JG 71 “Richthofen” converted from the F-104G to the F-4F beginning March 1974 and completed by 1975. Various paint schemes had been used by the Luftwaffe but in 1982 and onward the standard scheme was the “Norm 81”. In the 1970s and 80s NATO countries adopted low-level flying to avoid radar detection. With Europe being heavily populated it made it almost impossible to fulfill this role so to accomplish this, Germany and others were based at Goose Bay Labrador that provided 294,000 km of airspace with a population of less than 30,000.

Designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy, the F-4 Phantom was first flown on May 27, 1958. This twin-engine, long-range all-weather fighter/bomber proved highly adaptable and served in the Marine Corps and the US Air Force as well as in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, it was the principal air superiority fighter for the Navy and the Air Force and was also used for reconnaissance and ground attack. The Phantom continued to serve well into the 1970s and 1980s and even flew missions during the first Gulf War. Finally phased out by the F-14, F-16 and F/A-18, the Phantom was retired in 1996.

Features:

• 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.