Hobby Master Archive

The F-4J was the last version produced for the USN and USMC. The “J” version was basically an upgraded “B” version with new radar and avionics as well as a better engine that required a longer afterburner nozzle. One of the most noticeable changes to the “J” version is what isn’t there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. Also missing was an internal gun but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. Between 1966 and 1972 there were 522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to- air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in South East Asia. In mid 1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new and improved F-14 Tomcat.

Upon completion McDonnell Douglas F-4J BuNo 157249 was delivered to VF-114 “Aardvarks” on October 6, 1969 and assigned to Lt. R Hughes and RIO Lt(jg) Adolph Cruz as NH-206. On May 6, 1972 the crew was part of the cover flight for an evening strike and upon arriving at the target area 4 MiG-21s were sighted by NH-206 and NH-201. Each of the F-4Js managed to destroy a MiG-21 and safely return to the USS Kitty Hawk. 157249 converted to an F-4S in 1981-82 and on display at Leather Neck Museum, MCAS Miramar, California.

Specification for the F- 4J Performance Engines: 2 X General Electric J79-GE-8B/8C/10 turbojets, 11,870 lb.s.t dry, 17,900 lb. s.t. with afterburner. (lb.s.t. - Pounds Static Thrust) Maximum speed: 1,584 mph at 48,000 ft. (Mach 2.4), 875 mph at sea level (Mach 1.15) Initial climb rate: 41,250 fpm. Service ceiling: 70,000 ft. Combat ceiling: 54,700 ft. Combat range: 596 miles, maximum range 1,956 miles with maximum external fuel.

Weights 30,770 lbs empty. 46,833 lbs gross. 41,399 lbs combat weight.

Dimensions Wingspan: 38 ft. 5 in. Wing area: 530 square ft. Length: 58 ft. 3.75 in. Height: 16 ft. 3 in.

Fuel Maximum internal fuel: in fuselage tanks 1,347 US gal. Internal wing tanks: 630 gal. Maximum external fuel: 3,317 US gal. 600 US gal in a centerline tank, 370 US gal in each of two tanks that could be carried underneath the outer under wing pylons.

Armament 4 X AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles in semi- recessed slots in the fuselage belly. 2 X to 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles carried under the wings on the inboard pylons. Maximum offensive load of up to 16,000 lbs carried on the centerline and 4 under wing hard points.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1945 McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II BuNo. 157249/NH206, VF-114, USS Kitty Hawk, 1972

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.

Canopy can be displayed open or closed.

Pilot figures included.

Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.

Highly collectable.