The F-4 was likely deemed successful because it could launch off most US aircraft carriers, and it was the best they had at the time, so they made it work. The

The F-4 was likely deemed successful because it could launch off most US aircraft carriers, and it was the best they had at the time, so they made it work. The Phantom II was not a perfect machine, but the large radar, heavy weapons load, carrier-capability, and high-speed made it quite useful. On the other hand, it had no internal gun, guzzled fuel, had a very smoky engine, and wasn't very maneuverable.