McDonnell Douglas F-4 J Phantom II "Fighting Shamrocks"

Variant of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jet operated by the US Marine Corps, specifically by VMFA-333 ("Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 333"). Known for its distinctive green shamrock tail markings, the squadron played a significant role in air combat and ground support during the Vietnam War and later Cold War operations. The F-4J was a versatile, all-weather, supersonic jet capable of both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground missions, armed with missiles, bombs, and a powerful radar system.
7 sprues AND; fuselage. 3 pilot figures included.

Choice of markings for 3 aircraft:

• F-4J BuNo 155852, AJ202, VMFA-333 "Fighting Shamrocks", USS Nimitz CNV-68 1976-77;
• F-4J BuNo 155523, DN133, VMFA-333 "Fighting Shamrocks" 1978;
• F-4J BuNo 155815, WT2, VMFA-232 "Red Devils", Clark Field, Philippines 1974.

The McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom is a twin-engine, two-seat, long-range multirole fighter designed for operations in difficult weather conditions. The prototype first flew on May 27, 1958, and serial production began in 1961. Initially, the F-4 was intended to function solely as an attack aircraft, but from 1955, design work was directed toward meeting the US Navy's need for a new carrier-based fighter. The F-4 Phantom proved to be a very successful aircraft, produced in several versions, exported to many countries, and manufactured under license. The first versions were models A to D for fighter-bomber purposes. The next version was the F-4E, produced from 1967, as a long-range fighter. Reconnaissance versions were also created: RF-4B, ‹ ‹RF-4C, and RF-4E. The latest versions are the F-4F and F-4G Wild Weassel - these are electronic warfare aircraft and are designed to fight enemy radars. The F-4 took part in the Vietnam War, conflicts in the Middle East (1967, 1973) and the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). A total of 5,057 F-4 Phantom aircraft were built. Technical data (version F-4E): Maximum speed: 2,370 km/h, rate of climb: 210 m/s, maximum ceiling 18,300 m, maximum range: 2,600 km, armament: fixed-1 M61A-1 cannon with a caliber of 20 mm, underwing-up to 7,255 kg of bombs and rockets.