Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1913
McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II Diecast Model
Spanish Air Force, Torrejon, Spain, 1970s
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II | | 10.5" | | 6.25" |
The first of 583 F-4C ordered by the USAF began delivery in late 1963. They basically were F-4Bs that had been refit for ground operations. The F-4C arrived in Southeast Asia in early 1965 and by 1966 equipped 7 squadrons in Vietnam and 3 in Thailand. The early F-4Cs lacked guns and relied totally on missiles but it wasn’t long before the addition of SUU-16A gun pods with M-61AI-20-mm guns were put to use to compensate for the lack of internal guns. The addition of these gun pods gave the pilot gun fire but degraded the performance of the aircraft. The first F-4Cs suffered from many defects such as wing tanks that would spring leaks and require resealing after every flight. Many had cracked ribs on outer wing panels. It wasn’t too long before the F-4D made an appearance.
In 1971 and 1972 the Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire - EdA) acquired 36 ex-USAF F-4C Phantom IIs for front-line air defense fighter units to replace their aging F-104 and F-86F. The EdA F-4s were designated C.12 with the “C” being short for Caza (fighter) and the 12 indicating the F-4 was the 12th aircraft type they had used since their Civil War in the late 1930s. Ex-USAF 58th TTW (Tactical Training Wing) Phantom 64-0896 was sent to Spain in 1978 and assigned to Ala 12 (12th Wing) Escuadrones (Squadron) 122 based at Torrejon and given serial number C.12-40. It was one of 4 F-4Cs sent as attrition replacements. The last F-4C was withdrawn from EdA front-line service in April of 1989 when they were replaced by F-18 Hornets.
The twin-engine, two-seat, all-weather attack/fighter F-4 Phantom II first flew on May 27th, 1958. The Phantom performed three tactical air roles—air superiority, interdiction and close air support—and was also a capable tactical reconnaissance and Wild Weasel (suppression of enemy air defenses) aircraft. It was armed with missiles and was the first Navy fighter that did not use guns. In air combat the Phantom’s powerful thrust permitted a skilled pilot to engage and disengage from the fight at will.© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Hobby Master offer the more price-sensitive collector a cheaper alternative to models from leading manufacturers like Corgi and Century Wings. Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- 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.
- Optional extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
