The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: Subic Bay’s Supersonic Relic
The F-4 Phantom II is one of the most unique and sought-after aviation wrecks in Subic Bay. This legendary two-seat, all-weather interceptor and fighter-bomber—once the backbone of U.S. naval aviation—now rests silently on the seabed, offering a rare glimpse into Cold War history.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Crew: 2
- Length: 57 ft 7 in (17.55 m)
- Height: 16 ft 1 in (4.90 m)
- Wingspan: 38 ft 5 in (11.71 m)
- Engines: 2 x RR Spey 203 (F-4K) 2 x RR Spey 202/204 (F-4M)
- Max Speed: Mach 1.9
Why is it there?
Local records suggest this aircraft was likely a “hangar queen” or a non-functional airframe from the USS Midway or Cubi Point, which was used for carrier deck fire-drills or training before being disposed of in the bay.
The dive
I scanned the wreck in January 2026. The conditions and visibility were great. Blog
To visit this iconic jet, divers must be prepared for a deep-water excursion. Depth: The wreck sits at a depth of 40 meters (131 feet). Requirements: Due to the depth, this site is strictly for Deep Diver certified individuals or Technical Divers.
The wreck is relatively compact, allowing divers to explore the entire airframe within a single dive. Its unmistakable silhouette—even with some panels missing—provides a dramatic backdrop for underwater photography. You can clearly identify the cockpit area, the swept wings, and the massive engine intakes.
The model
You can find the 3D files in my Shop
