Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1920 McDonnell-Douglas F- 4J(UK) Phantom II RAF 74 Squadron, “Tiger Meet” 1988 THIS MODEL IS EXCLUSIVE TO TIGER HOBBIES IN THE UK

True 1/72 scale Professionally painted Great attention to detail All markings are Tampoed (pad applied) Option to display the model on a stand that is provided Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions Loads of optional armament has been provided Canopy can be displayed open or closed Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic Highly collectable

THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES NOT THE FINISHED MODEL

After the Falklands the RAF had a gap in the Air Defence of GB, with the delay to the new F3 Tornado and the lack of other RAF Phantoms the MOD purchased straight from the New Mexico Desert a Sqn of Ex US Navy F4J. Some of these aircraft still had Battle scars from Vietnam. These were designated F4J (UK) and were rushed into service still sporting basic US Navy colours. These were later painted in due course to RAF air defence grey.

The RAF Phantom did not participate in the Falkland/Malvinas conflict of 1981. Stanley Airport in the Falkland Islands in 1982 following their recapture from Argentina. In order to compensate NATO for the diversion of these aircraft to the Falklands, Britain purchased 15 low-time, ex-US Navy F-4Js which had been in storage at Davis- Monthan AFB. The Navy serials of these planes were BuNos 153768, 152773, 153783, 153785, 153795, 153803, 153850, 153809, 155510, 155529, 155574, 155734, 155755, 155868, and 155894. They were assigned the designation F-4J(UK) rather than the more logical “Phantom F.Mk 3” so that they would not be confused with the Tornado F.Mk 3. RAF serials were ZE350-ZE364.

These planes were overhauled and modified at NAS North Island, California before delivery to the RAF. The F-4J(UK) aircraft retained their J79 engines and most of their American avionics. However, a number of US Navy systems, such as the AN/ASN-54 Approach Power Compensator System, the AN/ASW-25 datalink system, and the AN/ALQ-126 countermeasures set, were removed and replaced by British systems. The prominent electronics countermeasures antennae fairings on the upper sides of the air intakes remained on the aircraft, but were actually now empty.

The first three F-4J(UK) aircraft were delivered to the United Kingdom in August of 1984. They equipped the newly-formed No. 74 Squadron at RAF Wattisham. These aircraft were intended to serve in the air defense role pending the introduction of the Tornado F.Mk 3. In later years, these aircraft were made compatible with the BAe Sky Flash air-to-air missile. The F-4J(UK) fighters were eventually retired in early 1991 when some low-time Phantom FGR.Mk 2 fighters became available to No. 74 Squadron. However, The Phantom FGR.Mk 2 was used only briefly by No. 74 Squadron, the squadron standing down on September 20, 1992 and disbanding the next day.

SOURCE: http://www.f-4.nl/f4_32.html

McDonnell Douglas F-4J (UK) Phantom II UK “Tiger Meet” This model is an exclusive for Tiger Hobbies in the UK and will be a Limited Edition so it will have to be ordered from them. Please send all inquiries to them email

THIS MODEL IS LIMITED TO 1000 WORLDWIDE. THIS PICTURE IS ONLY MEANT TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A GENERAL IMPRESSION OF WHAT THE MODEL WILL LOOK LIKE. THE FINAL PRODUCT WILL HAVE THE CORRECT PAINT COLOR ADJUSTMENT ALONG WITH OTHER FEATURES CORRECTED. REMEMBER THIS IS JUST A PRE-PRODUCTION SKETCH WITH SEVERAL CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE.