The 50/50 Phantom, “F4K/F4M”, Eastman Color?, heavy color fade

“The United Kingdom (UK) operated the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II as one of its principal combat aircraft from 1968 to 1992. The UK was the first export customer for the F-4 Phantom, which was ordered in the context of political and economic difficulties around British designs for the roles that it eventually undertook. The Phantom was procured to serve in both the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm (FAA) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) in several roles including air defence, close air support, low-level strike and tactical reconnaissance.”

“The [Royal Navy] had made their mind up and wanted the F-4 instead. Later that year the new Labour government came to power and also cancelled the RAF’s P.1154 and TSR.2, leaving the RAF with no Hunter replacement, and no Canberra replacement. Suddenly the F-4 was looking much more attractive. Biting the bullet and ordering the F-4, the MoD did at least get agreement to re-engine the aircraft with Rolls-Royce Speys, and to have parts of the aircraft built in the UK – e.g. BAC would build the rear fuselage, Ferranti would build the radars (though the American design would be kept). Based upon the F-4J, two UK versions of the Phantom II were produced. The Royal Navy was to receive the F-4K, and the RAF were to get the F-4M.”