McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II – VMFA-235 Death Angels, US Marine Corps, 1972

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA19024: McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II DB13 of  VMFA-235 Death Angels, US Marine Corps, 1972. Production run of 800 pieces.

Length 9.75 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

VMF(AW)-235 first deployed to Vietnam in 1966 flying the F-8E Crusader and during a 10 month deployment flew over 6,000 combat sorties. In 1967 they returned to Vietnam until May 1968 when they left for MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and were re-designated VMFA-235 “Death Angels”. They re-equipped with the F-4J Phantom II which they flew until 1989 when they transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. F-4J 153887 c/n 2503 left VMFA-235 in 1977 and was later upgraded to an F-4S. In 1991 the aircraft was converted to a drone and shot down in 2001.

Designed as a fleet defense 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.