A comparison between the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the Saab J35 Draken based on technical, scientific, budgetary, operational and strategic criteria to determine the best-performing aircraft.

Comparing two legendary fighter aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the Saab J35 Draken, involves evaluating a wide range of criteria. As each aircraft has its own strengths and weaknesses, it is essential to analyse them across a range of technical, scientific, budgetary, operational and strategic dimensions. This article takes a close look at these factors and provides an overview of which aircraft excels in each aspect.

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: technical overview

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic fighter-bomber and interceptor aircraft. Known for its impressive speed and versatile mission capabilities, the F-4 Phantom II can reach speeds of Mach 2.23 (2,370 km/h; 1,470 mph) at high altitude. It has a maximum take-off weight of around 28,030 kg (61,795 lbs), enabling it to carry substantial loads of fuel and weapons. The aircraft has an operational ceiling of around 18,300 metres (60,000 feet), giving it a significant altitude advantage. However, its large radar section and low stealth design are significant drawbacks in modern air combat scenarios.

Saab J35 Draken : Technical overview

The Saab J35 Draken is a single-seat, single-engine interceptor designed for high-speed interception and air superiority. With a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 (2,120 km/h), it is slightly slower than the Phantom II but highly manoeuvrable thanks to its unique double delta wing configuration. The Draken has a maximum take-off weight of 16,000 kg and an operating ceiling of 18,000 metres. Its compact design and advanced aerodynamics give it exceptional agility, although it carries less payload than the Phantom II. The Draken’s innovative design has influenced future developments in aviation, despite its limitations in terms of avionics and electronic systems.

Technical Criteria

Maximum take-off weight

Definition of the criterion:
The maximum take-off weight indicates the aircraft’s ability to carry fuel and weapons, thus influencing its endurance and firepower.

Why it should be taken into account:
An aircraft with a higher maximum take-off weight can carry more fuel and weaponry, increasing its versatility and effectiveness on the battlefield.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: With a maximum take-off weight of 28,030 kg (61,795 lbs), the F-4 Phantom II can carry a considerable payload, including missiles, bombs and extra fuel tanks.
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken’s maximum take-off weight is 16,000 kg (35,273 lbs), limiting its payload capacity compared to the Phantom II.

Point for: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Range of action

Definition of the criterion:
The range is the maximum distance an aircraft can cover without in-flight refuelling.

Why it is important:
A greater range allows the aircraft to carry out long-range missions, increasing its operational and strategic reach.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: The Phantom II has a range of 2,600 km (1,615 miles), allowing extended missions without the need for refuelling.
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken has a range of 1,500 km (932 miles), which is more limited compared to the Phantom II.

Point for: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Maximum Speed

Definition of the criterion:
Maximum speed is the highest speed the aircraft can reach in flight.

Why it should be taken into account:
A higher speed allows the aircraft to intercept targets quickly and remove itself from threats effectively.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: With a top speed of Mach 2.23 (2,370 km/h; 1,470 mph), the Phantom II can reach very high speeds.
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken has a top speed of Mach 2.0 (2,120 km/h; 1,320 mph), slightly slower than the Phantom II.

Point for: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Operational ceiling

Definition of the criterion:
The operational ceiling is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can fly effectively.

Why it should be considered:
A high operational ceiling allows the aircraft to operate above enemy defences and have an advantage in terms of detection and weapons range.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: The Phantom II can fly up to an altitude of 18,300 metres (60,000 feet).
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken has an operational ceiling of 18,000 metres (59,055 feet), slightly lower than the Phantom II.

Point for: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Manoeuvrability

Definition of the criterion:
Manoeuvrability refers to the aircraft’s ability to change direction and altitude quickly.

Why it is important:
Improved manoeuvrability is crucial for close air combat and missile evasion.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: The Phantom II is less manoeuvrable due to its size and configuration.
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken, with its unique delta design, offers exceptional manoeuvrability.

Point for: Saab J35 Draken

Weapon-carrying capacity

Criterion definition:
This refers to the types and quantities of weapons the aircraft can carry.

Why it should be taken into account:
A higher weapons-carrying capacity enables the aircraft to carry out a variety of offensive and defensive missions.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: The Phantom II can carry up to 8,400 kg (18,519 lbs) of weapons.
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken can carry up to 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) of weapons.

Point for: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Range

Definition of criterion:
Autonomy is the maximum time the aircraft can remain in the air without refuelling.

Why it should be taken into account:
A longer range allows for extended patrols and long-duration missions.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: The Phantom II has a combat range of around 2.5 hours.
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken has a range of approximately 1.5 hours.

Point for: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Propulsion system

Definition of criterion:
The propulsion system relates to the type and performance of the engines.

Why it should be considered:
More efficient engines increase the speed, manoeuvrability and overall efficiency of the aircraft.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: The Phantom II is powered by two General Electric J79-GE-17A engines, providing a total thrust of 16,950 kgf (37,320 lbf).
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken uses a Volvo Flygmotor RM6C engine, offering 6,800 kgf (15,000 lbf) of thrust.

Point for: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Stealth capabilities

Definition of the criterion:
Stealth capabilities refer to the effectiveness of the aircraft in avoiding detection by radar.

Why it should be taken into account:
Improved stealth increases the chances of survival and mission accomplishment by avoiding detection by enemy radars.

Comparative analysis:

McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: The Phantom II, designed before the age of stealth, has no significant stealth features.
Saab J35 Draken: The Draken, although smaller and harder to detect visually, has no advanced stealth capabilities.

Point for: None

Comparing the various technical, scientific and budgetary criteria, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II stands out for its load capacity, range, maximum speed, operational ceiling and weapons-carrying capacity. The Saab J35 Draken, on the other hand, excels in terms of manoeuvrability thanks to its unique design and compact size. Ultimately, the F-4 Phantom II shows overall superiority on several crucial technical criteria, making it more versatile and effective for a wide range of missions. However, for missions requiring great agility, the Draken remains a high-performance option.

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