The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was used by the US for reconnaissance and Wild Weasel missions until it was retired from combat service in 1996 from the US military force. The F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, and long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber. The F-4 was used in the Vietnam War for ground attack, bombing, and air-to-air combat.
The F-4 Phantoms were a major player in the skies over Vietnam. However, it was destroyed more than any other type of fixed-wing aircraft , as hundreds of aircraft were lost during combat, while around 150 fighters were lost during noncombat due to other operational reasons. To protect its technological edge and organizational adaptability to changes of the post-Vietnam era, the USAF also focused on pilot training and air combat effectiveness.
Some important innovations were the Falcon-type airplanes, stealth technology, training, and techniques. The F-16 Fighting Falcon was a multi-role fighter for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground attacks. The F-15 Eagle was built for air superiority and had powerful engines and more excellent maneuverability.
In this regard, the USAF had to alter planes and strategies after the Vietnam War, underlining what the war has shown. The aircraft was originally developed by McDonnell Aircraft for the United States Navy. From the 1970s through the 1980s, the F-4 remained significant in US military air power before being phased out and replaced with modern fighter.