Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1992
McDonnell Douglas RF-4EJ Kai 87-6406, 501st SQ, JASDF
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
The JASDF 501st Squadron was formed at Matsushima on December 1, 1961 equipped with
RF-86Fs. In 1975 the 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Group moved to Hyakuri with their new
RF-4Es. In 1992 seven RF-4EJs and eight RF-4EJ Kai had been converted and updated from the
normal F-4E. The early 1980s saw the introduction of the F-15 so F-4EJs were heavily modified
and could carry 3 types of external sensor pods of which one was the LOROP (Long Range
Oblique Photography ) pod with KS-146B camera.
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 |