What went so right?
>>32836442
Well turns out a fleet defense interceptor tends to have plenty of space for payload and avionics with performance to back it up.
>>32836442
The reintroduction of dogfighting?
>>32836442
Not the AIM-9
>>32836442
The USAF adopting the AIM-9B for one, the falcon was worthless. Also as it happens the F-4 is a (compared to an F-104 for instance) simple aircraft to fly with excellent performance and when its superior rate of climb and energy retention is exploited makes a very dangerous opponent in a dogfight.
>>32836442
proof that with enough thrust, even a brick can fly