Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1946
McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II 66-0267, flown by Capt. John Madden and Capt Chuck DeBellevue, 555th TFS/8th TFW, Udron AFB Thailand, 1972
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
Captain Chuck DeBellevue came from the 555th TFS / 432nd TRW with 4 MiG-21 victories
under his belt while flying with Captain R. Ritchie, but now was paired with Captain John Madden
of 555th TFS / 8th TFW at Udorn AB, Thailand. On September 9, 1972 during “Operation
Linebacker” while flying F-4D 66-0267 call-sign Olds 01, Madden and DeBellevue fired two
AIM-7 missiles at a MiG-21 but missed but then managed to down 2 MiG-19s giving DeBellevue
victories 5 and 6 making him the highest scoring American Ace of the Vietnam War.
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 |