RF-4E Phantom II 35+67, AufklG 52, Luftwaffe, Leck 1992 (1:72)

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA19050 RF-4E "Norm 83A" 35+67, AufklG 52, Luftwaffe, Leck 1992 Starting in 1973 the Japan Air Self-Defense Force received 154 F-4EJ Phantoms that were based on the USAF F-4E. 138 of these aircraft were manufactured under license by Mitsubishi who produced the last F-4 Phantom II. Several changes were made to the F-4E to make it an F-4EJ. Basically it had any offensive weapons removed but eventually these restrictions were lifted and the aircraft were updated with missiles and the latest electronic equipment.

RF-4E was manufactured as 69-7514 MSN 4155 in 1969 and between 1971 and 1972 the Bundeswehr replaced their RF-104 with 44 RF-4Es. Now with the Bundeswehr the aircraft became 35+67 assigned to AufklG 52 (reconnaissance squadron 52). AG 52 was established at Erding in 1959, and moved to Leck / Stadum in 1964. On December 15, 1993 AG 52 was deactivated and along with other aircraft 35+67 was sold to Turkey where it flew with 113 Filo until 2009 when it was stored.

Specifications for the F-4E Phantom II / F-4EJ

They are virtually identical except for the restricted equipment: This included removal of the in-flight refueling receptacle that was later retrofitted, no leading edge slats, ground attack control equipment such as weapons and bomb delivery systems and the addition of modern electronic equipment including a data link system and radar warning receiver. Most or all this equipment was eventually reinstalled. True 1/72 scale. Professionally painted. Great attention to detail. All markings are Tampoed (pad applied). Option to display the model on a stand that is provided. Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions. Loads of optional armament provided. Canopy can be displayed open or closed. Pilot figures included. Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic. Highly collectable.