F-4 Phantom II

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was originally designed as a carrier-based interceptor for the US Navy but proved so capable that the USAF adopted it as well, an unprecedented move. It became the primary fighter for both services during the Vietnam War, where it initially struggled in dogfights due to its lack of an internal gun. This experience led to the creation of the TOPGUN school and the USAFs Fighter Weapons School. The Phantom served with 11 nations including Israel, where it dominated Middle Eastern skies. Over 5,000 were built, making it the most-produced American supersonic military aircraft.