Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1973a
McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II 555th TFS, Vietnam 1972 "Steve Ritchie"
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.
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
During the Vietnam War between May 10 and August 28, 1972 Captain Steve Ritchie
became an Ace by destroying 5 MiG-21s while piloting F-4Ds and F-4Es. During four of
his five victories his RIO was Captain Charles DeBellevue. His first and fifth victories
came while flying F-4D 66-7463 OY, victory two came in F-4D 65-0801 OY while three
and four came flying F-4E 67-0362 ED. Between March 1 and October 15, 1972 F-4D 66-
7463 is credited with six enemy aircraft shot down while being flown by five different
crews.
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 |