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1
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Narrator: It's one of the
world's most iconic fighters.
2
00:00:05,106 --> 00:00:06,572
Man: This is the
mcdonnell douglas
3
00:00:06,640 --> 00:00:09,074
F-4 phantom ii supersonic,
4
00:00:09,142 --> 00:00:10,575
All-weather fighter bomber.
5
00:00:10,578 --> 00:00:12,778
It's just a badass airplane.
6
00:00:12,846 --> 00:00:15,881
Narrator: Its nickname:
Double ugly, the rhino,
7
00:00:16,883 --> 00:00:18,283
Even the mig killer.
8
00:00:20,487 --> 00:00:23,121
Man: It came charging in,
didn't ask permission.
9
00:00:23,124 --> 00:00:25,791
And said here we are,
who wants to fight?
10
00:00:25,793 --> 00:00:27,659
Narrator: This is
the story of an aircraft
11
00:00:27,661 --> 00:00:29,861
That transformed itself.
12
00:00:29,930 --> 00:00:32,597
Man: The f-4 wasn't designed
to be a dog fighter.
13
00:00:32,600 --> 00:00:34,332
It was designed to
be a high altitude,
14
00:00:34,335 --> 00:00:36,701
Fast, long range interceptor.
15
00:00:36,770 --> 00:00:40,005
Narrator: And inspired an
entire generation of pilots.
16
00:00:40,073 --> 00:00:42,341
Man: We needed to hit them
hard, hit them fast
17
00:00:42,409 --> 00:00:45,610
And hopefully knock them
out as rapidly as possible.
18
00:00:45,679 --> 00:00:46,645
Narrator: To
become the standard
19
00:00:47,882 --> 00:00:50,882
By which every fighter of
its time would be measured.
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00:00:50,885 --> 00:00:53,952
Man: When you cheat death, it's
pretty nice to come back
21
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And live and do it again.
22
00:00:56,923 --> 00:01:00,526
♪
23
00:01:06,967 --> 00:01:09,835
Narrator: August
1990, saddam hussein
24
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Orders 100,000 iraqi troops
to invade neighboring kuwait,
25
00:01:13,740 --> 00:01:16,241
Sparking an
international conflict.
26
00:01:16,243 --> 00:01:20,212
President bush: Iraq must
withdraw from kuwait completely,
27
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Immediately, and
without condition.
28
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Narrator: Five months later,
29
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The united states leads
a military campaign
30
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To stop the iraqi
dictator in his tracks.
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They plan a
full-scale air attack.
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♪
33
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The problem: Surface-to-air
missiles or sams.
34
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Lots of them, all looking hard
35
00:01:43,103 --> 00:01:45,070
For american targets
in the skies.
36
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Coalition forces need a
plane with the firepower
37
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And smarts to take
these weapons out.
38
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The aircraft leading the charge
39
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Is a 30-year-old
warhorse: The f-4 phantom.
40
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Nearly 60,000 pounds
of brute force,
41
00:02:03,090 --> 00:02:07,492
Just over 58 feet long and
38 feet from wing to wing,
42
00:02:07,495 --> 00:02:10,696
The f-4 phantom is a monster.
43
00:02:10,764 --> 00:02:12,030
Man: This is the
mcdonnell douglas
44
00:02:12,099 --> 00:02:14,566
F-4 phantom ii
supersonic,
45
00:02:14,635 --> 00:02:16,701
All-weather fighter bomber.
46
00:02:16,704 --> 00:02:17,903
We call it the double ugly.
47
00:02:17,971 --> 00:02:20,038
It's two engines,
two crew members,
48
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And ugly in its own right.
49
00:02:22,576 --> 00:02:24,543
It's just a badass airplane.
50
00:02:24,611 --> 00:02:26,378
Narrator: It's a badass plane
51
00:02:26,446 --> 00:02:29,515
With massive amounts of
military street cred.
52
00:02:29,583 --> 00:02:32,250
Man: The f-4 has served
in all three services,
53
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Navy, air force, and marines,
54
00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:36,655
And has virtually
been in every role,
55
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Both air-to-ground, air-to-air.
56
00:02:38,091 --> 00:02:40,592
A lot of fighters can
only do one thing well.
57
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This thing does them all.
58
00:02:42,762 --> 00:02:43,762
Narrator: Doing it all
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Requires not just one
crew member, but two.
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00:02:51,538 --> 00:02:53,605
Man: The pilot does all the
flying and maneuvering
61
00:02:53,673 --> 00:02:56,841
And the weapon's system
operator does all the radar work
62
00:02:56,910 --> 00:02:58,310
In the weapon's system.
63
00:02:58,378 --> 00:03:00,278
Narrator: A choice of
weapons made the phantom
64
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One of the most popular assets
in the united states arsenal.
65
00:03:05,986 --> 00:03:07,652
Man: The f-4 is a very
versatile platform.
66
00:03:07,721 --> 00:03:09,421
It can carry
radar-guided missiles,
67
00:03:09,423 --> 00:03:11,156
Air-to-air heat
seeking missiles,
68
00:03:11,225 --> 00:03:13,959
Harm, anti-radiation
missiles, iron bombs,
69
00:03:14,027 --> 00:03:15,961
Cluster munitions,
pretty much any weapon
70
00:03:16,029 --> 00:03:18,497
That's been out there
has been hung on the f-4.
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00:03:18,565 --> 00:03:19,531
Narrator: The f-4 phantom
72
00:03:20,701 --> 00:03:23,535
Is one of the greatest
front-line fighters of all time.
73
00:03:23,603 --> 00:03:25,837
And it's about to
do battle again.
74
00:03:28,175 --> 00:03:31,276
January 17th, 1991,
75
00:03:31,344 --> 00:03:33,979
Coalition forces roll
out an aerial assault
76
00:03:34,047 --> 00:03:36,581
Over iraqi military targets:
77
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Operation desert storm.
78
00:03:39,052 --> 00:03:41,453
At shaikh isa air base, bahrain,
79
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Two phantoms prepare
to enter the fray.
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Man: Our mission that day
81
00:03:45,091 --> 00:03:47,192
Was to hunt down
surface-to-air missiles.
82
00:03:47,261 --> 00:03:49,661
We needed to hit them
hard and hit them fast
83
00:03:49,729 --> 00:03:52,397
And hopefully knock them
out as rapidly as possible.
84
00:03:53,267 --> 00:03:55,000
Narrator: F-4 pilot
lieutenant colonel
85
00:03:55,068 --> 00:03:55,867
Edward ballanco
86
00:03:55,936 --> 00:03:58,069
Served in the elite
air force squad
87
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Known as the wild weasels.
88
00:04:00,707 --> 00:04:02,941
Man: The wild weasels
were sam killers
89
00:04:02,943 --> 00:04:06,478
Specially modified to take on
the surface-to-air missiles.
90
00:04:07,547 --> 00:04:09,014
Narrator: Being a wild weasel
91
00:04:09,082 --> 00:04:10,382
Isn't for the faint of heart.
92
00:04:12,019 --> 00:04:15,354
The job's so dangerous, you
have to volunteer for it.
93
00:04:16,690 --> 00:04:21,192
Man: Our plan was to let the
surface-to-air missiles see us
94
00:04:21,261 --> 00:04:23,762
And not look at the
attack airplanes
95
00:04:23,830 --> 00:04:25,964
That were coming in behind us
96
00:04:26,032 --> 00:04:28,400
So that we can engage the sams
97
00:04:28,468 --> 00:04:31,103
Before they engage
the attack force.
98
00:04:31,171 --> 00:04:33,638
Everybody else tries
to hide from the sams,
99
00:04:33,641 --> 00:04:35,307
We tried to make
ourselves visible.
100
00:04:36,577 --> 00:04:38,944
The motto is first in, last out.
101
00:04:41,147 --> 00:04:43,415
Narrator: Ballanco
and his wingman take off.
102
00:04:45,653 --> 00:04:48,987
Nearly 300 miles away in qatar,
103
00:04:49,056 --> 00:04:51,990
Eight f-16 falcons
take to the skies too.
104
00:04:53,593 --> 00:04:56,661
They'll meet up with the
phantoms near kuwait.
105
00:04:56,730 --> 00:05:00,932
Man: The f-16s were dropping
bombs on the military targets.
106
00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:04,336
Our job that day was to take
out the surface-to-air missiles
107
00:05:04,338 --> 00:05:07,806
So that the f-16s could
get in, drop their bombs
108
00:05:07,808 --> 00:05:09,207
And get out safely.
109
00:05:09,275 --> 00:05:11,943
It was very critical
that we were there.
110
00:05:11,945 --> 00:05:13,278
Narrator: Ballanco
and his wingman
111
00:05:13,347 --> 00:05:16,548
Monitor the falcon's
progress as they fly.
112
00:05:16,616 --> 00:05:20,685
For the mission to succeed,
their timing must be perfect.
113
00:05:20,754 --> 00:05:23,288
Man: We wanted to be in and hit
the surface-to-air missiles
114
00:05:23,290 --> 00:05:25,790
Or let the surface-to-air
missiles see us
115
00:05:25,859 --> 00:05:27,959
Before they saw the f-16s.
116
00:05:28,028 --> 00:05:29,828
If we screwed up,
they could die.
117
00:05:32,099 --> 00:05:34,199
Narrator: Just
outside the combat zone,
118
00:05:34,267 --> 00:05:37,102
The phantoms look
for a kc-135 tanker.
119
00:05:39,440 --> 00:05:41,039
Man: We had to take on fuel
120
00:05:41,108 --> 00:05:44,976
Because we were loaded
with four harm missiles.
121
00:05:45,044 --> 00:05:46,578
The normal load out was two.
122
00:05:47,647 --> 00:05:50,448
We carried four because
we knew the threat density
123
00:05:50,517 --> 00:05:51,916
Was going to be high.
124
00:05:51,985 --> 00:05:54,853
Narrator: But the four
weapons come at a price.
125
00:05:54,921 --> 00:05:57,789
They take the place
of extra fuel tanks,
126
00:05:57,857 --> 00:06:01,826
Reducing the phantom's
range to just 300 miles.
127
00:06:01,895 --> 00:06:04,229
Man: We needed the fuel
to get up into kuwait,
128
00:06:04,297 --> 00:06:06,865
Do the mission and
then get back home.
129
00:06:08,402 --> 00:06:10,669
Narrator: The re-fuel
should be routine.
130
00:06:10,737 --> 00:06:13,105
But immediately,
there's a complication,
131
00:06:15,074 --> 00:06:18,944
Strong winds blowing
over 100 knots.
132
00:06:19,012 --> 00:06:22,013
Man: We're getting blown about
20 miles further south
133
00:06:22,082 --> 00:06:23,982
Of where we had
planned to roll out.
134
00:06:24,050 --> 00:06:28,687
That equated to about almost
three minutes behind the time
135
00:06:28,755 --> 00:06:29,621
That we had planned.
136
00:06:33,160 --> 00:06:34,759
Narrator: In peacetime,
137
00:06:34,828 --> 00:06:37,061
Three minutes doesn't
seem like much.
138
00:06:37,130 --> 00:06:39,631
But in combat, it can
mean the difference
139
00:06:39,699 --> 00:06:41,666
Between life or death.
140
00:06:43,504 --> 00:06:45,603
Man: When I saw that we
were behind the time
141
00:06:45,672 --> 00:06:48,006
I knew that this was a problem.
142
00:06:48,074 --> 00:06:50,709
I could see the f-16s
off to the right.
143
00:06:50,777 --> 00:06:52,010
So they were ahead of us
144
00:06:52,078 --> 00:06:53,778
And we were supposed
to be ahead of them.
145
00:06:53,781 --> 00:06:56,147
Narrator: Ballanco
has to make a choice:
146
00:06:56,216 --> 00:06:59,984
Finish gassing up or
get back on the job.
147
00:07:00,053 --> 00:07:02,053
Man: I said hey, we
need to get going.
148
00:07:02,122 --> 00:07:02,821
So we did.
149
00:07:03,857 --> 00:07:05,089
We dropped off the
tanker, we pushed it up
150
00:07:05,158 --> 00:07:06,358
As fast as we could go.
151
00:07:07,260 --> 00:07:09,127
We knew it was critical
to get in there
152
00:07:09,129 --> 00:07:12,030
And keep the f-16s
from getting shot down.
153
00:07:13,801 --> 00:07:16,468
Narrator: The two
phantoms speed into kuwait,
154
00:07:16,470 --> 00:07:18,870
Racing to catch
up with the f-16s.
155
00:07:20,006 --> 00:07:22,340
But they may
already be too late.
156
00:07:25,212 --> 00:07:27,612
Man: As we get close
to the target area
157
00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:30,682
We could see that the sams
were coming up, a lot of them.
158
00:07:33,620 --> 00:07:37,489
We got a pop up sam
right in the vicinity
159
00:07:37,557 --> 00:07:38,723
Of their target area
160
00:07:38,791 --> 00:07:40,959
And it came up with
a launch indication.
161
00:07:43,730 --> 00:07:45,964
Narrator: Ballanco's
f-4 wild weasel
162
00:07:46,032 --> 00:07:49,434
Is specially designed
to sniff out sams.
163
00:07:49,436 --> 00:07:52,237
It has sophisticated
sensors and antennae
164
00:07:52,305 --> 00:07:53,839
Placed all over its body.
165
00:07:55,042 --> 00:07:58,210
They search for enemy
surface-to-air missiles' radar.
166
00:08:01,714 --> 00:08:02,981
The weapons system officer
167
00:08:03,049 --> 00:08:05,951
Analyzes and identifies
these radar signals.
168
00:08:07,186 --> 00:08:09,821
Then, ballanco
fires an 800 pound
169
00:08:09,889 --> 00:08:12,290
Anti-radiation missile, or harm.
170
00:08:14,661 --> 00:08:17,428
His goal: To destroy the radar
171
00:08:17,497 --> 00:08:19,464
And render its missiles useless.
172
00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:23,735
Over kuwait, ballanco
and his wingman split up
173
00:08:23,803 --> 00:08:26,004
And quickly get to work.
174
00:08:26,072 --> 00:08:28,907
Man: Our plan was to
divide up the sams
175
00:08:28,975 --> 00:08:30,208
Based on the target area.
176
00:08:31,545 --> 00:08:34,012
Narrator: Ballanco and
his partner confront the sam
177
00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:35,747
That's heading toward the f-16.
178
00:08:36,817 --> 00:08:39,885
They only have time
to react, not think.
179
00:08:40,987 --> 00:08:43,087
Man: We have
about a 10 second window
180
00:08:43,090 --> 00:08:44,956
To get the harm into the air.
181
00:08:45,025 --> 00:08:46,958
Narrator: Ballanco
quickly gets his hand
182
00:08:46,960 --> 00:08:49,861
On the pickle button and fires.
183
00:08:49,929 --> 00:08:51,062
Man: The missile came off
184
00:08:51,130 --> 00:08:54,699
And it went like a
spear towards the sam.
185
00:08:54,701 --> 00:08:57,602
♪
186
00:08:57,670 --> 00:08:59,637
Narrator: That's
one sam destroyed,
187
00:08:59,640 --> 00:09:02,574
But there's more
popping up all around.
188
00:09:02,642 --> 00:09:04,943
Man: So we fired the next one
189
00:09:05,011 --> 00:09:08,547
And in less than 20 seconds,
our harm hit its target.
190
00:09:11,985 --> 00:09:14,786
Narrator: Ballanco's now
used two of his four weapons
191
00:09:15,923 --> 00:09:18,523
And the threat isn't letting up.
192
00:09:18,591 --> 00:09:20,859
Man: We started looking
to the eastern side
193
00:09:20,927 --> 00:09:23,628
And sure enough we had
sams come up there.
194
00:09:23,696 --> 00:09:26,297
So we had to quickly
maneuver in that direction,
195
00:09:26,366 --> 00:09:30,935
Get a missile off, so we had
in a space of about a minute,
196
00:09:31,004 --> 00:09:32,837
We fired three missiles.
197
00:09:32,905 --> 00:09:34,572
Narrator: Ballanco
catches his breath
198
00:09:34,641 --> 00:09:37,642
And looks to see if the
f-16s are on target.
199
00:09:38,812 --> 00:09:43,081
He's relieved to see that the
fighters are almost home free.
200
00:09:43,149 --> 00:09:47,819
Man: I could see the attack is
taking place by the f-16 flight.
201
00:09:47,887 --> 00:09:49,321
I saw the bombs going off.
202
00:09:50,657 --> 00:09:51,956
Narrator: It
looks like the strike
203
00:09:51,959 --> 00:09:55,427
Will go off without a
hitch, but then: Trouble.
204
00:09:55,495 --> 00:09:58,863
Man: Just then we get a sam
indication that comes up
205
00:09:58,931 --> 00:10:00,966
And gives a launch indication.
206
00:10:07,173 --> 00:10:09,808
The sam was guiding on the f-16.
207
00:10:11,979 --> 00:10:14,946
We've got seconds to keep
the attack force alive.
208
00:10:17,216 --> 00:10:19,951
♪
209
00:10:20,019 --> 00:10:23,287
Narrator: 1991,
high over kuwait,
210
00:10:23,356 --> 00:10:26,224
F-4 pilot lieutenant
colonel edward ballanco
211
00:10:26,292 --> 00:10:27,392
Is in the heat of battle.
212
00:10:28,528 --> 00:10:31,062
He must protect an f-16,
213
00:10:31,131 --> 00:10:34,499
But an iraqi missile has
it firmly in its sights.
214
00:10:35,669 --> 00:10:38,403
Man: The f-16 started a
defensive maneuver.
215
00:10:38,471 --> 00:10:41,873
He was jinking and
putting out chaff.
216
00:10:41,941 --> 00:10:43,941
The missile was in the air.
217
00:10:44,010 --> 00:10:46,811
He was in a very
vulnerable position.
218
00:10:46,813 --> 00:10:48,212
Narrator: To
disable the missile,
219
00:10:48,281 --> 00:10:51,749
Ballanco must take
out its radar now.
220
00:10:51,752 --> 00:10:54,552
And he has just one
chance to do it.
221
00:10:54,621 --> 00:10:55,987
Man: We have one missile left
222
00:10:56,055 --> 00:10:58,690
And in this case,
maybe 20 seconds
223
00:10:58,692 --> 00:11:00,258
Would be the sam time of flight
224
00:11:00,326 --> 00:11:03,227
Before it would
kill the airplane.
225
00:11:03,230 --> 00:11:04,696
So we turned immediately,
226
00:11:04,764 --> 00:11:06,698
Put the sam on the nose
227
00:11:11,371 --> 00:11:12,537
And fired.
228
00:11:12,605 --> 00:11:16,041
♪
229
00:11:18,979 --> 00:11:21,879
When our missile
hit the sam radar,
230
00:11:21,948 --> 00:11:23,748
The missile no
longer had guidance
231
00:11:23,816 --> 00:11:26,384
And it was no longer able
to follow the airplane.
232
00:11:28,588 --> 00:11:31,389
We knew the f-16 was safe.
233
00:11:31,391 --> 00:11:33,324
Narrator: Ballanco
and his weapons officer
234
00:11:33,392 --> 00:11:37,462
Have destroyed four iraqi
surface-to-air missile sites
235
00:11:37,530 --> 00:11:39,130
In under two minutes.
236
00:11:40,333 --> 00:11:44,469
Man: It finally dawned on me,
you're out of missiles dummy.
237
00:11:44,537 --> 00:11:46,705
You probably ought to
turn around and go home.
238
00:11:47,808 --> 00:11:48,707
So we headed home.
239
00:11:50,510 --> 00:11:51,809
We were fortunate.
240
00:11:51,812 --> 00:11:53,745
We got up there, we
got our mission done,
241
00:11:53,813 --> 00:11:56,547
We got the attack
airplanes in and out
242
00:11:56,616 --> 00:11:58,082
Without having any damage.
243
00:11:58,085 --> 00:11:59,884
It was a good feeling.
244
00:11:59,952 --> 00:12:02,620
Narrator: The f-4 wild
weasels go on to destroy
245
00:12:02,622 --> 00:12:05,623
Over 200 iraqi missile sites,
246
00:12:05,691 --> 00:12:08,092
Shutting down iraqi air defenses
247
00:12:08,095 --> 00:12:10,695
And making it safe for
coalition aircraft.
248
00:12:12,632 --> 00:12:15,700
Man: I was proud to fly
the f-4 in desert storm,
249
00:12:15,769 --> 00:12:17,568
Proud of what we accomplished.
250
00:12:17,571 --> 00:12:20,505
By doing our job, we saved
not only our own lives,
251
00:12:20,507 --> 00:12:22,840
But my friend's lives as well.
252
00:12:22,909 --> 00:12:25,710
Narrator: The f-4 phantom
is no stranger to combat.
253
00:12:25,779 --> 00:12:27,312
For over four decades,
254
00:12:27,380 --> 00:12:31,316
It's struck fear into any enemy
who dared to challenge it.
255
00:12:31,384 --> 00:12:34,385
This legendary aircraft
has been a fighter
256
00:12:34,454 --> 00:12:35,920
Since the day it was born.
257
00:12:38,691 --> 00:12:43,194
1949, the united states
and the soviet union
258
00:12:43,263 --> 00:12:45,997
Are in the throes of
a bitter cold war.
259
00:12:45,999 --> 00:12:50,868
Man: The cold war is this battle
over what kind of governments
260
00:12:50,937 --> 00:12:53,471
Will dominate around the world.
261
00:12:53,473 --> 00:12:54,539
Narrator: Dr. Laurence burke
262
00:12:54,541 --> 00:12:56,541
Is the naval aviation curator
263
00:12:56,609 --> 00:12:58,643
At the national air
and space museum.
264
00:12:58,711 --> 00:13:01,212
Man: It is a very tense time
where the soviet union
265
00:13:01,214 --> 00:13:03,047
Is looking to expand communism
266
00:13:03,115 --> 00:13:06,284
And the us are
looking to contain it.
267
00:13:06,286 --> 00:13:09,754
Narrator: In August of
1949, the stakes get higher.
268
00:13:10,690 --> 00:13:15,226
The russians reveal their
brand new atomic bomb.
269
00:13:15,228 --> 00:13:16,794
Man: The united states
initially thinks
270
00:13:16,863 --> 00:13:20,798
They have the atomic bomb
as a sort of ace in the hole
271
00:13:20,867 --> 00:13:22,300
And very quickly find out
272
00:13:22,368 --> 00:13:24,969
That no, in fact, the soviets
have the atomic bomb as well.
273
00:13:24,971 --> 00:13:27,639
Nobody's sure what the
other side is going to do.
274
00:13:27,707 --> 00:13:29,173
Narrator: Leaders
on both sides
275
00:13:29,242 --> 00:13:32,110
Believe that conventional
warfare is now obsolete.
276
00:13:33,914 --> 00:13:36,881
The next war will be
swift and devastating.
277
00:13:38,484 --> 00:13:40,818
Man: There is an assumption
coming out of world war ii
278
00:13:40,887 --> 00:13:43,988
That any future war will be
fought with nuclear weapons.
279
00:13:45,058 --> 00:13:49,260
The next war will be fought
at much greater distances,
280
00:13:49,329 --> 00:13:54,265
At much greater speeds, with
much less time to respond.
281
00:13:54,333 --> 00:13:56,434
Narrator: The pentagon
scrambles to adjust
282
00:13:56,502 --> 00:13:58,336
To the new world order
283
00:13:58,338 --> 00:14:01,706
And the us navy finds
itself on the losing side.
284
00:14:04,076 --> 00:14:05,276
Man: Eisenhower comes up with
285
00:14:05,278 --> 00:14:07,111
What he calls the
new look military
286
00:14:07,179 --> 00:14:10,548
That will rely primarily
on atomic weapons.
287
00:14:10,616 --> 00:14:14,352
And he really cuts down the
number of ships in the navy.
288
00:14:14,420 --> 00:14:17,288
It all becomes about
delivering nuclear weapons.
289
00:14:17,357 --> 00:14:19,523
Narrator: Navy planes
don't have the range
290
00:14:19,592 --> 00:14:21,392
To bring a bomb to the russians
291
00:14:24,430 --> 00:14:27,899
Or to stop a russian
bomber before it attacks.
292
00:14:31,104 --> 00:14:32,370
Man: The navy is
still using a lot
293
00:14:32,438 --> 00:14:34,438
Of late world war ii aircraft.
294
00:14:34,507 --> 00:14:39,010
So the f4u corsair, the
douglas ad1 skyraider,
295
00:14:39,078 --> 00:14:40,511
The mcdonnell phantom 1.
296
00:14:44,651 --> 00:14:47,952
What was adequate for
a combat air patrol
297
00:14:48,020 --> 00:14:49,987
Now has to be pushed
much further out
298
00:14:49,990 --> 00:14:52,890
To stop the bombers
before they get close in.
299
00:14:52,959 --> 00:14:54,792
So the navy is looking
for an interceptor.
300
00:14:54,861 --> 00:14:57,328
A plane that can
quickly rush out,
301
00:14:57,397 --> 00:14:59,631
Intercept incoming bombers
and shoot them down.
302
00:15:00,933 --> 00:15:03,868
Narrator: 1952, the pentagon,
303
00:15:03,870 --> 00:15:06,671
The navy bureau of
aeronautics is desperate
304
00:15:06,739 --> 00:15:10,775
For a new aircraft capable of
intercepting a nuclear attack.
305
00:15:12,044 --> 00:15:15,746
Two companies jump at the
chance to submit a design,
306
00:15:15,749 --> 00:15:19,150
Chance vought and
mcdonnell aircraft.
307
00:15:19,218 --> 00:15:23,988
Man: Chance vought responds with
what becomes the f8u crusader
308
00:15:24,056 --> 00:15:27,191
And douglas responds with
what becomes the f-3 demon.
309
00:15:28,494 --> 00:15:30,227
Narrator: Each
looks promising.
310
00:15:30,296 --> 00:15:33,631
Single-engine with
radar powerful enough
311
00:15:33,633 --> 00:15:35,967
To detect faraway bombers,
312
00:15:36,035 --> 00:15:38,803
And missiles big enough to
knock them out of the sky.
313
00:15:42,041 --> 00:15:46,377
Each claims an engine that
offers speed and power.
314
00:15:46,445 --> 00:15:47,511
The crusader goes
315
00:15:47,514 --> 00:15:50,515
With a pratt & whitney
j57 turbojet engine.
316
00:15:52,385 --> 00:15:54,319
It's light and powerful,
317
00:15:54,387 --> 00:15:56,854
Allowing the jet to
be nimble and quick.
318
00:15:58,090 --> 00:15:59,524
The demon takes a gamble
319
00:15:59,592 --> 00:16:04,562
On an engine recommended by the
navy: The westinghouse j-40,
320
00:16:04,630 --> 00:16:08,633
Said to have twice the thrust
of any engine in navy service.
321
00:16:12,472 --> 00:16:14,305
Man: The two companies
design their planes,
322
00:16:14,373 --> 00:16:16,040
They build these prototypes,
323
00:16:16,108 --> 00:16:19,110
They are basically compared
against the standard
324
00:16:19,178 --> 00:16:20,878
And against each other.
325
00:16:20,947 --> 00:16:25,817
And the f-8 crusader is clearly
the much better aircraft.
326
00:16:27,153 --> 00:16:30,421
It's much better at the
short-range fighter role.
327
00:16:31,491 --> 00:16:33,157
Narrator: Chance
vought flies away
328
00:16:33,159 --> 00:16:35,026
With a contract for the f-8.
329
00:16:36,029 --> 00:16:38,596
It's a bitter defeat
for mcdonnell.
330
00:16:38,664 --> 00:16:41,432
Man: The loss of this
competition was difficult.
331
00:16:41,434 --> 00:16:44,635
And it was especially difficult
because the mcdonnell people
332
00:16:44,637 --> 00:16:46,570
Didn't think it was their fault.
333
00:16:46,639 --> 00:16:49,840
The navy had decreed that
mcdonnell would develop this
334
00:16:49,843 --> 00:16:51,542
With this westinghouse engine,
335
00:16:51,610 --> 00:16:54,112
So when the time
came for the fly-off,
336
00:16:54,180 --> 00:16:56,381
Westinghouse did
not have an engine
337
00:16:56,449 --> 00:16:59,183
With the power that they
had been told it would have.
338
00:17:01,054 --> 00:17:02,520
Narrator: Mcdonnell
is determined
339
00:17:02,522 --> 00:17:04,488
To restore its reputation
340
00:17:04,557 --> 00:17:08,459
And get the contract they
believe is rightfully theirs.
341
00:17:08,527 --> 00:17:09,927
Man: Mcdonnell does
what was known
342
00:17:09,995 --> 00:17:11,996
As an unsolicited proposal.
343
00:17:11,998 --> 00:17:14,899
The mcdonnell
engineers went back
344
00:17:14,967 --> 00:17:17,869
And said, well, let's
improve this design.
345
00:17:17,937 --> 00:17:21,205
Let's give it twin engines and
let's give it better engines.
346
00:17:21,207 --> 00:17:24,275
And let's build a flexible
airplane for different missions,
347
00:17:24,343 --> 00:17:27,311
Really pushing the demands
348
00:17:27,379 --> 00:17:29,480
For what a new
airplane needs to do.
349
00:17:30,616 --> 00:17:34,151
Narrator: Mcdonnell takes
its design to the pentagon,
350
00:17:34,154 --> 00:17:36,554
Convinced they've
created an aircraft
351
00:17:36,622 --> 00:17:40,158
That will propel navy
aviation into the future.
352
00:17:40,226 --> 00:17:42,793
Man: And the navy essentially
says, yes, this is interesting,
353
00:17:42,862 --> 00:17:44,295
Keep working on it.
354
00:17:44,297 --> 00:17:46,797
And they give mcdonnell
a little bit of money
355
00:17:46,866 --> 00:17:49,600
To continue
developing this idea.
356
00:17:49,668 --> 00:17:51,035
Narrator:
Mcdonnell bears down,
357
00:17:51,103 --> 00:17:53,638
Determined to come up with
the ultimate high-speed,
358
00:17:53,706 --> 00:17:55,006
Long-distance fighter.
359
00:17:57,109 --> 00:18:00,912
Six years later the new plane
is ready to make its debut.
360
00:18:02,615 --> 00:18:06,450
May 1958, st. Louis, missouri.
361
00:18:06,453 --> 00:18:10,354
Mcdonnell rolls out its
new f4h-1 prototype.
362
00:18:12,592 --> 00:18:14,859
Immediately, it
makes an impression.
363
00:18:15,862 --> 00:18:20,398
Man: It's very different from
its ancestry as the demon.
364
00:18:21,935 --> 00:18:24,401
It's a big, bulkier plane.
365
00:18:24,470 --> 00:18:26,437
It's got sort of an
odd-looking wing.
366
00:18:26,505 --> 00:18:29,540
It's flat in the middle with
these canted up wing tips.
367
00:18:29,609 --> 00:18:31,775
It's also very different
368
00:18:31,844 --> 00:18:34,078
Than anything that's
been seen to date.
369
00:18:36,649 --> 00:18:39,217
Narrator: One big
difference: The phantom's wings.
370
00:18:40,553 --> 00:18:43,855
They're designed with
dihedral or an upward angle.
371
00:18:45,157 --> 00:18:47,158
Man: One of the most interesting
characteristics of the f-4
372
00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:49,293
Is the dihedral on the wing tip
373
00:18:49,362 --> 00:18:51,228
And that's right along
the fold line here.
374
00:18:51,297 --> 00:18:53,564
It's directly related to the
stability of the airplane.
375
00:18:53,633 --> 00:18:54,365
For a fighter, you want it
376
00:18:55,368 --> 00:18:57,535
To be somewhat unstable
for maneuverability
377
00:18:57,603 --> 00:18:59,737
And that's what's
accomplished from this.
378
00:19:00,640 --> 00:19:03,441
Narrator: Its wings give
the phantom maneuverability.
379
00:19:04,543 --> 00:19:08,646
Two general electric j-79
engines give it power.
380
00:19:08,648 --> 00:19:12,449
Man: This is one of the two j-79
engines on the f-4 phantom,
381
00:19:12,518 --> 00:19:15,186
Put about 11,000 pounds
thrust of military power
382
00:19:15,254 --> 00:19:17,388
And about 17,000
pounds in afterburner.
383
00:19:18,391 --> 00:19:22,660
They can propel the
airplane to mach 2.2ish
384
00:19:22,662 --> 00:19:23,861
And push the airplane
385
00:19:23,930 --> 00:19:25,963
To an altitude of
40,000 feet per minute.
386
00:19:28,401 --> 00:19:30,734
The j-79 is known
for is its noise.
387
00:19:30,803 --> 00:19:34,905
It's a very noisy, noisy,
loud, very distinctive noise.
388
00:19:34,974 --> 00:19:37,975
The f-4 kind of makes
a howl as it's coming
389
00:19:38,043 --> 00:19:40,611
And as it's leaving, quite
the roar from these engines.
390
00:19:45,218 --> 00:19:47,018
Very reliable, strong engine.
391
00:19:49,021 --> 00:19:50,554
As a pilot flying
the f-4 phantom,
392
00:19:50,557 --> 00:19:52,990
It's like driving
a '60s muscle car.
393
00:19:58,831 --> 00:20:00,698
Narrator: The new
aircraft seems poised
394
00:20:00,766 --> 00:20:02,300
To take the navy by storm.
395
00:20:03,535 --> 00:20:07,371
There's just one thing
standing in its way, again.
396
00:20:10,176 --> 00:20:13,377
Man: Chance vought, having
had the successful design
397
00:20:13,446 --> 00:20:17,314
With the f-8 crusadar,
basically decides to update it.
398
00:20:17,383 --> 00:20:18,983
They give it a little
bit bigger engine
399
00:20:19,051 --> 00:20:20,585
And it's a little bit longer
400
00:20:20,653 --> 00:20:23,521
But it's still a single
engine, single seat aircraft.
401
00:20:24,990 --> 00:20:27,358
Narrator: The
navy wants a fly-off.
402
00:20:27,426 --> 00:20:31,128
The new and improved f-8
crusader is ready to rumble,
403
00:20:31,130 --> 00:20:34,999
But this time mcdonnell is
determined to get the edge.
404
00:20:37,537 --> 00:20:41,805
September 1958,
edwards air force base.
405
00:20:41,808 --> 00:20:46,711
Mcdonnell's f4h-1 meets its
rival for a second fly off.
406
00:20:47,013 --> 00:20:48,879
Man: It's a close competition.
407
00:20:48,881 --> 00:20:51,682
The crusader is a
little bit more nimble
408
00:20:51,751 --> 00:20:54,218
And the pilots like it better.
409
00:20:54,220 --> 00:20:59,123
But the navy sees much more
promise in the f4h design.
410
00:21:00,493 --> 00:21:04,228
The navy ends up giving
the contract to mcdonnell
411
00:21:04,230 --> 00:21:07,798
To develop this into a
fleet defense airplane.
412
00:21:10,502 --> 00:21:12,903
Narrator: The navy is
confident that its new fighter
413
00:21:12,972 --> 00:21:14,772
Will dominate the skies
414
00:21:14,774 --> 00:21:17,575
And they set out to
prove it to the world.
415
00:21:17,643 --> 00:21:20,778
Man: They wanted to demonstrate
not only to the us public
416
00:21:20,846 --> 00:21:23,180
But also to the soviets
417
00:21:23,249 --> 00:21:26,717
That we now had this very
fast, very capable plane.
418
00:21:28,253 --> 00:21:29,520
Narrator: The
phantom challenges
419
00:21:29,588 --> 00:21:32,456
Almost every aviation
record in the books
420
00:21:35,728 --> 00:21:37,928
And methodically
blows them away.
421
00:21:39,932 --> 00:21:43,300
In 1959, it sets the
world altitude record,
422
00:21:43,369 --> 00:21:45,036
Over 98,000 feet.
423
00:21:46,538 --> 00:21:51,409
In 1961, it beats the world
speed record, over 1,600 mph.
424
00:21:53,912 --> 00:21:56,747
Just 31 months after
its first flight,
425
00:21:56,815 --> 00:22:00,551
The f-4 is the us navy's
fastest, highest flying
426
00:22:00,619 --> 00:22:02,953
And longest range fighter,
427
00:22:03,022 --> 00:22:05,389
With 15 world
records to its name.
428
00:22:07,026 --> 00:22:08,759
Man: The f-4 early on
429
00:22:08,827 --> 00:22:12,063
Was a public relations
person's dream.
430
00:22:13,132 --> 00:22:15,065
Narrator: Dick
anderegg was an f-4 pilot
431
00:22:15,134 --> 00:22:17,968
And director of the air force
history and museums program.
432
00:22:19,238 --> 00:22:21,772
Man: Because of all
the power it had,
433
00:22:21,774 --> 00:22:24,308
It was able to break all of
the existing speed records
434
00:22:24,377 --> 00:22:26,377
And all the existing
time to climb records,
435
00:22:26,445 --> 00:22:29,246
Far surpassing anything any
other aircraft had ever done.
436
00:22:29,248 --> 00:22:31,382
This made it very
attractive to the public.
437
00:22:31,450 --> 00:22:33,050
It made it also very attractive
438
00:22:33,118 --> 00:22:35,853
To people in the
defense department.
439
00:22:35,921 --> 00:22:36,920
Narrator: One of those people
440
00:22:36,989 --> 00:22:39,923
Is defense secretary
robert mcnamara.
441
00:22:39,926 --> 00:22:42,727
He thinks the f-4 is
the perfect aircraft
442
00:22:42,795 --> 00:22:46,197
For not just the navy,
but for the air force too.
443
00:22:46,265 --> 00:22:49,667
Man: The department of defense
was making an effort
444
00:22:49,735 --> 00:22:52,469
To try to have the
navy and air force
445
00:22:52,472 --> 00:22:54,872
Have the same airplane,
and they wanted to do this
446
00:22:54,874 --> 00:22:57,875
For commonality as a
cost reducing measure.
447
00:22:58,944 --> 00:23:00,878
Narrator: Mcnamara
pushes the air force
448
00:23:00,880 --> 00:23:03,680
To take the phantom
for a test ride.
449
00:23:03,683 --> 00:23:05,750
It's love at first sight.
450
00:23:07,052 --> 00:23:08,352
Man: What that means
for airplanes
451
00:23:08,421 --> 00:23:10,287
Is that the air force is looking
452
00:23:10,355 --> 00:23:14,958
For its own new high-altitude
air defense aircraft
453
00:23:15,027 --> 00:23:19,530
And isn't really interested
in taking a navy plane.
454
00:23:19,598 --> 00:23:21,565
But the f4 phantom
is such a good design
455
00:23:21,634 --> 00:23:24,034
That the air force says,
no, in fact, we like this.
456
00:23:24,904 --> 00:23:25,903
Man: The appeal of the f-4
457
00:23:27,240 --> 00:23:29,239
Was that it was a very strong
airplane with a lot of thrust,
458
00:23:29,308 --> 00:23:30,641
And when you're a fighter pilot,
459
00:23:30,709 --> 00:23:33,377
There's no such thing
as too much thrust.
460
00:23:33,445 --> 00:23:35,546
Narrator: The pentagon
quickly finds a use
461
00:23:35,614 --> 00:23:38,382
For its brash new
fighting plane: Vietnam.
462
00:23:39,351 --> 00:23:40,584
Man: Vietnam is the first time
463
00:23:40,652 --> 00:23:42,619
That the f-4 is
going to see combat,
464
00:23:42,688 --> 00:23:44,121
And it's going to see combat
465
00:23:44,123 --> 00:23:46,924
With the navy,
marines, and air force.
466
00:23:46,992 --> 00:23:49,193
Man: It was the big
dog on the porch.
467
00:23:49,195 --> 00:23:51,862
The f-4 was quite versatile
to fill both of the roles,
468
00:23:51,931 --> 00:23:53,931
Fighter and attack airplane.
469
00:23:55,200 --> 00:23:56,400
Narrator: Soon, the phantom
470
00:23:56,469 --> 00:23:58,502
Is the most widely used aircraft
471
00:23:58,570 --> 00:24:00,137
In the united states military.
472
00:24:06,144 --> 00:24:07,711
But halfway around the world,
473
00:24:07,779 --> 00:24:11,649
Someone else has its eye
on the phantom: Nasa.
474
00:24:12,818 --> 00:24:17,421
Their plan: To put it on
the edge of outer space.
475
00:24:19,759 --> 00:24:23,293
1965, the f-4 phantom
has been working
476
00:24:23,362 --> 00:24:26,230
For american interests in
vietnam for almost a year.
477
00:24:28,501 --> 00:24:31,869
In the united states,
nasa scientists tap it
478
00:24:31,937 --> 00:24:36,774
For another mission: To give
america an edge in space.
479
00:24:40,979 --> 00:24:44,148
Gemini 4 is nasa's
10th manned spaceflight
480
00:24:46,485 --> 00:24:47,718
And its first attempt
481
00:24:47,786 --> 00:24:50,821
At both a multi-day
mission and spacewalk.
482
00:24:52,724 --> 00:24:55,058
Man: A 62 orbit
flight of the gemini 4
483
00:24:55,127 --> 00:24:56,860
Is a most important
connecting link
484
00:24:56,863 --> 00:24:59,463
Between our first
faltering efforts in space
485
00:24:59,531 --> 00:25:01,665
And an ultimate
landing on the moon.
486
00:25:01,667 --> 00:25:03,934
Narrator: For this
launch, and every launch,
487
00:25:03,936 --> 00:25:07,404
There's one moment that
always has nasa on edge.
488
00:25:09,275 --> 00:25:12,009
This is when the missile
carrying the gemini capsule
489
00:25:12,077 --> 00:25:14,478
Reaches the point of max q.
490
00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:17,281
Man: Max q is the maximum stress
491
00:25:17,283 --> 00:25:20,050
On the outer shell
of the rocket.
492
00:25:20,118 --> 00:25:22,286
Narrator: Colonel jack
petry was an f-4 pilot
493
00:25:22,354 --> 00:25:26,490
For the us air force and
worked closely with nasa.
494
00:25:26,492 --> 00:25:27,958
Man: And this maximum pressure
495
00:25:28,027 --> 00:25:31,562
Occurs during the launch
sequence as an aircraft
496
00:25:31,630 --> 00:25:33,831
Or a missile goes through
the speed of sound.
497
00:25:33,899 --> 00:25:37,001
Narrator: Max q is an
extremely dangerous time.
498
00:25:38,037 --> 00:25:41,105
Any flaw in the missile's
shell can prove catastrophic.
499
00:25:42,274 --> 00:25:45,609
Nasa wants to make sure
the technology holds up.
500
00:25:46,712 --> 00:25:48,879
Man: They wanted to see if
there was any vibration,
501
00:25:48,947 --> 00:25:52,649
Any shaking or any abnormities
in the skin of the missile
502
00:25:52,652 --> 00:25:55,185
And determine if they
need to make any changes
503
00:25:55,254 --> 00:25:57,254
In the missile
structure, the speed,
504
00:25:57,322 --> 00:25:59,056
The angles of the launch.
505
00:26:00,659 --> 00:26:03,860
Narrator: Engineers come
up with an ambitious plan
506
00:26:03,863 --> 00:26:05,596
To photograph the missile
507
00:26:05,664 --> 00:26:08,232
As it rockets into
the stratosphere.
508
00:26:09,401 --> 00:26:11,168
Man: They wanted some
close-up photos
509
00:26:11,236 --> 00:26:13,170
To see what was happening
when this missile
510
00:26:13,238 --> 00:26:16,073
Went through its maximum
aerodynamic pressure.
511
00:26:16,141 --> 00:26:19,610
Narrator: The only
question, how to do it.
512
00:26:19,612 --> 00:26:21,845
Man: You just couldn't get this
photography from the ground.
513
00:26:21,913 --> 00:26:24,548
And so they very quickly
said, we're going to use f-4s.
514
00:26:24,617 --> 00:26:27,084
Narrator: F-4 pilots
are up for anything,
515
00:26:27,086 --> 00:26:31,221
But chasing a rocket into
space is a tall order.
516
00:26:31,290 --> 00:26:36,126
Man: This is an extremely
complex intercept maneuver,
517
00:26:36,194 --> 00:26:38,562
Because of missile
altitude, missile angle,
518
00:26:38,631 --> 00:26:41,098
Missile velocity, our
velocity, our positions.
519
00:26:42,234 --> 00:26:47,170
Narrator: June 3rd,
1965, cape kennedy, florida.
520
00:26:47,239 --> 00:26:50,608
Nasa prepares to thrust
the gemini 4 into space.
521
00:26:51,910 --> 00:26:55,879
137 miles away, petry
and a second f-4
522
00:26:55,947 --> 00:26:57,681
Take off from macdill air base.
523
00:26:58,784 --> 00:27:02,019
Man: We had high speed
35 millimeter cameras
524
00:27:02,087 --> 00:27:04,421
Mounted under each
wing of the aircraft.
525
00:27:04,489 --> 00:27:06,323
The cameras worked
right off the gun switch
526
00:27:06,325 --> 00:27:07,891
In the front cockpit.
527
00:27:07,959 --> 00:27:10,160
We synced our gun
sight with the cameras
528
00:27:10,228 --> 00:27:12,729
And so we knew that we're
looking at the right place.
529
00:27:12,732 --> 00:27:15,399
Narrator: At cape
kennedy, the countdown is on.
530
00:27:15,467 --> 00:27:19,069
Man: Three,
two, one, ignition.
531
00:27:34,486 --> 00:27:35,752
♪
532
00:27:35,821 --> 00:27:38,422
Narrator: The two f-4s
race towards the gemini 4.
533
00:27:39,591 --> 00:27:42,559
Their timing must be perfect
to make the plan work.
534
00:27:43,495 --> 00:27:45,095
Man: From missile
launch, t zero,
535
00:27:45,163 --> 00:27:47,798
We had probably about
three and a half minutes
536
00:27:47,866 --> 00:27:49,966
To get ourselves
in good position.
537
00:27:49,969 --> 00:27:51,702
Narrator: Petry
closes in on the missile,
538
00:27:51,704 --> 00:27:54,371
Trying to keep his
air speed precise.
539
00:27:54,373 --> 00:27:56,907
Man: When we first got a
real good look at it,
540
00:27:56,975 --> 00:28:00,110
At about 25,000 feet,
it's a big missile,
541
00:28:00,112 --> 00:28:03,313
And we're closing at about
1,200 feet per second,
542
00:28:03,315 --> 00:28:05,315
Or about a mile
every five seconds.
543
00:28:05,317 --> 00:28:07,451
We've got to control
that speed really well,
544
00:28:07,453 --> 00:28:08,652
So we don't get too close.
545
00:28:12,792 --> 00:28:14,658
Narrator: The
gemini 4 hurtles away
546
00:28:14,660 --> 00:28:16,860
From the earth's atmosphere.
547
00:28:16,928 --> 00:28:19,863
Petry and the other
f-4 fly directly at it
548
00:28:19,932 --> 00:28:24,034
From either side, at speeds
over 700 miles per hour.
549
00:28:24,970 --> 00:28:29,339
They must intercept the
gemini below 35,000 feet,
550
00:28:29,341 --> 00:28:31,608
The exact moment of max q.
551
00:28:33,011 --> 00:28:36,580
♪
552
00:28:43,121 --> 00:28:44,555
Man: We pull with the missile
553
00:28:44,623 --> 00:28:48,425
And so we end up almost
co-altitude with 35,000 feet
554
00:28:48,494 --> 00:28:50,494
As the missile breaks
through the sound barrier.
555
00:28:52,097 --> 00:28:54,832
Narrator: Petry and his
f-4 fly next to the rocket
556
00:28:54,900 --> 00:28:57,367
For 90 extreme seconds.
557
00:28:58,570 --> 00:29:00,704
Man: After he went supersonic,
558
00:29:00,706 --> 00:29:02,940
We got into the rocket
wash from his engine.
559
00:29:03,942 --> 00:29:07,177
It threw our f-4, it was just,
we were all over the place.
560
00:29:07,245 --> 00:29:09,112
It was rocking and rolling.
561
00:29:09,115 --> 00:29:13,383
It was pitching the aircraft,
rolling it left and right.
562
00:29:13,385 --> 00:29:14,585
Narrator: Despite the danger,
563
00:29:14,653 --> 00:29:16,987
Petry isn't about to stop now.
564
00:29:17,055 --> 00:29:19,489
Man: So we just kept
on the missile
565
00:29:19,558 --> 00:29:22,392
And I said, I'm going to stay
here until we run out of film.
566
00:29:23,428 --> 00:29:27,664
Narrator: The f-4 soars
with the gemini to 68,000 feet.
567
00:29:27,666 --> 00:29:29,733
That's twelve miles straight up.
568
00:29:31,804 --> 00:29:33,804
Man: When we landed, there
was a team on the ground
569
00:29:33,872 --> 00:29:37,874
And they instantly downloaded
that film and whisked it off.
570
00:29:37,943 --> 00:29:39,576
Narrator: Nasa
has its close-up.
571
00:29:40,879 --> 00:29:44,447
Petry's f-4 footage plays
a key role in advances
572
00:29:44,516 --> 00:29:46,216
In the space program.
573
00:29:46,218 --> 00:29:48,952
Man: I really didn't think
too much about that.
574
00:29:49,020 --> 00:29:53,023
We were part of this huge,
huge step forward into space.
575
00:29:53,025 --> 00:29:55,091
We were just focused on
getting our airplanes
576
00:29:55,160 --> 00:29:57,527
In the right place
and helping out nasa.
577
00:29:57,596 --> 00:29:58,995
Narrator: The
gemini 4 goes on
578
00:29:59,064 --> 00:30:01,698
To orbit the earth 62 times
579
00:30:01,767 --> 00:30:04,634
And completes the first
american spacewalk.
580
00:30:04,637 --> 00:30:06,403
Man: Okay, I'm out.
Man: Okay, he's out.
581
00:30:07,606 --> 00:30:09,506
Narrator: Paving
the way for astronauts
582
00:30:09,574 --> 00:30:11,542
To eventually land on the moon.
583
00:30:12,444 --> 00:30:16,479
Back on earth, petry's space
chase mission shows the world
584
00:30:16,548 --> 00:30:19,783
The f-4 can literally
keep up with a rocket.
585
00:30:19,851 --> 00:30:21,985
♪
586
00:30:21,987 --> 00:30:25,322
While the phantom rides
high in the united states,
587
00:30:25,324 --> 00:30:27,524
It's facing another
tough challenge
588
00:30:27,592 --> 00:30:29,493
Halfway across the world.
589
00:30:33,199 --> 00:30:35,332
♪
590
00:30:35,334 --> 00:30:38,735
December 14, 1966,
north vietnam.
591
00:30:39,771 --> 00:30:41,805
The united states
is a year and a half
592
00:30:41,873 --> 00:30:44,675
Into a large-scale
bombing campaign:
593
00:30:44,743 --> 00:30:46,810
Operation rolling thunder.
594
00:30:46,879 --> 00:30:49,479
Man: Operation rolling thunder
was the overarching plan
595
00:30:49,548 --> 00:30:52,316
To bomb and attack key
targets in north vietnam.
596
00:30:53,552 --> 00:30:55,719
Narrator: Retired
rear admiral denny wisely
597
00:30:55,787 --> 00:30:57,320
Was an f-4 navy pilot
598
00:30:57,389 --> 00:31:00,057
Who flew 350 missions
during vietnam.
599
00:31:01,827 --> 00:31:04,928
Man: It was primarily to stop
their logistics to the south.
600
00:31:06,165 --> 00:31:08,365
We would go after
storage facilities.
601
00:31:08,433 --> 00:31:10,434
We bombed the power
plants in hanoi,
602
00:31:10,502 --> 00:31:12,302
We bombed power
plants in hai phong,
603
00:31:12,371 --> 00:31:14,571
Which is the two biggest cities.
604
00:31:14,640 --> 00:31:17,474
Narrator: Rear admiral
wisely and five other f-4s
605
00:31:17,542 --> 00:31:21,878
Prepare to take off from the
navy carrier uss kitty hawk.
606
00:31:21,947 --> 00:31:23,713
Man: Our mission on
that particular day
607
00:31:23,782 --> 00:31:27,651
Was to bomb the van dien
truck and storage facility
608
00:31:27,653 --> 00:31:28,485
South of hanoi.
609
00:31:32,857 --> 00:31:34,324
The truck and storage facility
610
00:31:34,326 --> 00:31:38,728
Was roughly the size of
1/2 to two city blocks.
611
00:31:38,731 --> 00:31:40,597
Each element in the strike group
612
00:31:40,666 --> 00:31:43,500
Had a specific section
of the area to bomb.
613
00:31:45,671 --> 00:31:47,671
Narrator: The f-4s
shoot off the boat
614
00:31:48,740 --> 00:31:49,773
And cruise toward land.
615
00:31:52,411 --> 00:31:55,412
Every mile of their
100-mile route
616
00:31:55,480 --> 00:31:58,782
Is littered with north
vietnam's lethal defenses.
617
00:31:59,685 --> 00:32:01,017
Man: They had automatic weapons.
618
00:32:01,020 --> 00:32:03,553
They had anti-aircraft guns,
619
00:32:03,622 --> 00:32:07,291
And they had the sa2 guideline
surface-to-air missiles,
620
00:32:07,359 --> 00:32:10,093
Which was really formidable.
621
00:32:10,162 --> 00:32:11,962
It was a very
well-protected target.
622
00:32:12,030 --> 00:32:16,700
Narrator: Guiding the sa-2s,
the deadly fan song radar.
623
00:32:16,768 --> 00:32:21,305
It has the range to track
an aircraft up to 75 miles.
624
00:32:21,373 --> 00:32:25,976
Wisely's f-4 will know when
it has him in its sights.
625
00:32:26,044 --> 00:32:29,446
Man: Our warning devices
in the f-4 at that time
626
00:32:29,448 --> 00:32:33,149
Was this apr-27 that
could detect if a missile
627
00:32:33,218 --> 00:32:35,052
Was actually launched
and coming at us.
628
00:32:36,554 --> 00:32:39,322
Narrator: The only
problem: Wisely needs missiles
629
00:32:39,325 --> 00:32:43,193
To take out the radar,
and he's carrying bombs.
630
00:32:46,732 --> 00:32:50,067
His only defense: Out
fly the enemy missiles.
631
00:32:53,338 --> 00:32:56,173
One misstep and he's
as good as dead.
632
00:32:59,411 --> 00:33:01,878
Man: The radar warning
system in our airplane
633
00:33:01,880 --> 00:33:04,614
Started going off, just
doodle, doodle, doodle
634
00:33:06,451 --> 00:33:08,952
And your heart rate's
going the same way.
635
00:33:08,954 --> 00:33:11,554
We knew a missile was
airborne, coming at us,
636
00:33:11,623 --> 00:33:13,490
But we didn't know
where it was coming from
637
00:33:13,492 --> 00:33:14,524
And you don't know
which airplane that
638
00:33:14,592 --> 00:33:16,292
Missile is locked on.
639
00:33:16,295 --> 00:33:17,560
Narrator: All six phantoms
640
00:33:17,629 --> 00:33:20,296
Quickly break into
evasive action.
641
00:33:20,299 --> 00:33:22,966
They know that their
best chance for survival
642
00:33:23,035 --> 00:33:25,369
Is to make the
missile overshoot.
643
00:33:25,437 --> 00:33:27,370
Man: We're all maneuvering
for our lives.
644
00:33:27,373 --> 00:33:30,140
We're banking the
airplane and yanking it
645
00:33:30,208 --> 00:33:32,175
And hoping the missiles miss.
646
00:33:33,512 --> 00:33:35,845
When you know there's
a missile in the air,
647
00:33:35,914 --> 00:33:37,681
It's absolutely frightening.
648
00:33:41,720 --> 00:33:42,819
Narrator: Moments later,
649
00:33:42,887 --> 00:33:45,255
The enemy missile
explodes mid-air.
650
00:33:46,124 --> 00:33:49,325
No casualties this time.
651
00:33:49,394 --> 00:33:51,995
Wisely and the other
phantoms quickly recover
652
00:33:52,063 --> 00:33:53,864
And resume their
drive toward hanoi.
653
00:33:54,867 --> 00:33:58,502
But the north vietnamese
radar refuses to be defeated.
654
00:34:00,072 --> 00:34:03,607
Seconds later, wisely's radar
lets out another warning.
655
00:34:07,145 --> 00:34:09,746
Man: They're just firing
one missile after another
656
00:34:09,814 --> 00:34:12,715
And they're exploding
fairly close.
657
00:34:12,784 --> 00:34:14,150
I was scared silly.
658
00:34:14,219 --> 00:34:16,286
Narrator: Wisely still
has many miles to go
659
00:34:16,354 --> 00:34:17,754
Before he reaches his target.
660
00:34:18,624 --> 00:34:20,290
It's too late to turn back.
661
00:34:21,459 --> 00:34:22,759
And even if he did,
662
00:34:22,828 --> 00:34:25,929
There's no guarantee
he'd make it out alive.
663
00:34:25,997 --> 00:34:27,697
Man: It was just so much
stuff coming at us.
664
00:34:27,766 --> 00:34:30,600
It was just surface-to-air
missiles everywhere.
665
00:34:30,668 --> 00:34:32,602
We maneuvered the
airplanes as best we could
666
00:34:32,670 --> 00:34:34,904
And just hoped for the best.
667
00:34:34,907 --> 00:34:38,875
♪
668
00:34:38,943 --> 00:34:40,510
Narrator: High above vietnam,
669
00:34:40,579 --> 00:34:43,113
Phantom pilot rear
admiral denny wisely
670
00:34:43,181 --> 00:34:46,316
Picks his way through an
airspace full of enemy missiles.
671
00:34:47,719 --> 00:34:51,154
His goal: To bomb a north
vietnamese military site.
672
00:34:52,257 --> 00:34:54,858
Man: It's over 100 miles and
that doesn't seem like much
673
00:34:54,926 --> 00:34:56,226
But that's a long way
674
00:34:56,294 --> 00:34:58,728
When you're getting
shot at the whole time.
675
00:34:58,796 --> 00:35:02,332
It's amazing how you
can be scared silly
676
00:35:02,400 --> 00:35:03,934
And so focused at the same time.
677
00:35:04,969 --> 00:35:07,403
Narrator: Suddenly, hope.
678
00:35:07,472 --> 00:35:10,807
Wisely and his partner see that
they're close to the target.
679
00:35:10,809 --> 00:35:13,276
Man: We said hot dog, we're
right where we should be.
680
00:35:13,344 --> 00:35:15,078
It's just like the
photos we had studied
681
00:35:15,147 --> 00:35:17,147
Before we came on the flight.
682
00:35:17,215 --> 00:35:20,416
Narrator: Success requires
intense concentration.
683
00:35:20,419 --> 00:35:23,453
A false move now would erase
all the work they've done
684
00:35:23,521 --> 00:35:24,621
To get to this point.
685
00:35:26,324 --> 00:35:29,025
Man: My backseater, he's
calling off the altitudes
686
00:35:29,093 --> 00:35:31,461
And the dive angles, making
sure my parameters are correct
687
00:35:31,529 --> 00:35:35,064
As we're approaching the
release point for the bombs.
688
00:35:35,133 --> 00:35:36,433
I'm just focused on that target
689
00:35:36,501 --> 00:35:38,168
To get those bombs
off the airplane.
690
00:35:39,270 --> 00:35:42,005
Narrator: Wisely
dives down to 4,000 feet,
691
00:35:44,309 --> 00:35:45,675
And drops his bombs.
692
00:35:58,857 --> 00:36:01,624
6,000 pounds worth
of devastation
693
00:36:01,693 --> 00:36:03,226
Tears into the ground below.
694
00:36:04,796 --> 00:36:07,230
Man: I dropped twelve 500-pound
bombs on the target.
695
00:36:11,970 --> 00:36:13,736
And then it was a
matter of turning back
696
00:36:13,805 --> 00:36:17,807
And going right out the same
way we came in at 550 knots,
697
00:36:17,876 --> 00:36:21,478
Which is well over 600 miles
an hour, just going like crazy.
698
00:36:26,418 --> 00:36:27,684
Narrator: Two hours later,
699
00:36:27,752 --> 00:36:30,220
Wisely and his partner
are back on the carrier.
700
00:36:31,756 --> 00:36:33,022
Man: What kept me alive that day
701
00:36:33,025 --> 00:36:34,491
As far as the f-4 is concerned,
702
00:36:35,460 --> 00:36:39,362
The ability of it to maneuver
and the speed it can attain,
703
00:36:39,430 --> 00:36:40,897
Especially carrying bombs.
704
00:36:40,899 --> 00:36:43,132
It's just pretty nice
to get the job done
705
00:36:43,201 --> 00:36:44,334
And live and do it again.
706
00:36:50,442 --> 00:36:53,276
Narrator: But as the
war in vietnam rages on,
707
00:36:53,344 --> 00:36:54,711
Another threat emerges.
708
00:36:56,581 --> 00:37:01,551
North vietnamese fighter
planes called migs.
709
00:37:03,655 --> 00:37:06,523
Man: The migs were designed
for close-in dog fighting.
710
00:37:09,193 --> 00:37:11,160
The migs were also
smaller and lighter
711
00:37:11,229 --> 00:37:13,796
And much more nimble
than the phantom.
712
00:37:13,865 --> 00:37:15,198
Narrator: It soon
becomes apparent
713
00:37:15,267 --> 00:37:18,301
That the migs have the edge
on the american fighter.
714
00:37:19,771 --> 00:37:21,838
Man: The phantom was a
very fast aircraft
715
00:37:21,906 --> 00:37:23,406
But it's very slow to turn
716
00:37:23,474 --> 00:37:27,744
Which means that it's very
difficult to get behind a mig
717
00:37:27,812 --> 00:37:29,345
For a good shot.
718
00:37:29,348 --> 00:37:31,814
Narrator: No
shots mean no kills.
719
00:37:31,883 --> 00:37:36,019
The pentagon fears its f-4
pilots are losing the edge.
720
00:37:36,087 --> 00:37:39,222
Man: The f-4 wasn't designed
to be a dog fighter.
721
00:37:39,224 --> 00:37:42,025
The f-4 had been designed as
a high-altitude interceptor,
722
00:37:42,093 --> 00:37:44,160
To shoot high altitude targets.
723
00:37:44,229 --> 00:37:46,029
Man: The navy and the air force
724
00:37:46,031 --> 00:37:48,831
Were expecting this
long-range missile battle,
725
00:37:48,834 --> 00:37:52,569
Shooting down bombers, and
what they got in vietnam
726
00:37:52,637 --> 00:37:55,705
Was a short-range dog fight war.
727
00:37:55,773 --> 00:37:57,040
So it was a bit of a problem.
728
00:37:58,310 --> 00:38:01,244
Narrator: Mcdonnell gives
the f-4 a major overhaul,
729
00:38:02,314 --> 00:38:05,048
Hoping to improve it
for the reality of war.
730
00:38:06,585 --> 00:38:09,185
Man: There were four major
versions of the f-4
731
00:38:09,253 --> 00:38:10,420
During the vietnam conflict.
732
00:38:10,488 --> 00:38:13,723
The f4-c, which was
basically the navy version
733
00:38:13,791 --> 00:38:16,192
Of the airplane, which
had no computing power,
734
00:38:16,261 --> 00:38:18,228
Nothing automatic in it at all.
735
00:38:19,398 --> 00:38:23,399
Then, the f-4d, which did have
a computerized bombing system
736
00:38:23,402 --> 00:38:26,870
And a computerized gun
site, for air-to-air.
737
00:38:26,938 --> 00:38:29,939
Then the f4-e with
an internal gun
738
00:38:30,008 --> 00:38:33,076
And then a modified
version of the f4-e
739
00:38:33,144 --> 00:38:37,246
That had a highly modified
wing that gave a better control
740
00:38:37,315 --> 00:38:39,482
At low air speed and
high angles of attack.
741
00:38:40,485 --> 00:38:42,618
Narrator: The new
and improved f-4s emerge
742
00:38:42,621 --> 00:38:44,220
Ready to prove themselves
743
00:38:44,289 --> 00:38:47,957
Against their north vietnamese
enemies, including the migs.
744
00:38:50,762 --> 00:38:55,798
April 1972, udorn air
force base, thailand.
745
00:38:55,867 --> 00:39:00,103
A team of phantom f-4ds take
off on a mig hunting mission.
746
00:39:01,173 --> 00:39:05,041
Man: Our wing was selected to
find and attack and kill migs.
747
00:39:05,043 --> 00:39:06,509
That was our wing's motto.
748
00:39:06,511 --> 00:39:09,779
Narrator: Air force captain
fred olmsted was a f-4 pilot
749
00:39:09,847 --> 00:39:12,515
With over 300 vietnam
combat missions
750
00:39:13,918 --> 00:39:15,685
Man: They were a very
fast, very nimble,
751
00:39:15,753 --> 00:39:18,221
Very capable adversary.
752
00:39:18,289 --> 00:39:19,089
So we were very aware of that.
753
00:39:20,124 --> 00:39:21,591
We were cognizant of
what the mig-21 could do
754
00:39:21,593 --> 00:39:23,460
If you weren't careful.
755
00:39:23,528 --> 00:39:25,862
Narrator: Olmsted counts
on the phantom's upgrades
756
00:39:25,864 --> 00:39:26,863
To help him.
757
00:39:28,066 --> 00:39:30,934
A better radar, improved
sidewinder heat-seeking missiles
758
00:39:31,002 --> 00:39:33,336
For short range adversaries,
759
00:39:33,338 --> 00:39:36,239
And a lighter, more
maneuverable frame.
760
00:39:36,307 --> 00:39:37,740
Man: The upgrades did help.
761
00:39:37,743 --> 00:39:41,478
It was basically an aircraft
that could dog fight
762
00:39:41,546 --> 00:39:43,746
And stay up with any migs
the north vietnamese had
763
00:39:43,749 --> 00:39:44,481
At that time.
764
00:39:45,616 --> 00:39:47,483
Narrator: Olmsted
and the other f-4s
765
00:39:47,486 --> 00:39:50,119
Soon cross into enemy lines,
766
00:39:50,188 --> 00:39:53,089
Daring the migs to
come out and play.
767
00:39:53,091 --> 00:39:55,491
Man: We've got all
four of our radars
768
00:39:55,494 --> 00:39:59,762
Pointing in the direction we
feel a threat might be coming.
769
00:39:59,765 --> 00:40:01,063
It was worth it to take a look
770
00:40:01,132 --> 00:40:03,032
And see if there's
any trouble up there,
771
00:40:03,100 --> 00:40:04,667
Any migs that want
to cause trouble
772
00:40:04,735 --> 00:40:06,169
For other airplanes in the area.
773
00:40:07,238 --> 00:40:10,039
Narrator: Olmsted's
intuition is right on the money.
774
00:40:10,108 --> 00:40:12,375
Two migs appear on the radar,
775
00:40:12,443 --> 00:40:14,544
Ready to accept the
phantom's challenge.
776
00:40:15,947 --> 00:40:20,183
♪
777
00:40:20,185 --> 00:40:20,917
Man: Right then and there
778
00:40:21,919 --> 00:40:23,519
We knew there was going
to be a dog fight.
779
00:40:23,522 --> 00:40:24,988
Somebody's going to die
780
00:40:25,056 --> 00:40:27,089
And it's not going
to be the phantoms.
781
00:40:27,158 --> 00:40:31,360
Narrator: The migs flash
by, passing at just 1,500 feet.
782
00:40:31,429 --> 00:40:34,597
Olmsted quickly turns his
phantom to pursue and attack.
783
00:40:35,533 --> 00:40:38,601
Man: As I'm turning to chase,
unbeknownst to any of us,
784
00:40:38,603 --> 00:40:41,671
Out comes another mig
from below and behind,
785
00:40:41,739 --> 00:40:43,940
Maneuvering to try to
attack me and my wingman.
786
00:40:48,346 --> 00:40:51,481
And his intention was to
get behind me and my wingman
787
00:40:51,549 --> 00:40:52,715
And kill both of us.
788
00:40:57,555 --> 00:40:58,821
Narrator: Olmsted
and his wingman
789
00:40:58,890 --> 00:41:00,957
Prepare to confront
the first two migs.
790
00:41:01,959 --> 00:41:04,027
Another f-4 chases
down the third.
791
00:41:06,898 --> 00:41:09,532
Man: I pulled my nose
up to get behind him.
792
00:41:09,600 --> 00:41:11,568
The mig leader, he
rolled on his back
793
00:41:11,636 --> 00:41:15,037
And went straight down right
in front of me and he was gone.
794
00:41:15,040 --> 00:41:16,139
He was out of the fight.
795
00:41:17,242 --> 00:41:18,374
Narrator: The
mig knows better
796
00:41:18,376 --> 00:41:20,343
Than to face off
against the phantom.
797
00:41:21,379 --> 00:41:23,680
But the second mig
isn't as quick.
798
00:41:24,716 --> 00:41:26,783
Man: The number two man was
right in front of me,
799
00:41:26,851 --> 00:41:27,984
Right where I wanted him.
800
00:41:29,086 --> 00:41:30,486
There was no way the mig
801
00:41:30,555 --> 00:41:32,255
Was going to out
maneuver my phantom.
802
00:41:33,859 --> 00:41:36,993
No matter what the
mig did left or right,
803
00:41:37,061 --> 00:41:39,462
I countered by exactly
the same maneuvers.
804
00:41:40,398 --> 00:41:42,999
Narrator: The mig tries
to make a break for it.
805
00:41:43,067 --> 00:41:46,269
But he can't out
match the f-4's speed.
806
00:41:46,337 --> 00:41:49,205
Man: All of the sudden the real
high g maneuvering ended
807
00:41:49,207 --> 00:41:51,274
And the mig sort
of straightened out
808
00:41:51,342 --> 00:41:53,743
And allowed me to get the
gun sight right on him
809
00:41:53,745 --> 00:41:55,211
And the missiles
locked him right up.
810
00:41:55,280 --> 00:41:58,548
Narrator: Olmsted quickly
sends an aim-7 off the rails,
811
00:42:02,053 --> 00:42:04,053
And it's right on target.
812
00:42:10,728 --> 00:42:14,464
Moments later, another f-4
shoots the second mig down.
813
00:42:20,171 --> 00:42:22,438
Man: The absolute
adrenaline exhilaration
814
00:42:22,507 --> 00:42:27,377
After a dog fight, being
over enemy territory,
815
00:42:28,179 --> 00:42:30,012
Shooting your adversary down
816
00:42:30,081 --> 00:42:32,014
And none of your flight
mates are threatened
817
00:42:32,083 --> 00:42:35,118
And everybody comes home, it's
hard to describe it to people
818
00:42:35,186 --> 00:42:36,953
That have never
been in a dog fight.
819
00:42:37,021 --> 00:42:39,255
It's such an
accomplished feeling
820
00:42:39,257 --> 00:42:41,157
That all of your
training just paid off.
821
00:42:42,393 --> 00:42:43,726
Narrator: By
the end of the war,
822
00:42:43,794 --> 00:42:47,530
The f-4s shoot down 280
north vietnamese aircraft,
823
00:42:48,733 --> 00:42:51,200
More adversaries than
any other fighter.
824
00:42:52,937 --> 00:42:55,104
Man: The f-4 that we
started with in vietnam
825
00:42:55,172 --> 00:42:57,907
Was nothing like the f-4 that
we ended the war in vietnam.
826
00:42:59,010 --> 00:43:00,843
By the end of the
war in vietnam,
827
00:43:00,911 --> 00:43:02,445
We did have the right aircraft.
828
00:43:04,215 --> 00:43:07,783
And by then, they were doing
quite well in the air war.
829
00:43:07,852 --> 00:43:10,219
Narrator: Soon, the
phantom's reign goes global.
830
00:43:11,689 --> 00:43:13,956
The world wants the f-4 too.
831
00:43:13,959 --> 00:43:16,092
Man: The phantom sees
a lot of success
832
00:43:16,160 --> 00:43:18,761
With international
customers as well.
833
00:43:18,830 --> 00:43:22,498
The germans want to build it,
the japanese want to build it,
834
00:43:22,567 --> 00:43:24,834
The british want to build it.
835
00:43:24,902 --> 00:43:27,136
Man: The appeal of the
f-4 to these nations
836
00:43:27,204 --> 00:43:29,105
Was that it was
a great airplane.
837
00:43:29,173 --> 00:43:32,608
These nations wanted an
airplane that was versatile.
838
00:43:32,677 --> 00:43:34,377
They knew the f-4
had a great record
839
00:43:34,379 --> 00:43:36,112
As an air superior airplane
840
00:43:36,114 --> 00:43:37,413
And they knew the f-4
had a great record
841
00:43:37,481 --> 00:43:39,281
As an air-to-ground airplane.
842
00:43:39,350 --> 00:43:40,016
And they knew
843
00:43:41,119 --> 00:43:42,685
That it was the us air
force's front line fighter,
844
00:43:43,655 --> 00:43:44,520
So they wanted it.
845
00:43:45,523 --> 00:43:46,589
Narrator: Back in the states,
846
00:43:46,657 --> 00:43:48,658
The f-4 sees a different
type of action,
847
00:43:50,027 --> 00:43:52,328
In the aerial
acrobatics squadrons
848
00:43:52,396 --> 00:43:54,497
Of the us navy's blue angels
849
00:43:54,565 --> 00:43:57,066
And us air force's thunderbirds.
850
00:43:57,068 --> 00:43:59,468
Man: The phantom has the
distinction of having flown
851
00:43:59,471 --> 00:44:01,737
With both the blue angels
and the thunderbirds
852
00:44:01,740 --> 00:44:03,606
At the same time.
853
00:44:03,608 --> 00:44:06,809
Certainly the reasons it was
such a successful aircraft
854
00:44:06,878 --> 00:44:09,879
Was one of the reasons that
made it a good airplane
855
00:44:09,881 --> 00:44:12,481
For these demonstration
squadrons.
856
00:44:12,550 --> 00:44:14,350
It was big, it was loud,
857
00:44:14,418 --> 00:44:16,185
It could be seen,
it could be heard.
74792
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