Hobby Master 1/72 HA19006 McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II BuNo.155510, VF-102 Diamondbacks, USS Independence (CV-64) , 1976

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

In 1972 McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II BuNo 155510 was delivered to VF-102 “Diamondbacks” where it was the CAG’s aircraft and assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Independence. Late in 1976 1555510 was assigned to VF-103 “Jolly Rogers” until it was struck off charge and sent to the bone yard in 1983. In 1984 the aircraft was transferred to the RAF as F-4J(UK) ZE358 of the 74 Squadron. In August 1986 the aircraft was lost when it crashed into a hillside during low-level training. Unfortunately the crew did not survive.