Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1917
McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II Diecast Model
RAF No.74 Sqn, 1990 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II | | 10.5" | | 6.25" |
After the Falklands War, the RAF had a gap in the Air Defence of the UK. With the delay of the new F3 Tornado and the lack of other RAF Phantoms, the MOD purchased straight from the New Mexico Desert a Squadron of Ex-US Navy F4Js. Some of these aircraft still had battle scars from Vietnam. These were designated F4J (UK) and were rushed into service still sporting basic US Navy colours. These were later painted in due course to RAF air defence grey. They were assigned the designation F-4J(UK) rather than the more logical "Phantom F.Mk 3" so that they would not be confused with the Tornado F.Mk 3.
These planes were overhauled and modified at NAS North Island, California before delivery to the RAF. The first three F-4J(UK) aircraft were delivered to the United Kingdom in August of 1984. They equipped the newly-formed No.74 Squadron at RAF Wattisham. These aircraft were intended to serve in the air defense role pending the introduction of the Tornado F.Mk 3. In later years, these aircraft were made compatible with the BAe Sky Flash air-to-air missile. The F-4J(UK) fighters were eventually retired in early 1991 when some low-time Phantom FGR.Mk 2 fighters became available to No.74 Squadron. However, The Phantom FGR.Mk 2 was used only briefly by No.74 Squadron, the squadron standing down on September 20, 1992 and disbanding the next day.
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 2003-2014 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.
