<article><hdr>Airborne shot of an F-4D Phantom</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The F-4C was the first production version of the Phantom, and was followed by the F-4D which featured an enhanced weapons delivery system to improve the air to air and air to ground capability. The F-4D had new weapons ranging and release computers fitted which resulted in a slight reduction in the fuselage fuel capacity. Almost 800 F-4Ds were produced, with many being stationed in South East Asia including some fitted with a Long Range Air Navigation (LORAN) system which was readily identifiable by a 'towel rack' fitted along the spine. The F-4D suffered a heavy toll during the Vietnam War as its crews took the aircraft to some of the most heavily defended targets. The F-4D did not enjoy large export sales, with just Iran receiving 32 new aircraft, and South Korea obtaining a number of surplus aircraft. The Phantom was a popular aircraft with its crews, with the F-4D remaining in service for approximately 20 years, as the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve both flew the version during the latter years of its career.</hi>
