Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1963
McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom VF-51, CAG Bird of CVW-15, USS Coral Sea "Screaming Eagles"
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
On February 1, 1943 VF-1 “Screaming Eagles” were established and re-designated VF-51 in August 1948. In 1971 VF-51 received the F-4B Phantom II and spent most of the 1970’s over Vietnam where they shot down 4 MiG-17’s while assigned to the USS Coral Sea. VF-51 had several USN firsts, first to fly jets, first to operate jets from carriers. In Korea they were the first to fly jets into combat and to score air-to-air victories. On June 16, 1978 VF-51’s F-4’s were replaced by the F-14A.
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 |