Hobby Master HA19015 1:72 F-4J Phantom II – Miniature Marvels: Airplane Models & Painted Dice* Airplane Model

Description

Hobby Master HA19015 1:72 F-4J Phantom II 157299, VF-103 “Sluggers’, USS Saratoga, 1971.

The final variant of the McDonnell Douglas Phantom II was the F-4J; an improved version of theF-4B and was produced for the USMC and USN. There were approximately 520 airframe builtwith the first operational flight taking place in 1966. The F-4J was provided with stronger landinggear and modifications to the inner wings and tail. The F-4J also received the new J79-GE-10engines providing 17,900 lbs of thrust.

VF-103 was activated in 1952 and from 1953 until 1957 they were the Flying Cougars beforebecoming the Sluggers. In 1965 VF-103 received the F-4B which they flew until 1968 when theF-4J arrived. VF-103 deployed 15 times on board USS Saratoga and in 1971 sailed to theMediterranean. In 1972 F-4J 157299 scored a victory over a MiG-21 and in 1976 was transferredto VF-11 Red Rippers where it was lost in 1977. Late in 1995 VF-84 Jolly Rogers wasdecommissioned so to keep the name alive VF-103 adopted the name Jolly Rogers.