F-4 Phantom: The Mach 2.2 Jet That Defined Cold War Airpower Summary and Key Points – The F-4 Phantom II emerged from the U.S. Navy’s 1950s demand for a radar-and-missile interceptor that could defend ...

It seems logical that modern fighter jets would be faster than those that flew half a century ago. But the opposite is true. The Vietnam-era F-4 Phantom could reach Mach 2.2, or about 1,500 mph, while ...

Fighter jets are known for their speed. America's latest aircraft, like the fast-moving F-22 Raptor fighter jet, are capable of hitting Mach 2 or roughly 1,500 mph, while the F-35 Lightning II can ...