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There are few aircraft even today that can match the sheer power and brute performance of the F-4 Phantom, portrayed here on a breath-taking low level, high-speed ‘lake burner run’ at Pyramid Lake in the Nevada Desert.
The F-4 Phantom was one of the most versatile fighters ever built and is regarded by many as the best combat aircraft of its generation. The RF-4C recce model carried a comprehensive suite of cameras giving a low, medium and high-level photo-reconnaissance capability. Although unarmed for most of its career, the RF-4Cs of the Alabama, Nevada and RF-4 Fighter Weapons School were modified to carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder Air to Air Missile.
These modernized RF-4Cs of the Alabama and Nevada Air National Guard extensively participated in the Gulf War with the FANGOs of the 192nd TRS, Nevada Air Guard. The aircraft in the painting is RF-4C 005 “Balls Five”, flown by one of the 192nd TRS FANGO pilots with the artist in the rear seat, just below Mach:1.0 and just below thirty feet over Pyramid Lake. There was trouble a few years later after film emerged on the web of a Phantom doing something very similar on a different occasion. Hence the subtitle – “Never been there, Never done that”.
But a lot of F-4 people have, and they do have the T-Shirt and vivid memories of a fantastic aircraft.
Signatures:
The F-4 Phantom II remains a signature combat aircraft of the Cold War. In this breathtaking painting, Michael Rondot portrays the RF-4C recce model during a high-speed “lake burner run.” Specifically, the scene depicts aircraft RF-4C 005 “Balls Five” flying just below Mach 1.0 at only thirty feet over Pyramid Lake. This artwork captures the sheer power of a machine that served as the backbone of American air power for decades. You can find this piece and other aviation classics in our Photography and Phantom Art limited edition print collections.
Originally developed for the U.S. Navy, the Phantom eventually served the Air Force and Marine Corps. Indeed, production ran from 1958 to 1981, with over 5,000 aircraft built. The F-4 is a massive fighter with a top speed exceeding Mach 2.2. Consequently, it set 15 world records for speed and altitude early in its career. While early models lacked an internal cannon, later variants incorporated the M61 Vulcan rotary cannon. Furthermore, the aircraft could carry 18,000 pounds of weapons across nine external hardpoints.
The RF-4C recce model carried a comprehensive suite of cameras for low, medium, and high-level reconnaissance. Notably, while most reconnaissance Phantoms flew unarmed, certain units modified their aircraft to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. These modernized jets, including those from the Nevada Air National Guard, participated extensively in the 1991 Gulf War. Moreover, the subtitle of the painting, “Never been there, Never done that,” alludes to the daring low-level flying that Phantom crews famously performed.
The Phantom served as the principal air superiority fighter during the Vietnam War. Notably, all five American aces from that conflict earned their titles while flying the F-4. Though the U.S. military replaced it with the F-15 and F-14, the Phantom continued in “Wild Weasel” roles until 1996. Finally, the aircraft remains in active service today with the air forces of several nations. In fact, it was the only jet ever used by both the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels. Therefore, this painting serves as a definitive tribute to a fantastic aircraft. For further information on the Phantom visit the National Museum of the USAF website.
| Dimensions | 70 × 50 cm |
|---|---|
| Print Type | Signed and Numbered, Artists Proof, Remarque, Double Remarque, Canvas Print |
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