Operation Sageburner
The US Military loves to break records and in 1961 they broke impressive speed records at low altitudes. Codenamed “Operation Sageburner,” the newly introduced McDonnell 4FH-1F Phantom II jets were just the warbirds the US Navy needed to show the world how fast they can fly.
This spitfire of a jet is currently for sale at the French Valley Airport in California and is available to purchase. Being involved with Operation Sageburner, this piece of US Navy history can be yours. If you want to own a warbird truly special, give us a call at 800-210-1951 or reach out to us on our Contact Page.
Continue reading to learn more about the history of Operation Sageburner and the F4H-1F Phantom #145310.
Breaking New Records
The Navy supported the Sageburner project in 1961 as a part of the celebration of 50 years of Naval Aviation. The goal of this project was to fly F-4 Phantoms at low altitudes and break new speed records with the F4H-1.
Unfortunately, on May 18, 1961, the first attempt was tragically unsuccessful when Commander J. L. Felsman was killed after his Phantom exploded in midair due to pitch dampener failure that caused pilot-induced oscillations (PIO).
On August 28, 1961, it was time for redemption. At the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Lt. Huntington Hardisty (pilot) and Lt. Earl De Esch (RIO) flew F4H-1F BuNo 145307, which is the sister bird to 145310 (the one available for purchase). She flew at an average speed of 902.760 mph over a 3 km low-altitude course, successfully breaking the previous low-altitude speed record!
145310’s Impressiveness Grows
1961 was a big year for this warbird as she broke records and impressed the higher-ups in the military. On April 22nd, she had the opportunity to show not only was she fast, but she was also strong too.
The F4H-1F Phantom carried a very impressive 22 Mk83 500lb bomb on various hardpoints under the aircraft and dropped them on a range at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This demonstration was the deciding factor for the United States Air Force to also order the aircraft.
Reach Out Today
This is a special warbird that we have the privilege of representing here at Platinum Fighter Sales, the #1 warbird and vintage aircraft brokers. To own a warbird as decorated as F4H-1F Phantom 145310, reach out to us by visiting our Contact Page. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
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