I’m slowly grinding the US line for the AV8B+ (still three planes away, using F14B and F16C in turn to grind, but both being kinda out of meta is a bit of a pain), but I’m having decent success with the FA2.
It’s a fun plane to use IMO. I bring no gun at all however. Three Aim120 + 2 9M loadout and I rely on TWS to spot for me. If I’m unsure of where the target is, I just launch a 120 and follow the trail to launch a 9M lol.
Yeah, sounds like the right tactics to use, But I really hope both the FRS1 and FA2 gets IRL HUDs soon. Will be a massive QoL boost for both
At the risk of beating a dead horse: I feel the McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II is underdeveloped and weak for an 11.7 BR. The US Navy Fighter/Interceptor F-4J was replaced by F-14A Tomcats starting in 1974. 265 F-4Js were refurbished into F-4S and given to the US Marines who operated F-4S Phantoms until the F-18 Hornet replaced them in the early 1980s. The F-4J and F-4S Phantom II are both variants of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jet, but they were designed for different roles and incorporated various upgrades. Here are the main differences between the two:
Engine and Performance:
F-4J: Powered by two General Electric J79-GE-10 engines, each delivering a thrust of 17,900 pounds. The F-4S used two upgraded General Electric J79-GE-17A afterburning turbojet engines, each providing a thrust of 17,905 lbf of “Smokeless” thrust and had better thrust management, which enhanced its overall performance, especially at higher altitudes.
Avionics:
F-4J: Equipped with older avionics systems, including the AN/APQ-120 radar, which provided decent air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. F-4S: Featured updated avionics, including the AN/APQ-172 radar, which offered improved target acquisition and tracking capabilities, as well as enhanced electronic warfare systems.
Wings:
F-4J: Had a fixed wing design without leading-edge flaps. The F-4S Incorporated USAF style leading-edge slats, which improved maneuverability at low speeds and enhanced performance during carrier operations.
Armament:
F-4J typically armed with a combination of AIM-7E-2 and AIM-7F Sparrows and AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles, along with a 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon. The F-4S retained similar armament capabilities, however, it could carry newer and more advanced weapons systems, including laser-guided bombs and precision-guided munitions, plus newer AIM-7M Sparrows backed by AN/APQ-172 radar and AIM-9L Sidewinders.
Operational Role:
F-4J: Primarily designed for fleet air defense and air superiority by the USN. F-4S could perform similar roles as the F-4J, however, it was also more versatile in ground attack and close air support missions due to its improved avionics and weapon systems. USMC Air is primarily for ground attack & close air support.
Service History and Production:
F-4J introduced in the late 1960s, the F-4J was widely used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. The F-4S was developed in the mid-1970s, the F-4S was essentially a modernization of the F-4J and was primarily used by the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Navy during the later stages of the Cold War.
Conclusion:
In summary, while both the F-4J and F-4S are variants of the Phantom II, the F-4S includes several upgrades that enhance its performance, avionics, and versatility, making it better suited for a wider range of combat roles. As the US Marines operated the F-4S into the 1980s, until they were replaced by F/A-18A Hornets, US Marine F-4S were equipped with AIM-7M and AIM-9L missiles backed by AN/APQ-172 radar.
Recently flew the F-4S against 12.7 BR aircraft and didn’t experience major issues. However, having AIM-9Ls in the arsenal would be nice. The Phantom shouldn’t be lowered below 12.0 - the MiG-23 is in too poor a state after all the nerfs to compete with it at that BR, it simply doesn’t belong there. So the only solution for Phantom owners is to ask the developers to give it AIM-9Ls.
