Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1947

General Background

The F-4 Phantom II first entered US Military service in 1960. It was designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy but by 1963 it was adopted as the US Air Force primary fighter-bomber. Despite the size and weight of this Cold War icon the F-4 broke 15 world records and continued to hold five of them until 1975.

Produced from 1960 to 1981 there were 5,195 Phantom IIs manufactured. Eleven countries other than the USA had the Phantom II in their inventory.

The Aircraft

The 480th Fighter Bomber Squadron was activated September 25, 1957. On July 1, 1958 it was re-designated 480th (Warhawks) Tactical Fighter Squadron and after a few in activations the 480th was re-activated September 15, 1976 at Spangdahlem, West Germany wearing a red tail stripe. It began as a USAFE F-4D squadron but later re-equipped with F-4E's and F-4G's used as "Wild Weasel" "Hunter Killer" teams. F-4E Phantom II AF74-0659 c/n 4810 remained with the 480th from January 1, 1977 until December 1987. It was sent to AMARC April 18, 1991.

Specifications :

Dimensions
Length:	17.7m
Height:	4.7m
Wingspan:	11.6m
Wingarea:	49.2 sq m
No. of Engines:	2
Powerplant :	General Electric J79-GE-10 (A/B 17,900Lb/8,119Kg)
Performance
Range:	2,222 km
Cruise Speed:	908 km/h
Max Speed:	2,299 km/h
Climb:	12,572 m/min
Ceiling:	16,672 m