This airframe requires the IR seeker, 24 in. My intent is to build F4H-1 145310 all bombed up with 22 MK.82s (taken from 2x Otaki early F-16 kits.). Along with the other two upcoming sheets it'll fill quite a few gaps in F-4 markings. Thank you Kursad for considering these very early Phantoms. For some reason the narrative refers to these flights being carried out during the Gemini IV mission, but I doubt they would have risked a potential collision between a manned spacecraft launch and a USAF jet, particularly with a critical objective like the first EVA in the mission flight plan. This story is told about half an hour in but the programme is worth a watch for all the other history as well. There's some really high quality footage in an episode of 'Air Warriors' on the F-4 that has been shown on the Smithsonian Channel. The two Phantoms intercepted the Titan rocket formating on it then climbing vetically to over 68,000ft filming it with a pair of camera pods on each jet.

This was vital to establish the requirements for the later manned missions. They were tasked with filming the launch to capture the point at which 'Max Q' or the maximum mechanical stress is achieved. Two F-4Cs from McDill AFB, 63-7477 and 63-7524, conducted an amazing mission during the launch of the Gemini GT-2 capsule in January 1965. There's also a couple of rather plainly marked but historical USAF Phantoms that could maybe fit in a corner. Perhaps a more readily available decal sheet might sway someone to produce these as a complement to the markings. Apart from the intermediate intake configuration they were visually similar to early F-4Bs given the references in Tommy's F4H book & blogs I don't think it'd be too hard to modify the vari-ramps & vents. The winning jet was even flown by a future Gemini & Apollo Astronaut, Dick Gordon. It was a fair bit of work, especially all the orange bombs, but it'a a nice contrast to its production siblings.Īs a suggestion for the sheet, how about the five Project LANA Phantoms from VF-101 & VF-121? They were all uniquely marked with red or yellow bands for identification during the race and would make a colourful line-up.

I built 145310 in 1/72 about ten years ago using the equivalent Falcon set with a Hasegawa F-4B (actually the F-110A boxing) and had to modify a pair of Trumpeter Vigilante seats as well as the kits' vari-ramps to get close to the correct configuration. The Falcon set would help with the later configurations but lacks the McDonnell seats. In addition to Dutch's comments on the markings, the wing insignia are too small as they should be sized at 60 inches, not 45inches as provided. Be aware that it's intended to represent F4H-1 142259 at the time of its first flight so needs some changes such as a second McDonnell seat and the nose air conditioning intakes in order to do the later aircraft. I have heard that the main nose section is difficult to cast as the moulds only last a few sets, which could explain why Hannants rarely have stock. I got my pair at ScaleModelWorld when it was first released. He does advertise in Scale Aircraft Modelling though (and maybe other modelling magazines) with a contact e-mail: brigademodels (at) btopenworld dot com. Utah’s Hill AFB AFLCMC (Air Force Life Cycle Management Center) System Program Office will continue to be involved with the creation of new target drones for the USAF, like the QF-16.If you're looking to buy this F4H-1 conversion be aware that Kevin, the owner of Brigade Models is very much one of the 'old school' no website or electronic payments, selling via snail mail order or at shows. The remaining 13 USAF QF-4s will be converted to ground targets for use at White Sands in New Mexico.

The last unmanned drone phlight took place in August 2016: “Ironically, the majority of QF-4 missions are flown in the manned configuration to support manned presentation, unmanned flight chase missions, and pilot proficiency training.”– Scott Johnson, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center In 2015 they were transferred to Holloman in New Mexico for phinal phlight preps. In the 1990s iconic F-4 Phantom-2s were converted, at Davis-Monthan in Arizona, into QF-4 target drones for the U.S. Air Force drone type made their phinal phlights at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. One of two QF-4 Phantoms on Phinal Phlight at Hill AFBĪt the end of October, just in time for Halloween, a couple of Phunky Phantoms of the U.S.

March of the phantom brigade 4e