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Just going through a book and I note that it's been almost 31 years since the last U.S. -built Phantom was completed (a S. Korean F-4E) on 25 Oct. 1979.
That's enough to make us feel old.
That led me to wonder if there was a concensus on how many were built.
According to Francillion's McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920, Vol II. He lists production records that indicate 5068 made by McDonnell (including 11 built in the US and assemblen in Japan) and 127 license built in Japan for a total of 5195.
But well respected UK author Bill Gunston write in Plane Speaking,that he correct number is 5211 and "...(not 5057, 5081,5195, or any other popular total)".
(I can also very highly recommend his earlier books, Early Supersonic Fighters of the West, Bombers of the West and Attack Aircraft of the West...all have detailed political and technical histories of aircraft).
Any of you have opinions on the total?
I have to admit that the production numbers (broken down by block numbers and military serials) listed by Francillion make a strong case.
Also, I recall reading somewhere, many years ago, that some enthuiast was trying to collect photos of every Phantom ever built?
Anyone else recall that and know if he was successful?
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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.
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