McDonnell Douglas RF-4E Phantom II – AufklG 52, Luftwaffe, Leck AB, Germany, 1992

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA19050: McDonnell Douglas RF-4E Phantom II 35+67 of AufklG 52, Luftwaffe, Leck AB, Germany, 1992. Production run of 1,000 models.

Length 10.5 inches   Wingspan 6.25 inches

RF-4E was manufactured as 69-7514 MSN 4155 in 1969 and between 1971 and 1972 the Bundeswehr replaced their RF-104 with 44 RF-4Es. Now with the Bundeswehr the aircraft became 35+67 assigned to AufklG 52 (reconnaissance squadron 52). AG 52 was established at Erding in 1959, and moved to Leck / Stadum in 1964. On December 15, 1993 AG 52 was deactivated and along with other aircraft 35+67 was sold to Turkey where it flew with 113 Filo until 2009 when it was stored.

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.