The F-4 was designed to meet a US Navy requirement for a fleet air defence fighter to counter the threat posed by fast long-range Soviet bombers. McDonnell's design used twin engines to give high supersonic speed, large internal fuel capacity for long range, and powerful radar and radar-guided missiles. The US Air Force also ordered the F-4 in 1962.

With over 2,800 delivered, the US Air Force was the biggest user of the F-4, the Navy and Marine Corps taking over 1,200. They were in action in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973 in fighter, bomber, photo-reconnaissance and electronic counter measures roles.

The aircraft on display, US Navy serial number 155529, was built in 1967 and served with several US Navy fighter squadrons. In 1972 it was in action over Vietnam flying from USS America. In 1984, it was transferred to the RAF and served with No 74 Squadron. It was retired in 1991 and flown to Duxford. It has been restored in the colours of US Navy fighter squadron VF-74 which it wore in 1972.