K6952, attached is my reading of the second F-4B Phantom NATOPS 'Approach Airspeed' Chart which I take as showing the 'Optimum Angle of Attack' Airspeed for a given landing weight. However the AoA Indexer should show the correct indication with this chart being only a cross reference check airspeed (not used for approach). Chart shows Approach Weight of 30,400lbs giving an ideal Approach KIAS of 130 knots (Optimum Angle of Attack - Approach Indexer Indication). [Red Vertical & Horizontal lines]
The NATOPS Carrier Circuit Diagram shows Approach Weight of 31,000 lbs giving an ideal approach airspeed of 132 Knots. [Purple Vertical & Horizontal lines]
Next is text straight out of RF-4B NATOPS (same as in the two NATOPS PDF extracts available on this thread). I'll look for more information tomorrow.
"...LANDING TECHNIQUE [FCLP] (NATOPS RF-4B)
For a normal field landing with a gross weight of approximately 31,000 pounds, fly the pattern as illustrated in figure 3-4, Enter the pattern as local course rules dictate, utilizing the throttles and speed brakes, as necessary, to maintain pattern altitude and airspeed. At the break, reduce thrust and extend the speed brakes (if required), As the airspeed decreases through 250 knots lAS, lower the landing gear and extend the wing flaps. Retract the speed brakes to decrease buffet, however, some buffet and noise will come from the nose wheel well as the landing gear extends. This noise and buffet will disappear as approach speeds are reached, Continue to decelerate to, and maintain, 150 Knots IAS. After the gear and flaps have been checked and reported, roll into the base leg and establish a mild rate of descent, maintaining an "on speed" angle of attack indexer light (140 to 150 knots lAS). Use the angle-of-attack indexer and maintain the "ON speed" indication except that 125 knots will be the minimum final approach speed, When on final approach, utilize a power setting of 84 to 86% rpm, This will provide an "on speed" angle of attack indexer light with a 2 1/2° to 30 glide slope and a rate of descent of approximately 700 fpm. Attempt to land within the first 1000 feet of runway whenever possible, however, do not chop power prior to crossing the end of the runway. The sudden loss of boundary layer control air will cause the airplane to settle immediately. At touchdown, retard the throttles to IDLE and deploy the drag chute,..."
...CARRIER LANDING PATTERN
The carrier pattern (figure 3-6) starts with the break at 600 feet, 250-300 knots IAS maximum on the starboard bow of the ship. The break interval will be one-half of the desired ramp interval time. Radio procedures will be in accordance with ship procedures. Fly the pattern at 600 feet above mean sea level. The 180 turn is commenced when abeam the LSO platform, On rollout to final, slightly overshoot the ships wake.
GLIDE SLOPE
The technique of flying the glide slope is the same as FCLP except that more power may be required and line-up will be much harder to maintain. With rough seas and subsequent pitching decks, some erratic meatball movements may be encountered. If this is the case, average out the "bouncing ball" to maintain a smooth and safe rate of descent. In no case overcorrect if the ball moves to a high indication...."
