Wednesday, 12 July 2017

McDonnell Douglas F-4K Phantom F.G.1, Fleet Air Arm users

The F-4K Phantom F.G.1 was a custom made Phantom II ordered by the British government back in the early 1960s. These were powered by the Rolls-Royce Spey engine and were equipped with British-made avionics. Under the British designation were named Phantom F.G.1.
The first ones served with the Fleet Air Arm as a replacement for the De Havilland Sea Vixen and served with the next squadrons:

  • 892 Naval Air Squadron: The squadron was reformed in March 1969 and became the first real operational Phantom squadron of the Royal Navy, as the other ones were still training squadrons. They gained fame by winning the Daily Mail Trans-Atlantic Air Race in May 1969. They operated from HMS Ark Royal (R09) but, shortly after the creation, they were assigned to Fighter Ready Alert Duties operating from RAF Leuchars and RNAS Yeovilton. Through the 1970s they took part in many NATO exercises in spite of its complicated maintenance. Considering that HMS Ark Royal was due to pay off, there wasn't future for the 892 NAS so it was disbanded in December 1978 with its Phantoms transferred to the No.111 Squadron RAF, at RAF Leuchars.
  • 700 Naval Air Squadron: This squadron replaced their Westland Wessex HAS 3 helicopters by the Phantom F.G.1 in 1968. Due to the nature of intensive flying trials units of the squadron, they didn't remain long in service as they were replaced by the Westland Sea King HAS.1 helicopter. 
  • 767 Naval Air Squadron: This second line squadron was reformed on 14th January 1969 at RNAS Yeovilton receiving their Phantoms F.G.1 and reactivating the whole squadron that had been deactivated since 1957. They were expected to operate from the new CVA-01 carrier that was never built, however, as in 1972 it was clear that it was never going to be completed, the squadron was disbanded and never operated from a carrier.









Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F-4_Phantom_II
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F-4_Phantom_II_in_UK_service#F-4K_Phantom_FG.1
3. Salamander Books - The Complete Book of Fighters

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