McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom Manual 1958 Onwards (all marks): An Insight into Owning, Flying and Maintaining the Legendary Cold War Combat Jet (Owners' Workshop Manual) Hardcover – February 1, 2012

Although Haynes has done some excellent books on modern combat aircraft, this entry in their "Owners' Workshop Manual" series isn't among my favorites. It has all the elements you'd expect - a brief potted history, a section on the aircraft's anatomy, some operational and procedural details, and lots of nice photographs and diagrams. It's not as detailed as many of Haynes' other aircraft manuals, nor does it gel together quite as well. Although the Phantom was a versatile multi-role aircraft still in service with seven air forces, this book focuses mainly on the FGR.2 variant used by the RAF. Although Haynes is a British publisher, I think they've done the Phantom a bit of a disservice here. The book attempts to condense the aircraft's 45-year history into a short introduction, which reads rather poorly. The technical and mechanical details are handled better, and there are some interesting asides on aircraft maintenance, flying qualities, and the Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles.This isn't a bad book, but considering that it mainly focuses solely on the FGR.2, it's somewhat misleadingly titled. Phantom Phans might enjoy it, but I hoped for a bit more "meat" from this one.

Excellent book, although why it would refer to being an "owner's workshop manual" is beyond me. For one thing, the lack of info one would need to actually "own & fly" one of these things would take thousands of pages of information. But, it is an informative book & worth the $$ paid as long as you can get it at a good discount.

too British oriented. They were a small player in Phantom ops. A bit more technical would have been preferred but good reading overall.

Good reference book but wish it was more on American aircraft.

The F-4 has a long history in many of the world's Air Forces. I would have liked to see more US coverage.

Fun book to read brought back memories of my time with Phantoms this book has lots of good information about old double ugly

my dad, a former F4 pilot, learned new things from this book I gave him as a gift! that's impressive.

Decent book but same usual pictures as seen in others. Nothing new.

I have known Ian for many years and this outstanding book is a first class addition to any aviation library. As a former Phantom back-seater and fellow aviation author I know how hard it is to get the balance right between detail and readability. Ian has hit it spot on. The descriptions of the Phantom are accurate, easily understood and well laid out. This superb book is packed full of top quality pictures and some are simply stunning. Not only can he write but his talent as an aviation photographer is in the top flight. The book will appeal to enthusiasts, former aircrew or groundcrew and modellers alike.Dave GledhillAuthor of "A Phantom In Focus - A Navigator's Eye on Britain's Cold War Warrior".

Received ok VMT

I love aircraft this is brilliant for a phantom lover

Haynes did another great work. Brought back memories of the eighties

It's an awesome manual with info for whatever you imagine. One objection it stays longer than needed on the UK Phantom (with different engines, avionics etc) which describes thoroughly while leaving all the other versions not so well described.