The F-4 Phantom II’s Brute-Force Design Is Why Modern Air Forces Can’t Replace It

During the mid-Cold War, the F-4 Phantom II formed the backbone of US airpower, not only with the United States Air Force, but also with the Marine Corps and the Navy. This is something that cannot be replicated today, due to a completely different operating environment and design philosophy. The F-4 was built for the US Navy and carrier operations, but soon became the aircraft of choice for the Air Force.