Was there any truth in the rumour McDonnell were also hoping to sell UK style Phantoms to the US navy for use on the smaller types of carriers?
Unlike the Phantom FGR2 (F4M), the FG1 (F4K) incorporated a fixed slat on the stabilator leading edge and aileron droop when flaps were deployed; this reduced the approach speed by some 13 knots, in recognition of the limitations of the arrester wires & flight deck size of Ark Royal (and Eagle). The USN F4J also had these features; might this have been the origin of the rumour?