As with the original F-4G, the Wild Weasel model featured a two crew tandem-seat cockpit. with the forward position taken by the pilot and the rear position seating the Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO). Since their cannon armament was removed in favor of applicable equipment, the Wild Weasel was compensated fairly by retaining the healthy ordnance-carrying capabilities of the base Phantom II. Along with the ability to carry air-to-air missiles, the aircraft could unleash air-to-ground missiles, rockets, conventional drop bombs or other munitions then available. Its primary weapon became the AGM-88A, B- and C-model anti-radar / anti-radiation "HARM" (High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile) missiles.
With its origins in the F-4 Phantom II fighter-bomber, the F-4G Wild Weasel retained the excellent capabilities of a proven warfighter including high-speed performance and a shared workload with the inclusion of a second crewmember. Like their combat brethren, F-4G Wild Weasels also fitted 2 x General Electric J79-GE-17 series turbofan engines producing 17,900lbs of thrust each with afterburner capability. Specifications included a maximum speed of 1,430 miles per hour and a range of 1,610 miles along with a service ceiling of 58,750 feet.
When deployed in more modern conflicts, the F-4G Wild Weasel continued the SAM-hunting sorties pioneered by previous Vietnam War airmen. It was used in the same way - directly countering enemy radar establishments and dealing with any missile threats ahead of the main bomber force. Additionally, the F-4G Wild Weasel could utilize its sensitive tracking and targeting equipment to direct another fighter-bomber aircraft to a target - this pairing also used in Vietnam and dubbed the "hunter-killer" tactic. F-4G Wild Weasels were utilized to great success against Iraqi air defenses during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 - helping to reduce the "4th Largest Army in the World" to dust.
As with most other aircraft selected for the dangerous Wild Weasel role, the F-4 Phantom II series inevitably reached its technological apex in U.S. service and was inevitably replaced by the newer and more capable General Dynamics F-16 "Fighting Falcon" multirole fighter. With the F-16 now beginning to show its age despite an excellent service record with multiple operators, it is expected that the in-development Lockheed F-35 "Lightning II" 5th Generation Fighter will eventually replace the Cold War players in the same role in time.
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