McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II – 71st TFS, Iranian Air Force, Shiraz AB 1980

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA1999: McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II 67-14869/3-6697, 71st TFS, TFB.7, Iranian Air Force, Shiraz AB, Sept 1980. Production run of 720 models.

Length 10.5 inches            Wingspan 6.25 inches

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.

McDonnell Douglas F-4J Bu.No 155890 served with VF-143 “Pukin’ Dogs” as NK-114 in 1969 into 1970 before transferring to VF-21 “Freelancers” as NE-106 later that year. In 1977 155890 went to VMFA-212 “Lancers” as WD-10. In early 1965 and again in 1972 VMFA-212 deployed to Vietnam returning to Hawaii both times. From 1974 until 1987 operated from Japan before retiring their F-4s for the new F/A-18C “Hornet”. In 1985 155890 moved to VMFA-251 “Thunderbolts” DW-05 but in 1987 it was retired and displayed at the Estrella Warbirds in California as VMFA-333 “Shamrocks”.