McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom in the Air

Aerial Photographs of the Famous Cold War Interceptor and Fighter-Bomber

Author: Robbie Shaw

McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom in the Air

Hardcover

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30th September 2025

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Pre order release date
30th September 2025

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Hardcover

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Description

This stunning book offers a unique photographic exploration of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, captured by Robbie Shaw during his time as an Air Traffic Controller in the RAF. The F-4 Phantom, first flown in 1958, became a versatile warplane, excelling as both an air superiority interceptor and a ground-attack bomber. It served with distinction in the US Navy, Marines, and Air Force, with various models like the F-4C, F-4G, and F-4E, and was used globally by NATO allies, Israel, Egypt, and many others. Shaw's breathtaking collection of air-to-air photographs, taken during seven flights, showcases the Phantom in a variety of roles and settings. These images include variants like the RF-4C, F-4C/D/E/F/G/J/K, captured while flying with the RAF, USAF, Luftwaffe, and others. Additional photos from Shaw's friends in the Falklands, Europe, and South Korea further enrich the book. The Phantom, famously used in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, continued in service for over six decades. It was also used as a target drone after retiring from front-line duties. As of 2024, the Phantom remains in service with countries like Greece, Turkey, and Iran, making it one of the longest-serving military aircraft in history. AUTHOR: Robbie Shaw was educated at Govan High School in Glasgow. He became an aircraft enthusiast at the age of twelve, after attending the last ever air show at Royal Naval Air Station Abbotsinch (HMS Sanderling), which is now Glasgow International Airport. In March 1969 he joined the Royal Air Force as an Assistant Air Traffic Controller. Following training as an Air Traffic Controller, he undertook tours at Brawdy, Scampton, when it became the base for the Central Flying School (CFS) after it moved from Leeming, Sek Kong (Hong Kong), and Benson. He left the RAF in 1991 and the following year he went to Gatwick where he spent the next nineteen years, retiring in 2011. An enthusiastic aircraft photographer, he travelled the world, being fortunate in having many flights in military aircraft including seven with F-4 Phantom units, six with the RAF, and one with the USAF. 200 colour illustrations

About the Author

ROBBIE SHAW was educated at Govan High School in Glasgow. He became an aircraft enthusiast at the age of twelve, after attending the last ever air show at Royal Naval Air Station Abbotsinch (HMS Sanderling), which is now Glasgow International Airport. In March 1969 he joined the Royal Air Force as an Assistant Air Traffic Controller. Following training as an Air Traffic Controller, he undertook tours at Brawdy, Scampton, when it became the base for the Central Flying School (CFS) after it moved from Leeming, Sek Kong (Hong Kong), and Benson. He left the RAF in 1991 and the following year he went to Gatwick where he spent the next nineteen years, retiring in 2011. An enthusiastic aircraft photographer, he travelled the world, being fortunate in having many flights in military aircraft including seven with F-4 Phantom units, six with the RAF, and one with the USAF.