Re: F4 Phantom - Flying Bus???
Other two main differences, both later removed/disabled on the FG1 when land based with the RAF.
First, the FG1 was fitted with a double-extensible nose undercarriage leg to give a high angle of attack for carrier launches. It could be extended in length by as much as 40 inches and, I am lead to believe, that pilots tended to sit well back if the gear got stuck and they had to land with it extended.....
Second, the dish for the AWG-11 radar was fitted inside the radome and swung sideways with it when it has folded in order to reduce the aircraft's length so that it could fit on the deck lifts and reduce stowage space below decks. Caused a lot of unservicable radars due to bad waveguide seals when it was closed.
Not sure on the detail differences between the AWG-11 & 12, except an embarassed new OC Leuchars had to ask his wingman how to turn on the gunsight after just arriving off the FGR2 course at CY.......