USAF Lockheed EC-121R Korat RTAFB, Thailand 1970 HL9018 Scale 1:200

1:200 scale Hobby Master Models Thailand RTAFB Lockheed EC-121R Korat RTAFB, Thailand, December 1970 HL9018 Scale 1:200 553rd RS/ 553rd RW, USAF, Aircraft: Lockheed EC-121R Country: USAF 1:200 Scale Item: HL9018 Hobby Master: quality and attention to detail of WM caught the eye of collectors all over the world. All Metal Diecast Aircraft In 1954 the Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star was introduced and operated until 1978. These aircraft were used as airborne early warning radar surveillance to work in conjunction with the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning) Line. The USAF used these aircraft in Vietnam as electronic sensor monitors and to detect enemy aircraft activity as well as a few other operations. These aircraft were the forerunners to today’s E-3 Sentry AWACS. The USAF aircrews used the nickname “Connies”, a play on the word Constellation. In 1967 former USN WV-2 and WV-3 Constellations were converted for USAF purposes and sent to Korat, Thailand as a component of “Operation Igloo White”. These aircraft wore the standard 3-tone SEA camouflage schemes but the crew of EC-121R 67-21498 c/n 4496, former USN 143222, with the 553rd RS/553rd RW “Batcat” got creative and added a shark mouth nose art. The EC-121R operated in the Vietnam War from October 1967 until December 1970 when they were replaced by aircraft that were faster and smaller targets. Specification for the Lockheed EC-121D or USN designation WV-2 Name – Warning Star Crew – 6 x flight crew and 11 – 25 radar crew Dimensions Length – 116 ft 2 in (35.4 m) Wingspan – 126 ft 2 in (38.45 m) Height – 24 ft 9 in (7.54 m)