Hobby Master Archive

The F-4D was an improved “C” variant with most improvements being internal electronics and avionics. The F-4D entered operational service in April 1966 and joined the combat forces in Southeast Asia in May 1967. With the arrival of the “D” most of the “C” variant was reassigned to ground attack with the “D"s taking on the air-to-air interceptor role. In 1968 - 1969 a total of 825 “D” models were produced 793 for the USAF and 32 for the Iranian Air Force.

Captain Chuck DeBellevue came from the 555th TFS / 432nd TRW with 4 MiG-21 victories under his belt while flying with Captain R. Ritchie, but now was paired with Captain John Madden of 555th TFS / 8th TFW at Udorn AB, Thailand. On September 9, 1972 during “Operation Linebacker” while flying F-4D 66-0267 call-sign Olds 01, Madden and DeBellevue fired two AIM-7 missiles at a MiG-21 but missed but then managed to down 2 MiG-19s giving DeBellevue victories 5 and 6 making him the highest scoring American Ace of the Vietnam War.

Specifications McDonnell-Douglas F-4D Phantom II Type - Fighter Entered Operational Service - April 1966 Crew - 2 Dimensions Length - 62 ft. 10 in. (18.9 m) Height - 16 ft. 6 in. (5.03 m) Wingspan - 38 ft. 5 in. (11.71 m) Wing area - 530 sq ft. (49.23 sq m)

Weights Empty Weight - 28,276 lbs (12,823 kg) Gross Weight - 50,341 lbs (22,830 kg) Max Weight - 58,000 lbs (26,303 kg)

Powerplant Engines - 2 X General Electric J79-GE-17 turbojets Thrust Dry - 11,870 lb. st With Afterburners - 17,900 lb. st Fuel load Total - 3,230 US gallons (12,226 l) Maximum internal Internal fuselage tanks - 1,260 gallons (4,769 l) Internal wing tanks - 630 gallons (2,384 l) Maximum external 600 US gallon (2,271 l) centerline tank + 2 - 370 US gallon (1,400 l) tanks under each wing on the outer pylons.

Performance Range - 1375 mi (2,214 km) Cruise Speed - 587 mph (945 kph) (510.81 kt) Max Speed @ 42,000 ft - 1,432 mph (2,304.5 kph) (12,801 m) (Mach 2.17) @ Sea Level - 826 mph (1,329.3 kph) (Mach 1.08) Landing speed - 165 mph (265.5 kph) Initial rate of climb - 40,100 fpm (12,222.5 m/min) Maximum rate of climb - 48,300 fpm (14,721.1 m/min) Ceiling - 59,400 ft (18,104 m) Combat range - 502 miles (807.9 km) Maximum range - 1,844 miles (2,967.6 km) with maximum external fuel.

Armament (4) Aim-7D or (4) Aim-7E Sparrow missiles semi-recessed on slots in the fuselage belly + up to (4) Aim-9 Sidewinder missiles on the inboard pylons or up to (18) x 750 lb (340 kg) bombs for a maximum offensive load of 16,000 lbs (7,257.48 kg)

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1946A McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom 66-0267 Capt. John Madden and Capt. Chuck DeBellevue 555th TFS/8th TFW, Udorn AFB Thailand, 1972 autographed by Capt. Chuck DeBellevue

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 provided. Canopy can be displayed open or closed. Pilot figures included. Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic. Highly collectable.