Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA19036

General Background

One of the most famous and easily recognized fighter aircraft of the post-WWII era was the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II. This aircraft was developed as a private venture by the aircraft company but was soon ordered by the USN as a carrier-based attack aircraft. Its first flight took place on May 27, 1958 and it entered active service in December 1960. It wasn’t long after the F-4B appeared that a fly-off was set up with USAF front-line fighters. It was no contest, the F-4 performed so well that the USAF ordered their own variant, the F-4C. As time went on, the F-4 evolved into well over a dozen variants.

The Aircraft

USAF 65-0713 c/n 1761 is noted for a few reasons; it was produced as an F-4D, modified as the prototype for the F-4E armed with an M-61 rotary cannon. It was decided missiles were adequate and cannons weren’t added to production models. Brigadier General Charles “Chuck” Yeager took his last flight as an active duty USAF pilot in this aircraft. 65-0713 also was the test aircraft for the F-4G Wild Weasel and as well as other test beds throughout the 1970s and 80s. This aircraft is on display at AFFTC Museum, Edwards Air Force Base.

Specifications :

Dimensions
Length:	17.7m
Height:	4.7m
Wingspan:	11.6m
Wingarea:	49.2 sq m
No. of Engines:	2
Powerplant :	General Electric J79-GE-10 (A/B 17,900Lb/8,119Kg)
Performance
Range:	2,222 km
Cruise Speed:	908 km/h
Max Speed:	2,299 km/h
Climb:	12,572 m/min
Ceiling:	16,672 m