Hobby Master F-4E Phantom II 1/72 Die Cast Model HA1934

Hobby Master F-4E Phantom II 1/72 Die Cast Model HA1934 67-0362, 58th TFS, 432nd TRW, Udorn RTAB, Thailand, July 1972 The McDonnell Douglas F-4 was the main multipurpose aircraft for the US Military for 20 years. The F-4E variant was an improved version of the C/D with an elongated nose and compact radar. These two things made it possible to install a 20mm M61A1 6 barrel 640 round Vulcan gun pod in the nose. The F-4E was the most produced variant with 1387 aircraft being made over its 12 year production period. The “E” also equipped more air forces than any other variant of the Phantom II. On July 8 1972 while flying MIGCAP for chaff bombers, F-4E 67-0362 crewed by Capt. Steve Ritchie and RIO Capt. Chuck DeBellevue call-sign Paula 1 received a call from an EC-121 that MiG-21s were returning home and heading their way. Ritchie turned the Phantom and headed straight for them. One MiG-21 flew right past him but based on past experience of where there is on MiG there is a second. Seconds later another MiG-21 raced by so then Ritchie did a 180 and closed on the closest MiG-21 and destroyed it. The first MiG he had encountered was now headed for another Phantom so 67-0362 turned and destroyed their second MiG-21 of the day. This was Ritchie’s third and fourth MiGs and DeBellevue’s second and third. Capt. Ritchie would end his tour in Vietnam with 5 kills while Capt. DeBellevue would score 6 making him the first RIO/WSO to score 6 kills as well as the only USAF aviator to score this many during the Vietnam War. Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.