The British F4 (F4K and F4M) were based on the USN F4J. Consequently we had all of the benefits of a navy jet, Full Flap, Full BLC, Wide Tyres, plus we had Anti-Skid. The Royal Navy F4Ks also had Drooped Ailerons, Slotted Stab and Rapid Reheat.
We operated to a 35kt crosswind limit with and without the chute. The aircraft was generally very stable on the ground. My first tour was at an airfield with a 7490 ft. runway. To land without a chute there, particularly for 1st tourists, often ended up with hot brakes or an Over-Run Cable engagement.
To prepare for the Falklands we perfected the 21 unit approach. This put the approach speed down at 125kts. By deploying the chute airborne and "No Flare" we were landing at about 115 kits. By immediately standing on the brakes we were able to stop in 2400 feet.
If, for operational reasons, we had to land at an airfield with a crosswind exceeding 35kts it was the norm to take an Approach End cable.
Much maligned by those who did not have the luck and pleasure to fly such a great aircraft.