Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1959

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

The IDF received RF-4E Phantom II ex-USAF 69-7594 c/n 4080 as part of Operation Peace Echo I with aircraft delivery beginning in 1969. The aircraft was with the 119 "Bat" Squadron and originally as 198 but in 1976 was when the new F-4E(S) arrived it was re-registered as 488. On January 7, 1971 the 199 Squadron received the first of their real RF-4Es with the first operational flight taking place on March 9, 1971 over Jordan. In 1976 the 119th transferred its RF-4Es to the 69 "The Hammers" Squadron.

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