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.

On May 10, 1972 VF-96 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II 155749 was still a “J” variant and credited with a MiG-17 kill. In 1979 the aircraft was converted to an “S” variant, one of the first 43 converted “J"s that didn’t receive the leading edge slats but were later added. The aircraft spent time with VMFA-235 before retiring and conversion to a manned target drone. 155749 belonged to the VF-301 (reserve) “Devil’s Disciples”. On April 20, 2002 during an air show at NAS Pt. Mugu the F-4S crashed killing the crew.

The designation for the F-4J upgrade was F-4S, the upgrade for the F-4B was F-4N both involved Structural improvements New electrical wiring New hydraulic systems with stainless steel tubing Leading Edge Slats eventually to all 248 - 265 units New electronics New smokeless engines 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 HA1971 McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom II BuNo 155749 VF-301 “Devil’s Disciples”, 1984

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.