Blue Angels and The F4 Phantom Era

Some 1970's footage of The Blue Angels.. in their 60,000-pound hulks by McDonnell Douglas.

[@ChevyBM]

The sound of Blue Angels going at it with Phantoms must have been absolutely insane!

[@mikeframe5450]

They had the best sounding jet engine out there, even to this day...the J-79 GE-8. The design of the exhaust nozzles made them howl and squeal like no other jet.

[@1stJetBlack]

Ooooooooo... I like old videos like this. They are so crisp&crunch. More life in them than nowadays HD videos. Four thumbs up!!! ;-)

[@artvandelay0073]

No aircraft can compare to the raw power, noise, and awesome looks of the F-4 Phantoms that both the Blues and the Birds flew from 1969 to 1974. Phantoms Phorever! RIP Harley Hall, Skip Umstead, Mike Murphy, and all others whom we lost over the years. 💔🙏🇺🇸

[@Petersworld518]

Oh my God.... This is so beautiful I almost cried... I wish I had been alive to witness the mastery of such a machine as the F-4 and I envy those that have. But more so, I envy the men inside.

[@bobbeaucamp6541]

Being an old Phantom Phixer myself, it does my heart good to see these videos. Phantoms Phorever!

[@killermurderer2208]

Bob you're a lucky man to have been around these phantastic birds. Modern hardware today and into the future looks uninspiring, so much automation has taken away character and operator involvement to the point that there is no more attachment and the care and attention that comes with it. I'm 33 and i grew up reading about where the space program, aviation and other technology came from. I'm looking at the present and thinking the future probably isn't going to be that interesting. One of the worst stories I've heard of late is from my best friend- he's an A320 captain, and was training a former F/A-18D pilot on the 320 and had to keep telling him to stop looking outside. He said 'you're not flying a plane anymore, you're telling a computer where you want it to go'

[@PotholesInMyLawn]

So good I keep coming back!! Thanks!

[@sidebarrecon2201]

While the Angels are great today, nothing beats the sound and power of the old Phantom. I saw them many times perform with this aircraft, it was some of the best shows they did.

[@humbleone6405]

Yes I remember seeing them in those day's...pushed me to learn to fly..after they switched out of the Phantoms it was never the same..4ever Phantoms

[@bobbycv64]

EXACTLY, when I was a Kid, yes F4. I was also USN 77-81 cv64 and the Tomcat took over. BOTTOM LINE TOMCAT RESPECTED THE PHANTOM.. The follow on F22 / F35 better respect the cat. F14 was way superior to the technology back then

[@quantummath]

One of the greatest F4 Phantom videos that exist on the web. Forever Phantom ....

[@killermurderer2208]

I think you mean Phorever Phantom

[@killermurderer2208]

I saw this comment and came to correct you, only to find i had already done it years before! Phantoms Phorever!

[@quantummath]

😅 well, it happens man. @@killermurderer2208

[@BlueAngelPhantoms]

This footage is from the documentary, "Threshold". The whole move is a must see and features great radio communications between the pilots. Also shows the phantoms refueling on a trip to Hawaii.

[@MrCquixote]

Living testament, that with big enough engines, even a brick will fly. Now, if you excuse me - I'll be busy with the 6th replay of this machine.

[@Psycho9263]

+Average Gatsby Brick, Anvil, it's still "double ugly".

[@aquariuswithfire]

Gotta love thunder pigs!!

[@mattfairfield9103]

The F4 phantom is such a sexy looking plane, but it doesn’t don the blue and yellow scheme very well in my opinion. But it’s just weird seeing the blue angels in anything except F/A-18s hahahahaha

[@oneworld9071]

NICE.... this one's nailing me with nostalgia. I went to elementary school at Naval Academy Primary School early 60's..... We had "graduation" from grades 1-3, held on the day the Blue Angels did their show for the US Naval Academy graduation. All timed just right, we had thousands of acres of unobstructed view and some vertical structures for that reflected roar :) The Phantoms made SERIOUS thunder, I couldn't get enough. Always wondered what it'd be like on the carrier deck with these incredible planes on full power takeoff and landing.

[@GreenRayStudio]

" My Little F4 , by the Seatbelts ....perfect for this

[@TralfazConstruction]

The Phantom with its distinctive profile's still my favorite aircraft. It has an aggressive silhouette and the angled-up wingtips lend it a certain panache not found on contemporary craft. Long may she 'live'.

[@markjumper]

My Dad, then LT. Vern Jumper, flew the Fury, Panther, Cougar, Tiger and Demon at VU-7, VF-111, and VF-121. The F4H-1 Phantom arrived at VF-121 at NAS Miramar during December 1960. Dad finally got his first hop in a VF-121 Phantom during February 1962. It was the game changer aircraft of the U.S. Navy. At 92 years young today he still can recount the power and distinct advantages that the Phantom brought to Navy aviation. Redesignated the F-4A and later the F-4B it kept him alive and brought back to the ship on his 119 combat missions over North Vietnam with VF-21 and his many days as advanced tactics instructor at VF-121 during 1966-1970.

[@muhannad2910]

Many thanks 💕 for all efforts

[@pizon101]

Like great armies and engineering accomplishments of the distant past, nothing will ever dominate or change the world the way U.S. Naval Air Power and capability did in the 50's-80's. That is all over now, but it is amazing to look back in awe and enjoy what it must've been like to be a part of that.

[@juliesaballa9906]

so awesome as always!

[@David611950]

i was also at the air show. april 72 just about to finish my 4yr hitch in the corps. we providing security for the show. back in the day when marines were guarding our naval bases gates. but one of the best shows i have seen.

[@jmcclard]

Great video of a great aircraft being flown by the masters. Thanks for posting.

[@Yosemite-George-61]

I'm an old USAF mechanic... and I tell you, the Blues are the best in the world... and I've seen most of 'em out there...

[@KinetoscopeSC]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@1BustedMyth]

Thanks buddy!, I've been serching for F4 footage everywhere, you made my day!

[@Icarusdecending82]

Goin to see the Blue Angels in Houston this weekend...im stoked!

[@linklindsey5658]

When I was In the USAF I was stationed at Bergstrom AFB with the 67Th Tac Recon Wing that flew the old RF-4's. Three crashed while I was stationed there. Two crew from the same F-4 died the others punched out ok. One of the Airmen that was killed was enlisted on an incentive ride which was just a joy ride for performing his job well and nominated by the commander.This happened between 86 and 91. Fun to watch though.

[@catshotfourone7951]

You probably were the steely eyed marine guard that looked me in the eyes and saluted as we drove in. That was my first real airshow at a MIL-base I was only 12 GOOD TIMES... Thanks for the memories SEMPER FI.

[@82Echo411]

Great video - Back around 64 I was taking Cessna hours in Sarasota FL & flew up to Tampa to catch commercial. I had to fly high over MacDill as they were transitioning USAD TAC to F-4s.

[@catshotfourone7951]

Saw my first Blue Angle performance the last year they flew the "Phantom" '72 I think, at NAS Lemoore back then they flew closer to you, right on top of you, and the sound of that J79 amazing. It left an impression on me because 9yrs later I found myself on the deck of the USS Midway up close and personal with F-4s.

[@orderofmelchizedek1]

I saw the "Blues" perform during the Phantom era in the summer of '69 at Moffett Field, Sunnyvale Ca. My first Blue Angel performance, after that I was hooked for life!!

[@davidorellanafuchs]

Flying with grace and precission such a heavy and big fighter-bomber like the F-4 proves the quality of the machine, but specially of the pilots. Amazing Video, I love the F-4!!

[@SpeedFireARL]

this is beautiful

[@AintLifeGarand]

Video rocks. Music rocks. Great job.

[@miloswanson9646]

I saw both the USN Blue Angels and the USAF Thunderbirds back in those days...and the later A-4 / T-38 era, and the current F/A-18 / F-16 displays. My favorite was the A-4 / T-38 era because the whole flight demo was much closer than the 'fast-mover' but not-as-manouverable F-4 or the current F/A-18 / F-16s.

[@Indarow]

I actually have the vhs that this clip is from. Awesome Movie!!!! Ive had it ever since I can remember. its what started my love for the sky!

[@datacreed]

@maximadog Fantastic memory. Thanks for sharing.

[@bombardierdude15]

thnx for uploading

[@spectres0024]

saw the Blues with F-4s probably 1970-72 at NAS Pt Mugu CA. Unforgettable. Pure power. You feel it in your gut.

[@Nighthawkwill7]

Damn, The Phantom looks alot more maneuverable than I thought it would be. Love that plane! : )

[@gypsykingg]

such a beautiful aircraft

[@yblocker]

wow amazing!

[@lookingforronfalter]

This is from the movie "Threshold", which I bought on VHS in '83. It was filmed some years earlier though. Scenes in the movie from even the late 60's.

[@jedijaffy56]

54 years since the first flight and still going! Long live the phabulous phantom!!

[@luscombedriver4182]

For those curious the film is called "Threshold" and it's narrated by Leslie Nielsen

[@Howrider65]

I remember seeing them at Moffet Field near San Jose they were unreal nothing like the ones of today they flew so low off the deck so close together so fast nothing like the Blues of today. Nothing is what it used to be.

[@j1a9m7e2s]

Great video, great era, great music! The F4 has to be the best looking jet ever made! Those boys flying had the cream job! Better than watching the ocean go by at night for 11 hours at a time:)

[@kyotokid4]

...classy footage there. I remember back in '69 when both the Angels and T-Birds performed at the annual "Mitchell Air Fair" in Milwaukee WI (no longer held) with these magnificent beasts. I lived about a mile north of the airport just off the approach path to runway one-niner. When the teams flew in the Thursday before, they both let us know they had arrived.

[@borntoclimb7116]

Nice video

[@mchale20201]

Awesome footage. It's hard to believe how something that looks as cumbersome as the Phantom can move like that!

[@lohniskeho]

What a Espectacular plane the F4 Phamtom Is and Was!! There Will Never be Another Plane with the same Mysticism and Gracefullness!!

[@datacreed]

Awesome, wish I was old enough to remember those. I vaguely remember a few air shows out at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton though.. Thanks for watching..

[@makemeshake]

@ironcitydevildog - that is cool, he was shot down jan. 27, 1973 11 hrs before the end of the war. he hasn't never been brought home. he must never be forgotten

[@carlg5122]

Song "My Day" by Carl Ginsberg. www.reverbnation.com/carlginsberg

[@MadUek1]

Best plane, best airshow team, best performance...and the Oscar goes to...........THE BLUE ANGELS!

[@Sreybk]

Awesome.

[@CardShark989]

blue angels doing the same shit for more than 50 years and we never cease to amaze you

[@ginz111]

Thanks for using my track in this great video! Anytime you want to do another feel free! Thanks Carl Ginsberg

[@jamesroets800]

Saw them a number of times in the Phantom. Awesome airshows. 1968-1972 seasons. I remember the Lockheed Constellation support aircraft as well, until it was replaced by the C-130.

[@mikeframe5450]

I saw them many times in the old F-11 Tiger. Only saw them once in Phantoms. It was in 1973, just before they went to the A-4. It was never the same. Saw them one time in the Skyhawk, didn't do it for me, and once in the F-18. Did even less. Never saw them again. For me, the Phantom was IT...top to bottom and side to side.

[@Av8tor66]

The only airplane used by both the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels, the AirForce, the Navy and the Marines all at the same time! Over 5000 built. THE best airplane ever! Long live the Spook!

[@user-ng5jj6vq4z]

Hard and heavy⚡💪

[@justforever96]

I love Phantoms! Funny, the Angels hardly needed smoke ejectors with them smoky old GE's! Love the low-level pass at 1:38, and the dive-in at 1:41 and pass from the plane is just sick. I'd love to do that someday; 600 mph ten feet off the deck.

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

@maximadog Must of been 1974 Bro. Blue Angels flew the Phantom from 1969 to Dec 1974. Great story though! I'm with you, I saw them in the Phantom when I was 10 and the F-4 was so bad-ass, so LOUD, and I just loved it. For Christmas that year I got a model kit of the f-4 and my dad helped me build it as a Blue Angel. Now the tables have turned. The USAF Thunderbirds are my favorite. The F-16 is loud and beautiful. I saw the Blue Angels a couple of years ago and the were good, but the F-18 is mu

[@sslusshy]

Man f4s are so badass!

[@raynus1]

For a combat jet type to still be operational 54 years after first taking wing is truly remarkable. Ugly? I prefer to use the term 'brutishly handsome'.

[@Yosemite-George-61]

1:48... almost pissed in my pants.... That was some serious flying doing aeros with an F-4

[@Snailmale7]

@pramboy09 Good point, not to mention the A-4 was much harder to see in the big skies. This was a bonus, and I am sure helped in combat as well.

[@datacreed]

No problem. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Dietpepsivanilla]

The first time I ever saw the Blue Angels was when they were flying the Phantoms in 1972.

[@hipiloto]

The Phantom was hard to fly PERIOD.But to make it do what you wanted it to do took some serious skill.These men made it look effortless!!!

[@raynus1]

As of early 2012: Turkey (a Turkish RF-4 was shot down by Syria last month), Germany (F-4F), Greece (RF-4 & F-4E), Iran (F-4D/E), Japan (F-4EJ/RF-4), Egypt (F-4E), South Korea (F-4E), and at least one civil operator, Collings Foundation (F-4D).

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

The F-4 Phantom will ALWAYS be the classic muscle car of fighter jets. …Always.

[@datacreed]

Thanks, I'll check it out.. Tell him "nice work" on this track..

[@BunchyFishin]

top notch i will be getting an f-4 for fsx ounce i get my computer fixed and i will be doing this hopefully.

[@discofishing]

@MrDeathrider1 I can't tell the difference. I heard the exhaust nozzle was different and there were some modifications to the intakes. There's so little information about this.

[@MadUek1]

Saw both, both perform great, of course nothing beats the old mighty Rhino! I personally like the F-18 more and the dark blue paint sheme, Hornets looks meaner than the Viper. But again, only personal comment. Big cudos to both!

[@thijselzc]

The suits don't really matter, however it does make life a lot easier for them. Red Bull Airrace pilots don't wear them either and the amount of G they pull is way higher. Nice clip!

[@PJNARS]

Excellent choise of music. It fits the "text" very nice. Who is the musical artist?

[@PsychoCheese1337]

Anyone know the music used in the video?

[@datacreed]

Thanks Carl. Nice work on "My Day". Are you still on the Independent Artists' site? I haven't checked that out in awhile.

[@datacreed]

Carl Ginsberg - My Day He's an independent artist and made his own comment on this video a few years ago. Thanks for watching.

[@manny2ndamendment246]

nice

[@shortygasp]

No, the thing is that with the precision needed when flying like the Blue Angels do has to be sooo perfect.(As you probably can understand...heading face 2 face in +-4-500 mph, its gonna suck if you knee/leg even touches your stick 3millimeters..ur dead then rly)..So, they wear no G-suits, basically just to have safer manouvering...well, you get what I mean meh thinkz:)

[@discofishing]

@MrDeathrider1 No, the Israelis tested the PW1120 (F100 derivative) in an F-4E for a bit. As impressive as the results were, the engines were never fitted to the fleet because McDD was trying to push the F-15 Eagle at the time. The F-4E Kurnass went operational with the typical J79. If countries were to fit the Phantom with an OTS engine now, the F414 would probably be the best fit. It is smaller and lighter than the J79.

[@Snailmale7]

@marshja56 I am not an engineer, but I am willing to guess that the F-18's fuselage also generates some lift. Not a great amount, but perhaps just enough to allow it to still outturn the F4.

[@TakeDeadAim]

You can really see the difference in flight stability between the F4 and the F18. Lot's of control surface deflection and "herkin' and jerkin' " goin on. Nothing like the sound(and smokey sight) of a Phantom driver "whippin' the ponies" though! Pure, raw, unadulterated power. Saw one at EAA a couple of years ago. Probably the last time :( Nice vid...

[@danje10]

Note speed brakes a 0:43. Red 'smoke' at 0:52 to 1:00 was actually dyed red fuel! Dumped from dump masts! Thunderbirds never had colored 'smoke'. just white. F-4 was the BEST airplane both Blue Angels and Thunderbirds EVER HAD! F-18 and F-16 don't hold a candle to the noise, thunder, performance, and show of the Phantom II!

[@Hawaiifive01]

Saw them in '74 and/or '75 in Lake Charles, LA. Big and LOUD. Each one had a numbered power cart and lots of ground crew. Unfortunately one of them crashed when he got behind the power curve during a "low & dirty". I've got most of it on Super8. But Pop ran out of film about 1 second before the impact.

[@F22raptor46]

The dislike was definitely a Mig-17 pilot!!!

[@marshja56]

I always think of the F-4 as heavy and the F-18 as agile but according to Wikipedia the F-4 actually had a lower wing loading (78) than the F-18 (93). Again, according to Wiki, The Phantom was a little heavier (not as much as you might think) but had bigger wings that more than made up for the weight. If that is true could the F-4 out-turn the F-18? Hard to believe...

[@fiverats1]

Blue angels FTW

[@Antifaith29]

Well i learnt something today. I had no idea they used the F4's. Thought they used A4's in this period.

[@leoperidot482]

Was that the only time the USAF and USN demonstration teams used the same type of jets?

[@tamapalagi]

the f4 is like a bumble bee. it wasn't suppose to fly too well but with brute power it defied aerodynamics.

[@datacreed]

Correcto on the title and narrator. Thanks for watching, All.

[@shortygasp]

hehe, been some time so I guess you figured it all out:D anyway, 3mm might have been to under-extraminate(or w/e its called:P) but like 1cm from a heavy G turn would be absolutely fatal...maybe even 0.5cm:) G-LOC is when you pass out due to G's:D(gravity induced loss of consciousness) as csczdust mentioned:) Have a merry christmas and a happy new year!:)

[@epoman16]

didn't know the f4 was that fast in the barrel roll....

[@TheKusa5]

Hmmm.. never knew F-4 Phantoms could manuver that well *sorry if i spelled it wrong*

[@bradstrains]

@jdhiner1 That isn't true. F-4s had 2 j79s each rated at nearly 18000 lbs thrust. the F-18 had 2 F404 rated at 16000 lbs thrust - 17000 lbs thrust. The lighter f-18 has a Thrust to weight ratio of .98 to the F-4s .86 but the F4 could carry 18000 lbs, its like flying on one engine. The phantoms could climb as fast and go mach 2.23. The F-18 was limited to mach 1.8+, do to the fixed intakes, which operates best at subsonic speeds.

[@nic190]

someone should upload the whole movie on youtube

[@ninaslk9573]

Wow.. that's wonderful takeoff...so amazing..... good luck Capitan....

[@drod103164]

do you know who is still flying them as of today.

[@rdenovan1]

long live the flyin anvil......