McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II – VF-143 Pukin Dogs, US Navy, USS Constellation, Vietnam, 1967

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA19051: McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II NK311 of VF-143 Pukin Dogs, US Navy, USS Constellation, Vietnam, 1967. Production run of 500 models

Length 9.75 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

Originally accepted as an F4H-1 Bu. No 149411 February 1, 1962 the aircraft type designation later became F-4B. This aircraft was assigned to VF-121 and a half dozen other units over the years. On October 26, 1967 this aircraft is credited with destroying a MiG-21 over North Vietnam. There is some controversy over this MiG-21 claim because records show that Bu.No 149411 was in NARF North Island for standard maintenance from January 1967 until March 1968. This aircraft was lost on December 20, 1968 having flown 1,602 flight hours.

Designed as a fleet defence fighter for the US Navy, the F-4 Phantom was first flown on May 27, 1958. This twin-engine, long-range all-weather fighter/bomber proved highly adaptable and served in the Marine Corps and the US Air Force as well as in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, it was the principal air superiority fighter for the Navy and the Air Force and was also used for reconnaissance and ground attack. The Phantom continued to serve well into the 1970s and 1980s and even flew missions during the first Gulf War. Finally phased out by the F-14, F-16 and F/A-18, the Phantom was retired in 1996.