Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1907
McDonnell Douglas F-4E 469th TFS/388th TFW, Korat 1970 "Arkansas Traveler"
General Background
The F-4 Phantom II first entered US Military service in 1960. It was designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy but by 1963 it was adopted as the US Air Force primary fighter-bomber.
Despite the size and weight of this Cold War icon the F-4 broke 15 world records and continued to hold five of them until 1975.
Produced from 1960 to 1981 there were 5,195 Phantom IIs manufactured. Eleven countries other than the USA had the Phantom II in their inventory.
Produced from 1960 to 1981 there were 5,195 Phantom IIs manufactured. Eleven countries other than the USA had the Phantom II in their inventory.
The Aircraft
In November 1968 the F-4E made its first appearance in the Vietnam War when it joined the 469th TFS in Korat Thailand. The Commander of the 388th TFW, 13th Air Force was Colonel Paul Douglas who was a WWII P-47 ace with 8 victories flying the “Arkansas Traveler”. In Vietnam F-4E 67-0288 "Arkansas Traveler II" became his personal aircraft and was adorned with the same 8 victory markings and nose art of a hillbilly riding a bomb that were on his P-47.
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 |