Hobby Master Archive

In February 1963 the USMC received the first nine of the 46 RF-4Bs produced. Assigned the role of tactical reconnaissance this variant had a lengthened nose to accommodate camera equipment. There were three separate camera bays, designated Stations 1, 2 and 3. Station 1 could carry a single forward oblique or vertical “KS-87” camera. Station 2 could carry a single “KA-87” low-altitude camera and Station 3 normally carried a single “KA-55A” or “KA-91” high- altitude panoramic camera. The aircraft was also equipped with an infrared system. Unlike the cameras of the Air Force RF-4Cs, the RF-4B cameras were fitted on rotating mounts so that the pilot could aim them at targets off the flight path. The USMC RF-4Bs were officially retired in August 1990.

One of the 46 RF-4B built 157344 was BuNo. 3717 and first flew on June 8, 1970. On July 10, 1970 the aircraft was assigned to VMCJ-2 and in 1973 was coded CY-2, CY-1 in July 1974 and CY-20 in 1975. In 1975 the aircraft was reassigned to VMFP-3 still wearing CY-20 but VMFP-3 markings. In December 1976 it was coded RF-20 and in September 1977 RF-611. On September 27, 1977 the aircraft was written off when one engine caught fire on departure from NAS Atsugi, Japan. The crew managed to eject safely but the aircraft came down in a residential area killing three civilians and injuring six others.

Specifications RF-4B Phantom II Role - Reconnaissance Number Produced - 46 Dimensions Length - 58 ft 3 in (17.7 m) Height - 16 ft 3 in (4.9 m) Wingspan - 38 ft 4 in (11.6 m) Wing Area - 530 sq ft (49.2 sq m)

Performance Engines - 2 X General Electric J79-GE-8 10,800 lb thrust (4,943 kg) Range - 1,610 miles (2,592 km) Speed Cruise - 575 mph (925 km/h) Maximum - 1,485 mph (2,391 km/h) Rate of Climb - 40,800 ft/min (12,435 m/min) Ceiling - 62,000 ft (18,897 m)

Weights Empty - 27,897lb Gross - 43, 907lb Maximum - 54,600lb Armament - none, only cameras

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1956 McDonnell Douglas RF- 4B BuNo. 157344, VMCJ-2 “Playboys” MCAS Cherry Point, 1975

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 Canopies can be displayed open or closed Crew figures Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic Highly collectable