F-4C drop tank breeches

[admiralcag]

Good Morning, all

 

I have started a Monogram F-4C kit and noticed there are reversed breech caps on both sides of the fuel tank pylons. I would like to know if this is correct. I have done some image searches on Google but haven't found a definitive answer.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Vern

[GW8345]

14 hours ago, admiralcag said:

Good Morning, all

 

I have started a Monogram F-4C kit and noticed there are reversed breech caps on both sides of the fuel tank pylons. I would like to know if this is correct. I have done some image searches on Google but haven't found a definitive answer.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Vern

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume the F-4C's wing tanks are the same as the Navy's so here's a link that might be helpful;

 

https://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2013/06/things-under-wings-f4h-f-4-phantom.html

 

Also, to my knowledge, when the tanks were jettisoned the pylons would be jettisoned in addition the tanks via explosive bolts so there shouldn't be any breeches on the pylon.

 

Hopefully one of our resident F-4 experts will chime in and correct me on anything I might be wrong.

[RichB63]

Cartridges installed on the LH side of both pylons. In other words, the tanks and pylons were not handed save the sway braces, which were swept to match the wing spars. Same for all Phantoms w/Sargent Fletcher 370 gal tanks (as far as I can tell).

 

Edited June 11 by RichB63

[RichB63]

Here’s a look at the RH side of the pylon, just a racetrack shaped access panel opposite the breech location. It’s a museum bird, but accurate in this regard.

 

LH side close up.

 

 

[barryc]

When the Explosive Cartridges are not installed the Cartridge Breaches are turned around and screwed in backwards. Obvious no cart installed.

 

Barry

Edited June 12 by barryc

[admiralcag]

Thanks for the replies. I was a weapons troop on the F-16 for 19 years but have no F-4 experience.

 

Vern