Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1941

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.

The Aircraft

One of Col. Robin Olds' men had an idea that it might be possible to fool the enemy aircraft. The idea was presented to Col. Olds and on January 2, 1967 the plan, now called "Operation Bolo" was put into action. Instead of the usual F-105s leading the way the F-4s took the lead and flew at normal F-105 speeds, altitudes and formations. When the MiGs came up to intercept what they thought were F-105s they instead found Phantom IIs.

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