GeminiJets Gemini Aces GARNS4006
McDonnell Douglas F-4K Phantom II Diecast Model
RNFAA No.767 NAS, XT868 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F-4K Phantom II | | 10.5" | | 6.25" |
The McDonnell Douglas Phantom is one of the most versatile and effective combat jets ever to enter service and it enjoyed the longest production run of any supersonic fighter built in the USA. Some 50 years after its first flight, the Phantom still flies in front line squadrons of a number of nations' air arms. The Royal Navy were looking for a fixed-wing replacement for their De Havilland Sea Vixen aircraft and a number of aircraft in development were being considered. After endless stalling and the cancelation of the P.1154 (Royal Navy) RN Programme (a supersonic variant of the Harrier), the navy decided to go with an aircraft that was already successfully in service - the American Mc Donnell Douglas Phantom. The British did insist on a number of specific alterations! Based on the F-4J, the UK versions were designated F-4K (Royal Navy) and F-4M (RAF). Perhaps the major difference with the British machines was the use of the Rolls Royce Spey engines. These units yielded greater power and efficiency than the US General Electric J79s, without the signature of smoke trails. This did, however, come at a price - the UK Phantoms required extensive re-design work to the entire rear section of the fuselage and the engines needed larger intakes, amongst a host of design challenges to allow this mighty aircraft to be used from Britains dimunative aircraft carriers. In the end, of the 140 Phantoms originally intended for the Royal Navy, only 48 were ordered and 20 of these were diverted to the RAF. The McDonnell Douglas F-4K Phantoms of the Royal Navy have got to be some of the most attractive jets ever to enter service. Operating from the relatively small British aircraft carriers, Fleet Air Arm Phantoms had a lower jet-pipe, increased flap area and an extendable nose-wheel oleo, which allowed for a much greater angle of attack on take-off. A Fleet Air Arm Phantom under steam and ready for launch resembled a giant preying mantis. 892 Squadron was the only full combat unit of the Fleet Air Arm to operate the mighty Phantom and in 1977 XT872 wore these commemorative markings for a short time, in celebration of the Queen's Silver Jubilee. She was also one of the subject aircraft in a superb painting by Edward Ash, as she flies over HMS Ark Royal. 1978 saw the final withdraw of the Royal Navy's Phantoms, as HMS Ark Royal was desinted to be scrapped. 892 Squadron Phantoms FG.1s were sent to RAF Leuchars in Fife.
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. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Gemini's 1:72 scale F-4K/M Phantom is constructed almost entirely of diecast metal and weighs in at almost 1.5 pounds. This model is beautifully detailed, with moving metal control surfaces and individually hinged twin canopies that open to reveal highly detailed cockpit interiors and instrument panels. The shape of Rolls-Royce Spey engine exhaust nozzles is correctly replicated, and the metal display stand connects through the exhaust nozzles, which allows all the ordnance to be easily viewed when the model is displayed in flight.
© Copyright 2003-2014 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The GeminiJets "Gemini Aces" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
GeminiJets "Gemini Aces" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with minimal use of plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Metal presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Photo-etched, spinning metal propellers.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
