Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1906
McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II Diecast Model
JASDF 302nd Hikotai, #07-8432, Chitose AB, Japan |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II | | 10.5" | | 6.25" |
Starting in 1973 the Japan Air Self-Defense Force "Hihon Koku Jietai" received 154 F-4EJ Phantoms that were based on the USAF F-4E. This was enough to equip six interceptor squadrons. 138 of these aircraft were manufactured under license by Mitsubishi who produced the last F-4 Phantom II in the world; aircraft 17-8440 on May 21, 1981. Since Japan was under a non-aggression restriction after WW II several changes were made to the F-4E to make it an F-4EJ. This included removal of the in-flight refueling receptacle that was later retrofitted, no leading edge slats, ground attack control equipment such as weapons and bomb delivery systems and the addition of modern electronic equipment including a data link system and radar warning receiver. Most of the equipment that had been restricted were reinstalled over time. The F-4EJ came equipped with a 20mm Vulcan canon affixed under the nose, and AIM-7E Sparrow and AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles. Starting in the late 80's 96 F-4EJs have been modified to the F-4EJ Kai (modified) standard. This mainly was an improvement with the latest electronics, radar and avionics.
The 302 Hikotai (Air Squadron) was formed in 1974 as part of 83 Kokugun (Air Group), 2 Kokudan (Air Wing). They were based at Chitose AB, Hokkaido; the main JASDF base in northern Japan. Its primary task was to monitor Japan's maritime border with Russia. F-4EJ 07-8432 was produced in 1980 and on October 29, 1984 at approximately 13.42 had the misfortune of suffering engine troubles while on a training flight and crashed into the sea. Pilot Major Hironaka Katsuhiko, WSO Captain Noguchi Moritaka ejected and were safely recovered.
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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-4 Phantom II is highly detailed and very popular among collectors. This model has an intricately crafted fuselage, with rear and forward canopies that open to expose cockpit interior details such as instrument panel dials, control stick and ejector seat handles. The solid metal wing has raised wing-tips and a dog-toothed leading edge that blends seamlessly into the fuselage. Each release includes a full complement of removable ordnance. Variants in this series have notable differences in the nose and/or tail fin and slight variations in the engines' exhaust. Carrier-based variants have elevators with a raised leading edge, and land-based variants have standard leading edges.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
