Corgi Aviation Archive Legends US33217 McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II Diecast Model USN VF-31 Tomcatters, AC206, USS Saratoga, South China Sea, 1972 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II | | 10.5" | | 6.25" |
Flown by Cmdr. Sam Flynn and Lt. Bill John, this aircraft claimed a MiG-21 kill on June 21, 1972 over North Vietnam. Delivered to the Navy on December 18, 1970, it served with VF-31, VF-33, VF-103 and VF-171 before being transferred to the US Marine Corps in December 1983 after being upgraded to F-4S specification. It served with VMFAT-101 and VMFA-232 until being retired in November 1988. The aircraft is presently on display in the Udvar-Hazy facility of the National Air & Space Museum.
US Navy Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) Tomcatters was the new designation given to VF-3A on August 7th, 1948. The squadron transitioned from the F6F Hellcat through the F9F Panther, F2H Banshee, F3H Demon and F-4 Phantom II before upgrading to the F-14 Tomcat in 1981. The Tomcatters deployed several times with the F-14 on various Nimitz Class carriers. They deployed with the F-14 for the last time aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was during this deployment that VF-31 became the last F-14 squadron to drop a bomb in combat. The squadron returned home in 2006 and and transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, being redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 31 (VFA-31).
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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Phantom II series captures the lines of what is perhaps the world's best-known modern fighter/bomber aircraft, with distinguishing features such as a raised tailplane, "dog-tooth" wings and accurate raised wing-tips. The canopies are configurable and can be displayed in the open position, allowing for easy viewing of cockpit and crew. Each release spotlights different ordnance and fuel tank configurations, and a detachable crew access ladder is available with most releases. At the rear, the engine exhaust cans feature simulated "turkey feathers" with afterburner details. Simulated stainless-steel shielding the lower tail and the root of the elevator control surface complete the model.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Corgi "Legends" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft.
Corgi "Legends" 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.
- Permanently extended landing gear with rotating wheels.
- Presention stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Detailed pilot and crew member figures.
- Authentic ordnance loads complete with placards.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.