The McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom is a two-seat, long-range, twin-engine multirole fighter designed for operations in adverse weather conditions.

The prototype flight took place on May 27, 1958, and serial production began in 1961.

Initially, the F-4 was intended only as a storm, but after 1955, design work shifted to meet the U.S. Navy's need for a new carrier-based fighter.

The F-4 Phantom proved to be a very successful machine, produced in various versions, exported to many countries, and produced under license.

• The first versions are models from A to D intended for fighter-bomber roles.
• The next version is the F-4E, produced from 1967 as a long-range fighter.
• Reconnaissance versions were also created: RF-4B, RF-4C, and RF-4E.
• The most recent versions are F-4F and F-4G Wild Weasel - these are electronic warfare aircraft.