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Many morned the departure of the Tomcat. I didn’t care. To me, it was too big to be cool. But I might shed a tear for the AV-8. What a magical machine!
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Did those guys depart with partial speedbrakes? If so, why?
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Speedbrake is partially deployed for LIDS, so til they bring the gear up it’ll stay out like that.
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Probably for energy absorption during a crash. I’m maybe only partially kidding. I love the AV-8B, but it is definitely the helicopter demon of the fixed wing world…
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Oh god, poor engines… These engines still have mechanical feedback systems and a sensory suit to control the variety of components to keep the airflow optimal. But, being mechanical in nature these systems need a little more time in the feedback loop…
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Short Takeoff method. You can see the nozzles rotate to about degree and the flaps droop down just a moment before it takes flight and sort of hops into the air.
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There are so many questions I wish I could ask the crew after watching this video haha.
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Just watching that video and seeing how cold that looked made the room I am in drop ten degrees. 
Wheels
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It only dropped 5 degrees but it was -20C (-4F) early this morning - I am already cold 
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Got to love how much the Japanese appreciate the service of their Phantoms. Yet another video with some stunning sound and video quality…
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Making a skin like that would be my Magnus Opus.
Can’t wait for anyone to release a DCS F4 Phantom II
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What glorious jets. Thanks for posting this.
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Still remember going to Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois on the weekends and Mom just pulling off to the side of the road to watch the Guard unit take off in tandem flying those beautiful birds. Vietnam was still happening so they always took off in tandem in full afterburner.
Wheels
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It makes you wonder - where do you get parts for the F-4? I mean, sure, you can scavenge from boneyards and stuff…but is there a supplier actually making parts that need new replacements? I can only imagine how difficult it is to keep them flying…(and is probably why they are all going to be phased out very soon…)
Edit…well…of course: http://www.f4phantomparts.com/
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That was NOT a site to be browsing next to my wife…€700 for a full rudder…mmmmm
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In Japan, Mitsubishi built their F-4s, so I’d imagine they held/hold the contract for building replacement parts as needed.
In the USA, presuming you grovel at the almighty US gov’t King’s feet, beg him enough, then you might, just might, be allowed an exceptional circumstance granted to a lowly peasant, the right to own your private US military jet… But keeping it flying means having to go overseas and often bid on surplus parts used by foreign militaries.
An interesting article on the subject of “arms” importation to the USA:
https://www.militarytrader.com/jagfile/think-before-you-import
Regarding maintaining warbirds, this is a good one from the Collings Foundation:
It’s interesting to note that it is far easier to maintain surplus MiGs than it is US mil aircraft. Funny thing about that.
I’m afraid it might be a while…
I’ve spent all day manufacturing a master for casting Viggen stick pushbuttons.
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Love the Phantom. Grew up on A.F. bases; was one of those kids that could tell you what kind of plane it was just from the sound. Still can somewhat.
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