Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-4>HA1993
McDonnell Douglas RF-4EJ Kai 77-6397, 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
Originally constructed as an F-4EJ C/N M097 with serial 77-8397 the aircraft was assigned to the
301st Hikotai 7th Air Wing at Hyakuri until the unit moved to the Nyutabaru 5th Air Wing. As an
F-4EJ the third number in the serial indicates it is a Tactical Fighter. When the aircraft was
upgraded to an RF-4EJ Kai its serial became 77-6397 with the third number becoming a 6 which
designates the aircraft as Reconnaissance and assigned to the 501st Hikotai at Hyakuri AB that
operates all the RF-4EJ Kai.
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 |