McDonnell Douglas RF-4E Phantom II – 501st Hikotai, JASDF, Hyakuri AB, Japan, F-4 Phantom Retirement 2020

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA19040: McDonnell Douglas RF-4E Phantom II #56-6907 of 501st Hikotai, JASDF, Hyakuri AB, Japan, F-4 Phantom Retirement 2020. Production run of 1,000 models.

Length 10.5 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

In 1974 Hikotai 501 received its first RF-4E and were transferred to Hyakuri AB. JASDF RF-4E Phantom II was constructed in 1975 c/n 4603 arrived in 1975. In the early 90s, most RF-4EJs were updated and re-designated RF-4EJ Kai. The RF-4Es served with the unit until 2020 when this type of aircraft was being retired. RF-4E 47-6905 and 57-6907 were given a special paint scheme to commemorate the retirement of the JASDF RF-4E aircraft. These 2 aircraft wore what looks like a roll of 35mm film marked with 1961 2020.

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.