Few aircraft so prominently define their eras as the McDonell F4 Phantom II does the 1960s and the Vietnam conflict. Initially imagined as a fighter and later an interceptor, the Phantom II eventually entered service as a fighterbomber that set numerous speed and altitude records, was responsible for much of the bombing and airtoair kills over Vietnam, and was later used extensively in SEAD and reconnaissance roles. The F4 was a truly versatile—and effective—aircraft.

On this episode, former US Navy F4 Phantom pilot Rear Admiral John “Tiger” Kerr and RIO Captain Jack “Fingers” Ensch, both since retired, join us to answer our standard ‘aircraft series’ questions on this iconic aircraft and what it was like to fly and fight it. They return on the next episode to continue the stimulating discussion.

This week, hosts JellO and Sunshine catch up on phonedin listener questions offering advice for getting the most out of the ROTC program, answering when we will feature certain aircraft on the show, opining on career paths for TOPGUN graduates, and discussing what happens when military aircraft crash into civilian infrastructure.

Bumper music by Jaime Lopez / announcements by Clint Bell. Episode artwork by Janek Krause.