McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II – 432nd TFW, Handley Supersonic Gun Kill, Vietnam 1972

Air Commander 1/72 scale AC1005: McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II of the 432nd TFW, 58th TFS, #62-0210, Phil Handley, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, Supersonic Gun Kill, Vietnam War, June 2nd, 1972.

Length 10.5 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

Colonel Phil “Hands” Handley is credited with the highest speed air-to-air gun kill in the history of aerial combat. On June 2nd, 1972 he fired his 20mm M-61A Vulcan Cannon while traveling faster than Mach 1.2 to down a MiG-19, recording the world’s only supersonic gun kill. He flew operationally for all but 11 months of a 26-year career, in aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, F-15 Eagle, and the C-130A Hercules. Additionally, he flew 275 combat missions during two tours in Southeast Asia in the F-4D and F-4E. His awards include 21 Air Medals, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and the Silver Star.

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.

Highly detailed and accurate, the 1/72 scale Phantom features completed landing gear sub-assemblies that snap quickly into place, eliminating the need to attach individual gear doors and struts that are found on similar diecast models. They also feature realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details, pad printed markings and placards that won’t fade or peel like decals, opening canopies revealing detailed cockpit interiors, selected moveable control surfaces, optional extended/retracted landing gear, presentation stand to display the aircraft “in flight”, detailed removeable pilots and crew members, and authentic ordnance loads. Complete with uniquely numbered limited edition card, one of only 600 pieces.
These models take 1/72 diecast to a new, previously unseen detail specification. The quantity of minor decals is truly amazing and have to be seen to be appreciated; one for the Phantom nut and true connoisseur!