About
German export variant of the F‑4E, trimmed down for easier maintenance and cost. No Sparrow missiles, one fewer fuel tank, but equipped with leading-edge slats for improved low-speed maneuverability. Served as Luftwaffe’s interim air defense until Eurofighter arrival
Playstyle
Designed as a strike fighter with some air combat capability. Use its large payload to attack ground targets and defend yourself with AIM‑9L when under threat. Best flown high with boom‑and‑zoom tactics, given its decent TWR and top speed but poor tight-turn performance. Save flares and chaff—countermeasures are limited
Pros and Cons
Pros
➕ High top speed (~2,370 kph) and strong payload capacity
➕ Robust TWR (~0.98) supports boom-and-zoom
➕ Maneuverability improved by leading-edge slats
➕ Effective AIM‑9L IR missiles for self-defense
Cons
➖ No radar-guided Sparrow missiles—weak BVR options
➖ Poor turn rate (~23.6°/s) and sluggish roll (~251°/s)
➖ Low countermeasure load (30 flares, 60 chaff)—easy to run out
➖ Large IR signature makes it susceptible to heat-seekers
Loadout Option
Trivia
The F‑4F lacked the AIM‑7 Sparrow capability due to export restrictions
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