The F-4 was unveiled by McDonald Douglas in 1958.æ It quickly became the backbone of the US airforce serving both as an interceptor and a ground support aircraft.æ The plane served as the frontline American aircraft during the Viet Nam war.æ The US navy also used the plane as its premier carrier based aircraft.æ The F-4 is also well known for its roll as Israel main aircraft during the Yom Kippur War of 1973.æ In the beginning of the 21st century the US airforce was still using the Pantom II primarily in the Wild Weasel configuration.