could be varied in sweep between 19 degrees and 70 degrees.  
The trailing edges of the variable outer wing panel contained 
full-span spoilers and flaps.  The horizontal stabilizer was 
redesigned and replaced with one that had no anhedral.  The new 
high-mounted wing required that the undercarriage be redesigned and 
located in the lower fuselage.  Internal fuel capacity was increased 
from the F-4Js 2000 US gallons to 2601 US gallons.  The F-4J(FV)S was 
to have been fitted with an AN/AWG-10 system modified to provide 
multi-shot capability.  The primary armament was to have been four 
AIM-7F Sparrow air-to-air missiles.  

It was anticipated that the F-4J(FV)S would have a 11 mph slower 
approach speed than that of the standard F-4J, and that it would have 
a significantly improved performance, with a higher ceiling, better 
acceleration times, and a shorter turning radius.  

At the same time, the McDonnell company offered the F-4M(FV)S to the 
Royal Air Force.  It bore much the same relationship to the RAF's F-4M 
as did the F-4J(FV)S to the US Navy's F-4J.  It was to be powered by a 
pair of 20,154 lb.s.t.  Rolls-Royce RB-168-27R turbofans.  It was 
anticipated that production aircraft would be available by the end of 
1971.  

A further improved version, the F-4(FV)S was also proposed to both the 
US Navy and the RAF.  It was to be powered by the General Electric 
G31/10S092B, with a first flight envisaged in March of 1971.  
McDonnell proposed 200 F-4M(FV)S aircraft, followed by 400 F-4(FV)S 
aircraft.  

Neither the US Navy nor the Royal Air Force showed sufficient interest 
in the variable-geometry Phantom to order a prototype.  In particular, 
the US Navy found that the capabilities of the variable-geometry 
Phantom were no match for those of the Grumman G-303 fighter, which 
was to eventually emerge as the F-14 Tomcat 

Sources:
  
  McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Since 1920: Volume II, Rene J.
  Francillon, Naval Institute Press, 1990.

  McDonnell F-4 Phantom: Spirit in the Skies.  Airtime Publishing, 1992.

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