Majestic Military Throwback Anchors Airport Overlook

For nearly forty years, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II dominated the skies during the Cold War, Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. One of these military fighter jets is now the centerpiece at the Airport Overlook. It is on loan indefinitely, courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) and Navy History & Heritage Command.

“It’s a very iconic plane and easily recognizable,” said local plane spotter Markus Lachenmeir. “For Charlotte, in my opinion, it builds a bridge between older and younger generations, where many young aviation enthusiasts now have the opportunity to experience a plane close up that their grandpa may have flown years ago.”

Besides impressing visitors, the journey here to CLT is just as remarkable.

The two-seat, twin-engine, long-range fighter-bomber was one of 5,195 units produced from 1958 to 1981 and was used by the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. The F4 Phantom II, sometimes called the “Rhino,” was retired from U.S. combat service in 1996, but a few countries, including Iran, Greece and Turkey, still operate it today.

The Road to Restoration

Two years ago, this retired aircraft was at the USS Midway Museum in California when it was taken apart and transported cross-country to CLT in February 2024 for a 10-week restoration process.

“We had to coordinate with the NNAM to get approval to loan it out and sign the agreements,” said Hunter Ballard, CLT Engineering Project Manager. “Warbirds Restoration LLC then traveled to San Diego with semi-trucks, disassembled, and brought the F4 back to North Carolina. Due to their size and weight, they had to leave the engines in California. Warbirds also had to get permits for several states they were passing through. It was a long process, but it went seamlessly due to all the planning we did.”

Once it arrived at the Airport Overlook, the restoration process began. The fighter jet was stripped, repainted and meticulously restored to its original glory (and to meet NNAM standards).

How to See It

Recently, the aviation news website “Simple Flying” asked ChatGPT to rank the ten best warplanes ever made. The F-4 Phantom II placed eighth due to its speed, altitude and climb records when it debuted.

This significant piece of military history is now accessible to everyone who visits the Overlook—whether they’re watching takeoffs and landings, eating at one of the fantastic food truck vendors or using the playground.

“It really grabs your attention when you arrive on site,” added Ballard. “I feel like even if you aren’t into planes, you will want to check it out and read about its story.”

The CLT Airport Overlook at 5130 Airport Overlook Drive is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (hours subject to change) and offers free admission.