Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA19033F-4J Phantom II "Mig-17 Killer" 157269, VF-92 "Silver Kings", USS Constellation, 10 May 1972
General Background
The F-4J was the last version produced for the USN and USMC. The “J” version was basically an upgraded “B” version with new radar and avionics as well as a better the “J” version is what isn’t there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. Also missing was an internal gun but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. Between 1966 and 1972 there were 522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft inSouth East Asia. In mid 1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new and improved F-14 Tomcat.
The Aircraft
The VF-92 “Silver Kings” was originally formed on March 23, 1952 and ten years later re-designated VF-54 that lasted one year when they once again became VF-92. The VF-92 “Silver Kings” sailed onboard the USS Constellation from October 1971 to June 30, 1972. On May 10, 1972 F-4J #157269, flown by LCDR James McDevitt and Lt. Curt Dose, shot down a Vietnam People’s Air Force MiG-21 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder. On June 1, 1984 this aircraft was destroyed in an air collision with another F-4.
Hobby Master HA19033, F-4J Phantom II "Mig-17 Killer" 157269, VF-92, 1:72
Performance
Engines: 2 X General Electric J79-GE-8B/8C/10 turbojets, 11,870 lb.s.t dry, 17,900 lb. s.t. with afterburner. (lb.s.t. - Pounds Static Thrust)
Maximum speed: 1,584 mph at 48,000 ft. (Mach 2.4), 875 mph at sea level (Mach 1.15)
Initial climb rate: 41,250 fpm.
Service ceiling: 70,000 ft.
Combat ceiling: 54,700 ft.
Combat range: 596 miles, maximum range 1,956 miles with maximum external fuel. Weights
30,770 lbs empty. 46,833 lbs gross. 41,399 lbs combat weight.
Dimensions
Wingspan: 38 ft. 5 in. Wing area: 530 square ft. Length: 58 ft. 3.75 in. Height: 16 ft. 3 in.
Fuel
Maximum internal fuel: in fuselage tanks 1,347 US gal.
Internal wing tanks: 630 gal.
Maximum external fuel: 3,317 US gal.
600 US gal in a centerline tank, 370 US gal in each of two tanks that could be carried underneath the outer under wing pylons.
Armament
4 X AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles in semi-recessed slots in the fuselage belly.
2 X to 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles carried under the wings on the inboard pylons.
Maximum offensive load of up to 16,000 lbs carried on the centerline and 4 under wing hard points.
