Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1997
McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom 155890, VMFA-212, USMC, circa 1970s
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
McDonnell Douglas F-4J Bu.No 155890 served with VF-143 “Pukin’ Dogs” as NK-114 in
1969 into 1970 before transferring to VF-21 “Freelancers” as NE-106 later that year. In
1977 155890 went to VMFA-212 “Lancers” as WD-10. In early 1965 and again in 1972
VMFA-212 deployed to Vietnam returning to Hawaii both times. From 1974 until 1987
operated from Japan before retiring their F-4s for the new F/A-18C “Hornet”. In 1985
155890 moved to VMFA-251 “Thunderbolts” DW-05 but in 1987 it was retired and
displayed at the Estrella Warbirds in California as VMFA-333 “Shamrocks”.
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 |