F-4 Phantom guide for the masses, The various F-4 versions in a nutshell Options

[Jay Chladek]

Okay, seeing as how we've had a lot of Phantom questions lately in preparation for the GB, I thought I would create this new topic to try and be a catch all for Phantom subjects. Who knows, maybe if this gets good it can be pinned by one of the mods. As I understand it with my meager knowledge, here are the various production Phantom variants out there and a showcase of their major features from a model related standpoint. That way, somebody can theoretically glance at this list and get an idea of what they need to do a specific Phantom model from a kit and aftermarket resource standpoint. This initial list is just a gloss over and doesn't cover all the nitty gritty details for the Phantom (or all the antenna mount changes). One has to save something for later.

US Navy Fighter Phantoms

F-4A: post 1962 designation given to the first 47 Phantoms produced originally as the F4H-1. These were essentially pre-production planes and prototypes with the later ones getting some features of the F-4B. The first 15 airframes retained the original F4H-1 cockpit shape and smaller radome nose while the remainder got the classic F-4 cockpit and radome. The earliest F4H-1s (first five or six I believe) also had intakes that swept back on the upper curve before going straight down on the sides just behind the intake ramp (shaped sort of like an oversized F-5A/B intake) while later ones utilized intakes that became standard on production Phantoms. The F4H-1 Phantoms were used to set and break the majority of aviation records in the early 1960s, although some Bs were used as well.

F-4B: First major production variant. Main features: thin wing with no bulges above and below, unslotted stabilizers until very late production batch (1966?), short burner cans, thin gear tires, IR seeker bulge below the nose. All Navy Phantoms mount a retractable NATO style fuel probe that folds cleanly into the right side of the nose next to the rear seat. Since some model kits use the same fuselage for USAF and Navy types, there might be fuel probe door lines that have to be removed/filled. Similarly for a Navy cockpit, there is a left side wall bulkhead that needs to be added to the rear pit (because the fuel probe mechanism sits behind it). Navy Phantoms also have a rectangular shaped bump on the top of each wing (represented in 1/48 Hasegawa kits, although a bit too pronounced, so they should be reduced or replaced) and catapult launch bridles. Inboard wing pylons on Navy Phantoms are straight edged, not curved like USAF pylons.

F-4G (Navy version): About a dozen F-4Bs were retrofitted with a two way data link system with automatic carrier landing mode. Equipment stored in a bay with room made by sizing down one of the fuel cells and creating an acess hatch on top of the fuselage to access the equipment. Aircraft converted back to F-4Bs, although the hatch still remained in them.

F-4J: Improved model with many refined features. Main changes from B was the inclusion of bulged wing to house larger size 11.5 inch tires, No IR seeker bulge under the nose (a couple VX-4 test birds mount them though), slotted stabilizers and longer burner cans. Aircraft also gained a pair of ECM antenna fairings on the intakes.

F-4N: Refit of F-4B to more closely match improvements of the F-4J. Slotted stabilizers fitted and ECM antenna fairings on intake sides. The ECM fairings on the N model are longer then those found on the F-4J. Aircraft retained thin wing, short burner cans and IR seeker housing under the nose.

F-4S: Refit of F-4J. Main difference was the incorporation of a slatted wing, similar (but not identical) to that found on F-4E. The F-4S was also the ONLY Navy Phantom type to mount rectangular yellow Slime lights, like what USAF Phantoms in the 1970s received.

US Air Force Fighter Phantoms:

F-110A Spectre: Original designation for Air Force Phantom until USAF was mandated to standardize name and type designation with Navy type (becoming the F-4C). First couple dozen Phantoms (reports say 29) sent to the Air Force were essentially F-4Bs and used for training until the first F-4Cs came on line. These planes were identical to F-4Bs except for the USAF titles.

F-4C: First major USAF production variant. Main features: bulged wing top and bottom, unslotted stabilizers, short burner cans, larger main wheels and gear tires (from 7.7 inch Navy high pressure tires to 11.5 inch wider tires), IR seeker bulge below the nose (no IR seeker mounted though), short burner cans, flight controls for rear seat. In flight refuelling boom recepticle in spine of aircraft, resulting in a cover door being mounted there (standard to all USAF F-4 variants). USAF based Phantoms do not have the rectangular bulges on the wings found on Navy Phantoms (see Navy F-4B description) and they do not have catapult launch bridles either. Nose gear front door also equipped with different landing lights then Navy Phantoms, which featured colored lights as part of the carrier approach system for Navy jets. Rounded leading edge weapons pylons for the inboard wings also introduced on the F-4C around 1966 (RF-4C and Navy variants utilize straight leading edge pylons, as did C models prior to 1966-67 Nam deployments).

F-4C Wild Weasel: A small number of F-4Cs were equipped with special radar detection and jamming equipment for SAM hunting. Differences include RWR blisters mounted in the IR seeker bulge below the nose, two radar detection blisters just behind the nose at 10 and 2 o'clock positions, an additional pair of RWR antenna ports on the intakes just behind the leading edge of the wings, and two antenna blisters mounted on the dragchute door. Unofficial designation for the planes was EF-4C and it is referred as that in some publications.

F-4D: Second major USAF variant optimized for more capability and externally very similar to F-4C, hence most F-4C kits out there are designated F-4C/D. Bulge under nose different shaped to house elements of an ECM unit. Some early Ds were delivered without the bulge, but it was soon retrofitted. Iran also got F-4Ds without the bulges at all.

F-4E: Definative USAF variant. Nose profile changed extensively to fit internally mounted M61 Vulcan cannon and different from earlier Phantoms. Gun muzzle shape changed from early to late F-4E versions (to help prevent gun gas injestion during firing of the gun, all planes eventually retrofitted with late style). Early birds had same wing as F-4C and D versions (also known as the Hard Wing). Other feature difference included longer burner cans and slots on the horizontal stabilizers.

In June 1972, a slatted wing became standard on the F-4E with pretty much every early F-4E still flying being retrofitted to this configuration by the late 1970s. Pretty much all birds that fought in Vietnam had the hard wing. Israeli Phantoms that fought the Yom Kippur war and engagements prior to this also had the hard wing and so did a few Iranian (IIAF) Phantoms delivered in the early 1970s. Other main external feature mounted from the mid 1970s and 80s was TISEO, an optical tracking camera port on the left wing root for visual ID of distant aircraft targets. USAF and IIAF (later IRIAF) F-4Es mounted TISEO, not sure about Israeli ones.

F-4G (USAF version): Based on the F-4E and optimized for Wild Weasel anti-SAM strikes. Major change was replacement of the internally mounted Vulcan cannon with special ECM and detection equipment giving the plane a very different looking nose. Tail also has a distinctive bulge antenna at the top. F-4Gs have slatted wings.

Recon Phantoms:

RF-4C: USAF Phantom variant with new nose design mounting recon cameras. Early RF-4s featured a squared off lower camera bay while later ones (with some intermeshing of noses during production) featured a lower nose with a slightly more rounded appearance. Main features: Short burner cans, flight controls for the aft cockpit, unslotted stabilizers and two enclosed bays on fuselage in front of tail for ejection of photo flash cartridges. All camera nose Phantoms have NO recesses in the fuselage for Sparrow missiles, meaning that any ECM pods mounted have to be carried on pylons and not sem-recessed in a Sparrow bay. RF-4C and B models use straight Navy style inboard wing weapon pylons.

RF-4B: US Navy Phantom variant ordered after success of the USAF version. All RF-4Bs flown by USMC units. Main distinguishing features are the short burner cans and slotted stabilizers along with carrier specific equipment (catapult bridles etc.). Most versions mounted the square nose lower camera bay and the thin wing of the F-4B. Last ten jets off the production line (with 157xxx numbers) featured the bulged hard wing found on the F-4E and J variants to house the larger main gear and tires. Last three jets also featured the more rounded RF-4 lower nose. Retrofitted RF-4Bs included bulges on the intakes for ECM equipment in a manner similar to those found on F-4Ns. Additional retrofit later included longer burner cans and slotted stabilizers. The late RF-4B with the J style wing is the version done by Hasegawa in 1/48 scale and requires wing mods to make it a thin winged RF-4B.

RF-4E: Externally almost identical to RF-4C. Main distinguishing difference from the C are longer burner cans like those found on the F-4E. RF-4Es also utilize F-4E style inboard wing pylons with curved leading edge to mount ECM pods from time to time (depending on operator). All RF-4Es used by export countries.

Initial production batch (mostly delivered to West Germany) featured square shaped lower nose while most of the production run featured rounded nose bay. Most planes utilized hard wing, although very late production batch delivered to Turkey and Greece was done with slatted wings as the production line in St. Louis was set up for it. Turkey and Greece also flew hard wing Recon Phantoms as well, so check references. Israeli RF-4Es supposedly wired for Sidewinder missile capability, making them the only RF-4s equipped this way (although the USAF retrofitted a few RF-4Cs with this capability around Desert Storm).

"Phoreign" Phantoms:

F-4K (FG-1): Delivered to Royal Navy. Very similar in features to F-4J, except aircraft fitted with Spey turbofan engines in place of J79s, resulting in a different center fuselage profile. The intakes were larger and the fuselage around the engine exhausts was wider and deeper as well. Aircraft featured hard bulged wing and slotted stabilizers of F-4J. Unique feature on the K includes an extra long extending nose strut to raise nose by 40 inches for cat launches off of Royal Navy carriers, a folding radome and catapult bridles (like other Navy phantoms). Aircraft sent to RAF when RN got out of fixed wing operations (until Sea Harrier came on line anyway).

F-4M (FGR-2): Delivered to Royal Air Force. Very similar to F-4K, except for deletion of carrier specific equipment, such as the extra long extending nose strut. M model also had an unslotted stabilizer. Externally the K and M models are almost identical as both were used side by side in the RAF. The nose strut on the K model is the big giveaway. Many aircraft of both the K and M types (but not all) got a squared off RWR antenna housinng on the tip of the tail fin and this is one easy identifier for British Phantoms. British Phantoms utilize UK style harness and buckles on their cockpit ejection seats.

F-4J(UK): "Slightly" modified F-4Js (15 in number) sent to the UK to replace Spey engined Phantoms sent to the Falklands to beef up the island defenses there after the Falklands war. Externally almost identical to US Navy F-4Js in terms of equipment fit (down to the ECM pods on the engine intakes). Unlike the Spey engined Phantoms, the Js did not mount the square RWR antenna housing in the tail. From a modeling standpoint, the F-4J(UK) looks like a Navy Phantom in terms of external features with maybe an antenna mount or two changing.

F-4F: Detuned F-4E Phantom delivered to West Germany. Included slatted wing of the F-4E, but had an unslotted stabilizer. German F-4s also utilize the British style seat harnesses in the cockpit, not the US type.

Kurnass 2000: Israeli Phantom upgrade. Most changes internal and visible only in the cockpit (added CRTs I believe). IAF Phantoms prior to the 2000 refit also mounted a NATO style fixed refuelling probe on the right side of the fuselage just behind the cockpit (retrofit phased in during the 1980s). So having a probe doesn't necessarily mean that an IAF Phantom is a Kurnass 2000, but all Kurnass 2000's have the probe. Probe also fitted to IAF RF-4Es as well (not sure about the F-4E(S) models since they tended to favor low drag for high speed at altitude). Some Kurnass 2000 internal upgrades made available by Israel to other countries (such as Turkey which had some of its F-4E fleet updated). Turkish RF-4Es and Spanish RF-4Cs have also been seen with the Kurnass style refuelling probe on the fuselage.

F-4E(S): Israeli Phantom mounted with special nose containing high altitude camera equipment. Mostly used for overflights of threat countries. Nose profile is very different from all other Phantom versions and only a few resin/vac companies have done them.

F-4EJ: Japanese produced variant manufactured by Mitsubishi under license to MDD. Essentially a hard wing F-4E with slotted stabilizers and some equipment differences.

F-4EJ Kai: Upgraded Japanese variant with many internal changes to give Japan's aircraft more multi-mission capability. Main distinguishing features that can be seen are reinforcement strips on the composite radome and some RHAW antenna fairings on the edges of the wings (forming a double blister shape at the front edge) and two small antenna blisters on tail fin tip. There are additional antenna changes as well from earlier F-4EJs. Recent Japanese RF-4Es (the ones with the camera nose) also mount the RHAW wingtip fairings and tail antennas of the EJ Kai as well.

A confusing thing is some of the F-4EJs not fully converted to EJ Kai standard are designated RF-4EJs, except they don't have the RF-4 nose and mount special recon camera pods on the centerline instead. Japanese RF-4Es are known as RF-4Es since they were built by MDD, not Mitsubishi in Japan like the EJs were. Another confusing thing is some publications call both the camera pod and camera nose equipped RF-4s the RF-4EJ Kai and make no distinction between the two types. When selecting a kit of a JASDF RF-4, look at the box art to make sure it is either a camera nose bird or one with a pod to avoid getting surprised.

Feel free to point out any mistakes or things I've missed and I will update this as needed.

This post has been edited by Jay Chladek: Nov 26 2008, 01:16 PM

[RAGATIGER]

Hi there

In part because this forum and from other side always wanted to do I just got some of the early Phantoms molds so maybe I can help a little bit


Well one or two thing about the:

Early Hasegawa Phantom in 1/72 scale


US Navy F-4J (Showtime 100 decals that's the hook) very simple interior one part clear canopy, no bulges on the wing, no wing tanks so you better get add an IR bulge and replace the burner cans because is more close to a Early B model, already came with unslotted stabilators without middle reinforcement

US Navy F-4J new mold (late) you only can made the late J or and S version with slats (no hard wing) no weapons

Early USAF F-4E (Arkansas Traveler JJ 388TFW, JV 388 TFW, Israeli AF decals )
you got a simple interior, single piece clear canopy, both type of gun muzzle, hard wing no slats, lots of bombs well they look like M117, 3 fuel tanks, only kit with traveling pods/Falcons rails,

New mold F-4E (slat wing, AIM- rails, Photo BDA camaras, TISEO) no weapons, wing tanks and 2 kinda of big tanks early type and F-15 Type

For the Monogram kits

F-4D very nice interior only kits with extended air brakes, two types of ECM pods, SUU-16 gun pod, + 4 Sidewinders AIM-9B (for the decals suposed to be E type)+ 4 Sparrows AIM-7 + 2 wing tanks one seated pilot one standing (you can converted on C model sanding a little bit the IR under nose sensor or an early D model deleting it all Steve Ritchie 555 TFS OY only decal option

F-4J Early J very nice interior only kits with extended air brakes, hard wing, 3 fuel tanks, mid wings pylons with TER and 3 fuse extended MK 82 bombs + 4 Sidewinders AIM-9B (for the decals suposed to be D type)+ 4 Sparrows AIM-7 one seated pilot one standing more than one different decal release I got one with VFMA-333 Shamrocks at USS Nimitz

For ESCI

F-4E/F you got both types of slotted and unslotted stabilators and stat wing, 2 wing tanks and 4 sidewinders AIM-9 (something close to L-P better not to use) and 4 Sparrows AIM-7
Decals from 4 TFW SJ, German Luftwaffe Ghost scheme and a SEA Turkey AF
Decals from 3 TFW PN Battan nose art, Lufftwaffe spliter grays early scheme. RAAF (yes Australian) and 1 Jet sqn Ahat IDF AF (awesome accurate for those days)


RF-4C/E
you got both types of slotted and unslotted stabilators and stat wing, 3 external fuel tanks 2 different sets of afterburners short and large cans (need to be replace) and mid wing pylons (need to be replaced) Decals for USAF AR tail marking and AW51 Luftwaffe

Best day

Armando

PS still looking for the next ESCI batch arrival


Well the ESCI Phantoms just arrived so

ESCI F-4 C/ J

You got both sets of J-79 afterburners short for C and Large for J (early J without the Slats) 4 sidewinders that look very similar to P models and 4 Sparrows, 3 Fuel tanks, 2 different sets of stabilitors slotted and unslotted, two different sets of Mid wing pylons, IR sensor for C version (so that mean that you can also made an early D model)
Decals options depends on the boxing but some samples (SEA D 18 TFS Vampires & C Hawaii ANG), (SEA C Spanish AF Ejercito del Aire & Hi Vis US Marines)

ESCI F-4S RAF

Well Here you find 4 sidewinders that look very similar to P models and 4 Sparrows, 2 Fuel tanks, 2 different sets of stabilitors slotted and unslotted, two different sets of Mid wing pylons, a SUU-16 Gun Pod, the intake ECM antenas (extra E model gun parts)
Decals Options RAF Sqn 74 Tigers + Ghost Scheme US Marines

Monogram F-4C/D
Here You find 4 x AIM-9B, 4 x AIM-7E, a SUU-16 Gun Pod, 2 different ECM pods, Wing Tanks, towel rack antena for Loran navgation, Canopy open/closed Clear Parts, one pilot seated one walking Original decals for Steve Ritchie 555 TFS OY 1972 MiG killer

Monogram F-4J
Early J model no slatted wing or hard wing for armament: 4 x AIM-9B, 4 x AIM-7E, 2 TER mid wing pylon and 6 fuse extended 500 pound Mk82 HE, 3 Ext Fuel tanks Canopy open/closed Clear Parts, one pilot seated one walking decals for VF- USS Constalation other edition with VFMA-333 Shamrocks aboard USS Nimitz

Pending Italeri / Tamiya F-4 E/G/F kit

Best day

Armando


This post has been edited by RAGATIGER: Nov 8 2009, 04:18 PM

[RCF]

How about the (E)F-4C, the Wild Weasel 4, of which 36 were produced (modified from standard F-4C's). 12 of these saw combat in the latter days of the Vietnam conflict with the 67th TFS, whilst 12 were stationed at Spangdahlem with the 81st TFS and the last 12 went to the 35th TFW at George AFB.

And then the were the 2 F-4D's converted to Wild Weasels under Project Wild Weasel IV-B, though neither of those made it to operational status.

I am looking (specifically) for the Revell F4 C/D kit. My father flew the actual "C" version depicted on the box (64-0806) in Viet Nam. I would like to get my hands on one or more of the kits. Any suggestions?

[RAGATIGER]

I am looking (specifically) for the Revell F4 C/D kit. My father flew the actual "C" version depicted on the box (64-0806) in Viet Nam. I would like to get my hands on one or more of the kits. Any suggestions?

Hi RCF

Actually that's a beautiful detailed kit (the only but is that detail is engraved or positive is a reduction from the 1/48 kit and only come with a single set of decals) but you only need to do small surgery in tin IR part because it's more a D than C unless you did that so

The other option is the Hasegawa the new Phantom F-4C/D version come with interesting decals options and dumb bombs sets in the older kit you only get post Vietnam Schemes (there is also ESCI kits but lacks detail on the cockpit the other option is Fujimi F-4D but this one is only a third option after the Hase and the Monogram kits)


If you're planing to get more than one of the Monogram kits I can offer you a decal set for one you'll have duplicate because you only got one option with it

Best day
Armando

PS check the whole F-4 Phantom guide for the mases is really interesting and educational

[Gremlin]

Hi Folks:

This is my first post on ARC. I´m really interest on built a F-4E USAF Vietnam War era. I bought a condor decals "Phantoms in NAM Part I" and my favourite option is "El Toro Bravo" an F-4E Early (Short Gun Muzzle and not Slatted Wing). The kit to do is a Italeri F-4E/F/G in 72nd scale but this model are a F-4E Late with Long Gun Muzzle and Slatted Wing. After 1971 the F-4E receive the Slatted Wing, my questions are:

The 67-0309 (El Toro Bravo, 388th TFW, 469th TFS) was retrofitted to late version on NAM period?
Did Survive the Vietnam War?
Someone have photos of this Aircraft? (I only found one on Osprey F-4 USAF MiG Killers 1972-73)

If 67-0309 are not retrofitted to Late E Version the options are make a F-4E Early with a Revell kit (F-4F modified) or make a Late E (Love War, other option of decals) with Italeri kit.

Many thanks for your responses
Regards from Chile.

[RAGATIGER]

Hi Folks:

This is my first post on ARC. I´m really interest on built a F-4E USAF Vietnam War era. I bought a condor decals "Phantoms in NAM Part I" and my favourite option is "El Toro Bravo" an F-4E Early (Short Gun Muzzle and not Slatted Wing). The kit to do is a Italeri F-4E/F/G in 72nd scale but this model are a F-4E Late with Long Gun Muzzle and Slatted Wing. After 1971 the F-4E receive the Slatted Wing, my questions are:

The 67-0309 (El Toro Bravo, 388th TFW, 469th TFS) was retrofitted to late version on NAM period?
Did Survive the Vietnam War?
Someone have photos of this Aircraft? (I only found one on Osprey F-4 USAF MiG Killers 1972-73)

If 67-0309 are not retrofitted to Late E Version the options are make a F-4E Early with a Revell kit (F-4F modified) or make a Late E (Love War, other option of decals) with Italeri kit.

Many thanks for your responses
Regards from Chile.

Hola Colega Gremlin

Greetings from El Salvador

For a Vietnam War Phantom F-4E you can use both types of gun muzzles if you don't have a early sample I can give you one also if you interested (also can trade you an Arkansas Traveler decal set) you can contact me at armandogiron@yahoo.com

Not sure but no F-4E retrofited to slated wing during Vietnam War (you can find some samples in the IDF AF during Yom Kippur War but that happen in October '73

I'm also waiting for a Italeri Pahntom F-4 E/F/G and everything in 1/72 scale

Best day
Armando

[RAGATIGER]

Ok then

here comes the review for the Italeri Kits

you have

RF-4C/E
Hard wing, 2 types of burner cans (you better replace them) sparce cockpit with decals, nice recon nose but square type 2 types of mid wing pylons (crying to be replaced) no weapons or ECM, 2 external under wing fuel tanks + big under fuselage external fuel tank U/C can be possed up and down

2 Sets of Decals one for a USAF C JO tail marking and a Modern German Luftwaffe sample AG-51


F-4E/F/G
Sloted build wing moulded type, 2 types of burner cans (you better replace them) sparce cockpit with decals, two sets of under nose one for a gun armed E model and another for the G Wild Weasel model type 2 types of mid wing pylons (crying to be replaced) weapons (4 AIM-9 Sidewinders looks like P type + 4 AIM-7 Sparrows, ALQ-119 ECM, one AGM-45 Shrike, one AGM-78 Standard) 2 external under wing fuel tanks + big under fuselage external fuel tank U/C can be possed up and down (this kit shares clear parts and fuselage moulds with the early Recon model)

3 Sets of Decals one for a USAF E PN 3 TFW, USAF G PN 3 TFWl marking and a Modern F German Luftwaffe sample JBG-36

This post has been edited by RAGATIGER: Apr 24 2009, 05:55 PM

[RAGATIGER]

OK then

Here comes the review for the Aftermarkets sets for Phantom F-4 (not decals)

Complete Detail sets for Hasegawa kits Late molds
Verlinden Mostly etched parts
F-4B/C/D/E/J/S
Cockpit detail for External canopy frames
Cockpit placards for B/C/D/J/S notice no E model
Radar Detail B/C/D/E/J/S (Resin + Etched)
Right Wing detail, and Photoetched detail for E/J/S afterburner cans (Resin + Etched)

Gatling gun (some parts but no canon barrel base contrary as included 1/48 scale detail set)

Ejection Seats nice resin samples

Aires for use in Revell Germany F-4F
Complete Cockpit, side panels and ejection seats (resin)
Cockpit intrument panels (frontal) & etched samples

Airwaves (etched brass)
F-4 canopy frames

Aeroclub (White Metal)
Phantom U/C
Ejection Seats for British Phantoms

Fightpath (etched brass)
USAF/US Navy Phantom Laders (also inclues in built steps) 2 each

Airkit Enterprise (resin)
RAF Phantom FOD Guards for Fujimi Kits

Pavla (resin)
Ejection Seat MB Mk7 (2)

Delta Pub (resin)
Israeli/Spanish F-4 IFR Probe

Aires (resin )
F-4F Phantom II Exhaust Nozzle (2)

High Flight (resin)
Afterburner Set (2)

Parangon (resin)
Phantom Flaps
Raphael AIM Phyton III (2) etched and Resin

Well thats all I know

Best day you all
Armando

This post has been edited by RAGATIGER: Jan 29 2009, 03:49 AM

[F-4 d best]

Hi All,

I have just starded doing a 1/7.5 scale Iranian Air Force F-4E and I need help regarding decals, can anyone suggest something please ??

Thanks
Mario

[Draggie748]

Just for interest, the RAAF F-4Es were Blk 43 aircraft with hard wings and early cannon muzzle,later modified to have the luminous light strips,then the long cannon muzzle. All except 69-7203, which crashed were returned to the USAF at the end of their lease and most ended up as QF/F-4Gs. their serial numbers were 69-0304 - 69-0307 and 69-7201 -69-7217, 69-7219-69-7220 and 69-7234. 69-7234 was badly damaged in an accident that the USAF declared was unrepairable, but 3Aircraft Depot at RAAF base Amberley in Queeensland repaired it and I believe it was the last ex-RAAF F-4 shot down as a QF-4G. This aircraft and 69-7209 are illustrated on the Two Bobs QF-4G decal sheet.

HTH

Phil Hastie
Canberra, Australia

[Jennings]

Would anybody be interested in molding up some Monogram 1/48 F-4 tail hooks in resin to replace the anemic ones on my Hasegawa kits?? I've got a sacrifice one for the master..

J

[gmat]

LES equipped F-4E in SEA War. Some 71 model F-4Es with LES and TISEO were sent to the 432nd TFRW (later 432nd TFW) under project Rivet Haste. They were assigned to the 555th TFW which had exchanged their F-4Ds for F-4Es either shortly before or during Linebacker II. The Rivet Hast F-4Es were uncoded and initially had RRRRIBIT in yellow on the tail, which was later painted out and just the fin cap was painted green. From Smoke Trails, Vol. 3 # 4, Tail Codes, 432 TFRW, by Harley Copic. By 1975, when Saigon fell, I'm sure that the F-4Es still flying in Thailand had the LES installed. Most of them were later sent to Clark and Korea.
Mike V had a very good comparison of the Monogram and Hasegawa F-4 kits on Hyperscale, I'll try to find the thread.
Best wishes,
Grant.

[zark]

My regards to all the Phantom maniacs in ARC. I don't want to upset you all, but.....only a few days ago (Sunday the 12th actually) there was a formation of four F-4E's flying extremelly low over my house due to a local national celebration (that's in Greece guys). What a sight...and noise. I wish you could all shared this with me.
I am building now an F-4E in greek markings of course, the usual suspect an F-4E 1/48 Hasegawa. It will be in Aegean Blue camo. I will post some pictures when I finish the model (and I have to admit I am not the greatest fan of the F-4).
If you all think you are crazy about F-4s you should see what is going on, in the Greek modelling clubs. Most probably is the most popular subject among Greek aircraft modellers.

[RAGATIGER]

Hi there

Please allow me to edit this message

Hi there

In part because this forum and from other side always wanted to do I just got some of the early Phantoms molds so maybe I can help a little bit


Well one or two thing about the:

Early Hasegawa Phantom in 1/72 scale


US Navy F-4J (Showtime 100 decals that's the hook) very simple interior one part clear canopy, no bulges on the wing, no wing tanks so you better get add an IR bulge and replace the burner cans because is more close to a Early B model, already came with unslotted stabilators without middle reinforcement

US Navy F-4J new mold (late) you only can made the late J or and S version with slats (no hard wing) no weapons

Early USAF F-4E (Arkansas Traveler JJ 388TFW, JV 388 TFW, Israeli AF decals )
you got a simple interior, single piece clear canopy, both type of gun muzzle, hard wing no slats, lots of bombs well they look like M117, 3 fuel tanks, only kit with traveling pods/Falcons rails,

New mold F-4E (slat wing, AIM- rails, Photo BDA camaras, TISEO) no weapons,

For the Monogram kits

F-4D very nice interior only kits with extended air brakes, two types of ECM pods, SUU-16 gun pod, + 4 Sidewinders AIM-9B (for the decals suposed to be E type)+ 4 Sparrows AIM-7 + 2 wing tanks one seated pilot one standing (you can converted on C model sanding a little bit the IR under nose sensor or an early D model deleting it all Steve Ritchie 555 TFS OY only decal option
Wings correct for any unslated USAF sample other name hard wing
Horizontal Stavilators sloted kind with triangular reinformement


F-4J Early J very nice interior only kits with extended air brakes, hard wing, 3 fuel tanks, mid wings pylons with TER and 3 fuse extended MK 82 bombs + 4 Sidewinders AIM-9B (for the decals suposed to be D type)+ 4 Sparrows AIM-7 one seated pilot one standing more than one different decal release I got one with VFMA-333 Shamrocks at USS Nimitz
Wings correct for any US NAVY includes the small rectangular bump over the wing and hooks for catapult use
Horizontal stabilators unsloted type without triangular reinformement


For ESCI

F-4E/F you got both types of slotted and unslotted stabilators and stat wing, 2 wing tanks and 4 sidewinders AIM-9 (something close to L-P better not to use) and 4 Sparrows AIM-7
Decals from 3 TFW PN Philippines, German Luftwaffe Gost scheme and a SEA Turkey AF

RF-4C/E
you got both types of slotted and unslotted stabilators and stat wing, 3 external fuel tanks 2 different sets of afterburners short and large cans (need to be replace) and mid wing pylons (need to be replaced)

Best day

Armando

PS still looking for the next ESCI batch arrival


Well the ESCI Phantoms just arrived so

ESCI F-4 C/ J

You got both sets of J-79 afterburners short for C and Large for J (early J without the Slats) 4 sidewinders that look very similar to P models and 4 Sparrows, 3 Fuel tanks, 2 different sets of stabilitors slotted and unslotted, two different sets of Mid wing pylons, IR sensor for C version (so that mean that you can also made an early D model)
Decals options depends on the boxing but some samples (SEA D 18 TFS Vampires & C Hawaii ANG), (SEA C Spanish AF Ejercito del Aire & Hi Vis US Marines)

Take notice Wings correct for any US NAVY includes the small rectangular bump over the wing and hooks for catapult use so no explanation on the instructions to fill them in case you choose for C version
Also posible to made a early D withot any infrared sensor under the nose


ESCI F-4S RAF

Well Here you find 4 sidewinders that look very similar to P models and 4 Sparrows, 2 Fuel tanks, 2 different sets of stabilitors slotted and unslotted, two different sets of Mid wing pylons, a SUU-16 Gun Pod, the intake ECM antenas (extra E model gun parts with both types of gun muzzle early and late)
Decals Options RAF Sqn 74 Tigers + Ghost Scheme US Marines

Monogram F-4C/D
Here You find 4 x AIM-9B, 4 x AIM-7E, a SUU-16 Gun Pod, 2 different ECM pods, Wing Tanks, towel rack antena for Loran navgation, Canopy open/closed Clear Parts, one pilot seated one walking Original decals for Steve Ritchie 555 TFS OY 1972 MiG killer

Monogram F-4J
Early J model no slatted wing or hard wing for armament: 4 x AIM-9B, 4 x AIM-7E, 2 TER mid wing pylon and 6 fuse extended 500 pound Mk82 HE, 3 Ext Fuel tanks Canopy open/closed Clear Parts, one pilot seated one walking decals for VF- USS Constalation other edition with VFMA-333 Shamrocks aboard USS Nimitz

Pending Italeri / Tamiya F-4 E/G/F kit
A totally diferent kit from ESCI its an original kit


Best day

Armando

[gmat]

There is a thread in Hyperscale jet forums where Mike V compares the Monogran and Hasegawa F-4 kits.
Hope that this is useful.

http://www.clubhyper.com/forums/jetageframe.htm
Use the search function and type F-4E
Question: 1/72 F-4J Monogram vs. Hasegawa??January 3 2009 at 1:15 PM

Best wishes,
Grant

[JEN722]

1/72nd scale kits:

The Italeri/Testor F-4E/F/G, RF-4C and F-4S are not really worth touching, nor are the old tool Hasegawa F-4E, F-4EJ and F-4K/M kits. All have shape issues and raised panel lines.

The Monogram F-4J and F-4C/D kits might be slightly better detailed than the new toll Hasegawa kit in a few areas, but the fit of parts is not very good, and the panel lines are raised.

The Esci/Ertl F-4 kits and Fujimi F-4 Kits (except the FG.1 and FGR.2) have very basic cockpits, but shape and fit are acceptable (although the F-4E/F kits are inaccurate). Panel lines are engraved. The Fujimi FG.1 and FGR.2 kits are very nice.

The new tool Revell F-4F and RF-4E have shape issues but are otherwise acceptable.

The new tool Hasegawa F-4 kits are the best on the market overall. All major variants can be built from these kits.

Regards,

[janman]

On a slightly related note, what might be the best book catering the US Navy Phantoms? I'm not looking for a pure modeling manual, but something that includes a lot of nice photos of older Navy F-4s but is not a pure photographic book either, in other words includes a good amount of technical/historical information as well. You see what I mean..?

[BradP]

Okay, seeing as how we've had a lot of Phantom questions lately in preparation for the GB, I thought I would create this new topic to try and be a catch all for Phantom subjects. Who knows, maybe if this gets good it can be pinned by one of the mods. As I understand it with my meager knowledge, here are the various production Phantom variants out there and a showcase of their major features from a model related standpoint. That way, somebody can theoretically glance at this list and get an idea of what they need to do a specific Phantom model from a kit and aftermarket resource standpoint. This initial list is just a gloss over and doesn't cover all the nitty gritty details for the Phantom (or all the antenna mount changes). One has to save something for later.

US Navy Fighter Phantoms

F-4A: post 1962 designation given to the first 47 Phantoms produced originally as the F4H-1. These were essentially pre-production planes and prototypes with the later ones getting some features of the F-4B. The first 15 airframes retained the original F4H-1 cockpit shape and smaller radome nose while the remainder got the classic F-4 cockpit and radome. The earliest F4H-1s (first five or six I believe) also had intakes that swept back on the upper curve before going straight down on the sides just behind the intake ramp (shaped sort of like an oversized F-5A/B intake) while later ones utilized intakes that became standard on production Phantoms. The F4H-1 Phantoms were used to set and break the majority of aviation records in the early 1960s, although some Bs were used as well.

F-4B: First major production variant. Main features: thin wing with no bulges above and below, unslotted stabilizers until very late production batch (1966?), short burner cans, thin gear tires, IR seeker bulge below the nose. All Navy Phantoms mount a retractable NATO style fuel probe that folds cleanly into the right side of the nose next to the rear seat. Since some model kits use the same fuselage for USAF and Navy types, there might be fuel probe door lines that have to be removed/filled. Similarly for a Navy cockpit, there is a left side wall bulkhead that needs to be added to the rear pit (because the fuel probe mechanism sits behind it). Navy Phantoms also have a rectangular shaped bump on the top of each wing (represented in 1/48 Hasegawa kits, although a bit too pronounced, so they should be reduced or replaced) and catapult launch bridles. Inboard wing pylons on Navy Phantoms are straight edged, not curved like USAF pylons.

F-4G (Navy version): About a dozen F-4Bs were retrofitted with a two way data link system with automatic carrier landing mode. Equipment stored in a bay with room made by sizing down one of the fuel cells and creating an acess hatch on top of the fuselage to access the equipment. Aircraft converted back to F-4Bs, although the hatch still remained in them.

F-4J: Improved model with many refined features. Main changes from B was the inclusion of bulged wing to house larger size 11.5 inch tires, No IR seeker bulge under the nose (a couple VX-4 test birds mount them though), slotted stabilizers and longer burner cans. Aircraft also gained a pair of ECM antenna fairings on the intakes.

F-4N: Refit of F-4B to more closely match improvements of the F-4J. Slotted stabilizers fitted and ECM antenna fairings on intake sides. The ECM fairings on the N model are longer then those found on the F-4J. Aircraft retained thin wing, short burner cans and IR seeker housing under the nose.

F-4S: Refit of F-4J. Main difference was the incorporation of a slatted wing, similar (but not identical) to that found on F-4E. The F-4S was also the ONLY Navy Phantom type to mount rectangular yellow Slime lights, like what USAF Phantoms in the 1970s received.

US Air Force Fighter Phantoms:

F-110A Spectre: Original designation for Air Force Phantom until USAF was mandated to standardize name and type designation with Navy type (becoming the F-4C). First couple dozen Phantoms (reports say 29) sent to the Air Force were essentially F-4Bs and used for training until the first F-4Cs came on line. These planes were identical to F-4Bs except for the USAF titles.

F-4C: First major USAF production variant. Main features: bulged wing top and bottom, unslotted stabilizers, short burner cans, larger main wheels and gear tires (from 7.7 inch Navy high pressure tires to 11.5 inch wider tires), IR seeker bulge below the nose (no IR seeker mounted though), short burner cans, flight controls for rear seat. In flight refuelling boom recepticle in spine of aircraft, resulting in a cover door being mounted there (standard to all USAF F-4 variants). USAF based Phantoms do not have the rectangular bulges on the wings found on Navy Phantoms (see Navy F-4B description) and they do not have catapult launch bridles either. Nose gear front door also equipped with different landing lights then Navy Phantoms, which featured colored lights as part of the carrier approach system for Navy jets. Rounded leading edge weapons pylons for the inboard wings also introduced on the F-4C around 1966 (RF-4C and Navy variants utilize straight leading edge pylons, as did C models prior to 1966-67 Nam deployments).

F-4C Wild Weasel: A small number of F-4Cs were equipped with special radar detection and jamming equipment for SAM hunting. Differences include RWR blisters mounted in the IR seeker bulge below the nose, two radar detection blisters just behind the nose at 10 and 2 o'clock positions, an additional pair of RWR antenna ports on the intakes just behind the leading edge of the wings, and two antenna blisters mounted on the dragchute door. Unofficial designation for the planes was EF-4C and it is referred as that in some publications.

F-4D: Second major USAF variant optimized for more capability and externally very similar to F-4C, hence most F-4C kits out there are designated F-4C/D. Bulge under nose different shaped to house elements of an ECM unit. Some early Ds were delivered without the bulge, but it was soon retrofitted. Iran also got F-4Ds without the bulges at all.

F-4E: Definative USAF variant. Nose profile changed extensively to fit internally mounted M61 Vulcan cannon and different from earlier Phantoms. Gun muzzle shape changed from early to late F-4E versions (to help prevent gun gas injestion during firing of the gun, all planes eventually retrofitted with late style). Early birds had same wing as F-4C and D versions (also known as the Hard Wing). Other feature difference included longer burner cans and slots on the horizontal stabilizers.

In June 1972, a slatted wing became standard on the F-4E with pretty much every early F-4E still flying being retrofitted to this configuration by the late 1970s. Pretty much all birds that fought in Vietnam had the hard wing. Israeli Phantoms that fought the Yom Kippur war and engagements prior to this also had the hard wing and so did a few Iranian (IIAF) Phantoms delivered in the early 1970s. Other main external feature mounted from the mid 1970s and 80s was TISEO, an optical tracking camera port on the left wing root for visual ID of distant aircraft targets. USAF and IIAF (later IRIAF) F-4Es mounted TISEO, not sure about Israeli ones.

F-4G (USAF version): Based on the F-4E and optimized for Wild Weasel anti-SAM strikes. Major change was replacement of the internally mounted Vulcan cannon with special ECM and detection equipment giving the plane a very different looking nose. Tail also has a distinctive bulge antenna at the top. F-4Gs have slatted wings.

Recon Phantoms:

RF-4C: USAF Phantom variant with new nose design mounting recon cameras. Early RF-4s featured a squared off lower camera bay while later ones (with some intermeshing of noses during production) featured a lower nose with a slightly more rounded appearance. Main features: Short burner cans, flight controls for the aft cockpit, unslotted stabilizers and two enclosed bays on fuselage in front of tail for ejection of photo flash cartridges. All camera nose Phantoms have NO recesses in the fuselage for Sparrow missiles, meaning that any ECM pods mounted have to be carried on pylons and not sem-recessed in a Sparrow bay. RF-4C and B models use straight Navy style inboard wing weapon pylons.

RF-4B: US Navy Phantom variant ordered after success of the USAF version. All RF-4Bs flown by USMC units. Main distinguishing features are the short burner cans and slotted stabilizers along with carrier specific equipment (catapult bridles etc.). Most versions mounted the square nose lower camera bay and the thin wing of the F-4B. Last ten jets off the production line (with 157xxx numbers) featured the bulged hard wing found on the F-4E and J variants to house the larger main gear and tires. Last three jets also featured the more rounded RF-4 lower nose. Retrofitted RF-4Bs included bulges on the intakes for ECM equipment in a manner similar to those found on F-4Ns. Additional retrofit later included longer burner cans and slotted stabilizers. The late RF-4B with the J style wing is the version done by Hasegawa in 1/48 scale and requires wing mods to make it a thin winged RF-4B.

RF-4E: Externally almost identical to RF-4C. Main distinguishing difference from the C are longer burner cans like those found on the F-4E. RF-4Es also utilize F-4E style inboard wing pylons with curved leading edge to mount ECM pods from time to time (depending on operator). All RF-4Es used by export countries.

Initial production batch (mostly delivered to West Germany) featured square shaped lower nose while most of the production run featured rounded nose bay. Most planes utilized hard wing, although very late production batch delivered to Turkey and Greece was done with slatted wings as the production line in St. Louis was set up for it. Turkey and Greece also flew hard wing Recon Phantoms as well, so check references. Israeli RF-4Es supposedly wired for Sidewinder missile capability, making them the only RF-4s equipped this way (although the USAF retrofitted a few RF-4Cs with this capability around Desert Storm).

"Phoreign" Phantoms:

F-4K (FG-1): Delivered to Royal Navy. Very similar in features to F-4J, except aircraft fitted with Spey turbofan engines in place of J79s, resulting in a different center fuselage profile. The intakes were larger and the fuselage around the engine exhausts was wider and deeper as well. Aircraft featured hard bulged wing and slotted stabilizers of F-4J. Unique feature on the K includes an extra long extending nose strut to raise nose by 40 inches for cat launches off of Royal Navy carriers, a folding radome and catapult bridles (like other Navy phantoms). Aircraft sent to RAF when RN got out of fixed wing operations (until Sea Harrier came on line anyway).

F-4M (FGR-2): Delivered to Royal Air Force. Very similar to F-4K, except for deletion of carrier specific equipment, such as the extra long extending nose strut. M model also had an unslotted stabilizer. Externally the K and M models are almost identical as both were used side by side in the RAF. The nose strut on the K model is the big giveaway. Many aircraft of both the K and M types (but not all) got a squared off RWR antenna housinng on the tip of the tail fin and this is one easy identifier for British Phantoms. British Phantoms utilize UK style harness and buckles on their cockpit ejection seats.

F-4J(UK): "Slightly" modified F-4Js (15 in number) sent to the UK to replace Spey engined Phantoms sent to the Falklands to beef up the island defenses there after the Falklands war. Externally almost identical to US Navy F-4Js in terms of equipment fit (down to the ECM pods on the engine intakes). Unlike the Spey engined Phantoms, the Js did not mount the square RWR antenna housing in the tail. From a modeling standpoint, the F-4J(UK) looks like a Navy Phantom in terms of external features with maybe an antenna mount or two changing.

F-4F: Detuned F-4E Phantom delivered to West Germany. Included slatted wing of the F-4E, but had an unslotted stabilizer. German F-4s also utilize the British style seat harnesses in the cockpit, not the US type.

Kurnass 2000: Israeli Phantom upgrade. Most changes internal and visible only in the cockpit (added CRTs I believe). IAF Phantoms prior to the 2000 refit also mounted a NATO style fixed refuelling probe on the right side of the fuselage just behind the cockpit (retrofit phased in during the 1980s). So having a probe doesn't necessarily mean that an IAF Phantom is a Kurnass 2000, but all Kurnass 2000's have the probe. Probe also fitted to IAF RF-4Es as well (not sure about the F-4E(S) models since they tended to favor low drag for high speed at altitude). Some Kurnass 2000 internal upgrades made available by Israel to other countries (such as Turkey which had some of its F-4E fleet updated). Turkish RF-4Es and Spanish RF-4Cs have also been seen with the Kurnass style refuelling probe on the fuselage.

F-4E(S): Israeli Phantom mounted with special nose containing high altitude camera equipment. Mostly used for overflights of threat countries. Nose profile is very different from all other Phantom versions and only a few resin/vac companies have done them.

F-4EJ: Japanese produced variant manufactured by Mitsubishi under license to MDD. Essentially a hard wing F-4E with slotted stabilizers and some equipment differences.

F-4EJ Kai: Upgraded Japanese variant with many internal changes to give Japan's aircraft more multi-mission capability. Main distinguishing features that can be seen are reinforcement strips on the composite radome and some RHAW antenna fairings on the edges of the wings (forming a double blister shape at the front edge) and two small antenna blisters on tail fin tip. There are additional antenna changes as well from earlier F-4EJs. Recent Japanese RF-4Es (the ones with the camera nose) also mount the RHAW wingtip fairings and tail antennas of the EJ Kai as well.

A confusing thing is some of the F-4EJs not fully converted to EJ Kai standard are designated RF-4EJs, except they don't have the RF-4 nose and mount special recon camera pods on the centerline instead. Japanese RF-4Es are known as RF-4Es since they were built by MDD, not Mitsubishi in Japan like the EJs were. Another confusing thing is some publications call both the camera pod and camera nose equipped RF-4s the RF-4EJ Kai and make no distinction between the two types. When selecting a kit of a JASDF RF-4, look at the box art to make sure it is either a camera nose bird or one with a pod to avoid getting surprised.

Feel free to point out any mistakes or things I've missed and I will update this as needed.

Wow. This actually makes sense to the "non-Phreak." Well done.

-Brad

[Rex]

just a quick FYI on Falcon conversions,,,,they are not OOP

I just got a box of 5 Triple conversions in late May or early June from them, including the early F4H-1 conversion

http://www.falconmodels.co.nz/

hope this helps 1/72 and 1/48 early Phantom modelers

Rex

[Charlie D.]

Very interesting thread!

Just picked up the AMT/ERTL F-4G kit in 1:48 for a song (the desert storm box art), where does this one fit in the mix?

Charlie

[Diego]

Here some notes on the grey schemes applied to USAF F-4C/D/E/G and RF-4Cs:

The "early Hill I" had 3 colors:
36118 Matt Gunship Grey (Uppersurfaces)
36270 Matt Mid Grey (Uppersurfaces)
36375 Matt Lt Compass Grey / Pale Grey (Radome and undersurfaces)
This last color varied considerably, as on some aircraft it was even similar to the Navy pale grey- you will see a radome painted in a much lighter shade, really contrasting with the other two greys.

The simplest way to see if a F-4 is painted in a Hill 1 camo is to look at her stabilizers. These were always painted in Mid Grey on Hill I but Gunship Grey on Hill II camouflaged F-4s.
Other features were (normally) the lack of an antiglare gunship grey surface around the canopy and a pale grey radome, but not always, as there were small modification at unit /airframe level.

Later, a "modified Hill I" camo appeared, with
36118 Matt Gunship Grey and
36270 Matt Mid Grey
being used for the uppersurfaces, the undersurfaces being now painted in Mid Grey 36270. Only the radome,and sometimes the underwing pylons and fuel tanks remained in Pale Grey.
Mid Grey stabilizators were still a "quick identifier"

Still later, the newer Hill II has been applied to the fleet.
The colors were now
26118 Semi Gloss Gunship Grey and
26270 Semi Gloss Mid Greywith a Gunship Grey pattern on the upper and lower surfaces of the fuselage and wings. The stabilizators were now Gunship Grey, and an standardized antiglare gunship grey surface around the canopy and, symetrically, under the forward fuselage, appeared.

The Cloud Grey scheme used the same semi gloss colors as Hill II, but with a more "disruptive" Gunship Grey pattern, the undersurfaces being Mid Grey only.

Greetings

Diego / HDL