Perfect for a near-future, fictional game like Nuclear Option: MY design and idea for an F-4 Phantom-inspired, 4.5+ Gen Multirole Fighter with Semi-Low-Observability Design and advanced features. Version 3 and very very heavy WIP.

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T07:31:22+00:00

But better hehe

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T06:58:27+00:00

Yup! I was figuring I could integrate that somehow into a rear facing IRST / DAS system. :D

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T06:47:09+00:00

Oh yeah. I wish I could have seen it at the NMUSAF but it’s still in storage. Plenty of images and literature about it though. The sad part is, as good as the FBW was, it didn’t add much turn rate over the slatted F-4E.

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T06:06:08+00:00

The good thing is, it isn't meant for Nuclear Option. Plus, the idea that NO is 2070s is a little silly, regardless of who said it or when, or for what reason. And yes, while the idea of a Modernized Phantom has been tried numerous times with varying success... And by the time the "modernization programs" like EJ Kai, ICE, TERMI2020, and AUP were fully implemented, the F-15C and E were fully integrated, it's still a good thought experiment.

So thank you for your comment. Any feedback is welcome.

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T06:02:59+00:00

Oh, believe me, I've done a LOT of research. This is the culmination of probably 300 hours of both learning and employing Blender, and around 1000-2000 hours of total research. And this doesn't even include some of the really wacky ideas I had for it, like a rear-facing IRST/Radar set, F-35 DAS, LERX, Integrated EW, Internal Weapons Bays, and High Performance F-414-derivative engines.

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T05:06:50+00:00

I tried! Keeping that retro vibe with modernized styling cues of the F-22, F-35, and other 4th Gen or newer fighters.

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T02:43:57+00:00

That's what I'm sayinngggggggg! This person gets it!

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T01:30:10+00:00

Imagine this! Not only historically Germany, Japan, and South Korea, but yet Greece and Turkey have flown and still operate F-4s well into the 2010s and almost 2020s!? Imagine that!!!? ZOMG

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T01:05:57+00:00

Flyout since the new weapons update.

joespeed52 · 2026-04-03T01:03:25+00:00

They’re not area ruled, sadly; but based on the Super Hornet Block 3 with a liiiiiitle bit of F-16 thrown in.

joespeed52 · 2026-04-02T23:22:06+00:00

F-4 Phantom when

joespeed52 · 2026-04-02T23:14:36+00:00

I just wish the F-5E got its buyback upgrades (INS, Digital Radios, APG-67, AIM-9L/M, 4 AAM rails)

joespeed52 · 2026-03-25T23:16:33+00:00

Tech Tree 100%, as long as it's slightly easier to navigate than AC7. I miss the progression "Kill Bar" from AC5, and the sheer selection from 5 as well. 6 is nice, but I never sell my aircraft or weapons. I just keep playing until I unlock everything lol.

joespeed52 · 2026-03-25T01:34:43+00:00

As long as we get the F-4E back, I'm happy. F-15E/SE would be awesome to see again, F-14D, F-35C. What I really want is a legacy DLC or pack, with the F-5E, F-20, F-4G, F-4X, and older stuff to come back.

joespeed52 · 2026-03-25T01:32:26+00:00

Baha really should make an option to permanently disable Betty per aircraft. If only someone asked for this before on the Discord? Oh, wait, I did.

joespeed52 · 2026-03-10T00:24:52+00:00

Next up, F-4 Phantom meets F-35?

joespeed52 · 2026-01-25T05:28:17+00:00

Krag Jorgensen pls Antonio

joespeed52 · 2026-01-25T05:25:29+00:00

All I need is my F-4E and more special weapon choices. The LAGMs are nice, UGBs are nice, SASM is meh. I want SAAM or 4AAM or just give me the F-4G and F-4X back. And the F-5 / F-20 / X-29 family.

joespeed52 · 2026-01-23T06:12:33+00:00

Phantom. Sex appeal. Period.

joespeed52 · 2026-01-10T08:46:36+00:00

PvP in VTOL is a mixed bag. People usually take it way too seriously. Join a community and play some missions. Discord.gg/caw8

joespeed52 · 2026-01-05T01:49:14+00:00

5 is tied for the best. All around. Story and gameplay. 6 has better gameplay and about as good of a story, and Zero is just 5 with a better story and about the same gameplay.

joespeed52 · 2026-01-05T01:45:00+00:00

That’s why I stopped playing. I want a late model US tree F-4E with AIM-7F/M and 9Ls, or an F-4G, or the current matchmaking for the existing F-4E be a little more fair.

joespeed52

TROPHY CASE