LIMITED EDITION
The AVIATION archive
A detailed DIE-CAST model for the adult collector
MILITARY AIR POWER Thunder in the Skies
The inadequacy of the Navy's existing target drones prompted a major programme in 1970 to fund a completely new NAT (Navy Agile Target). In the meantime, it was agreed to convert available examples of the subsonic F-86H Sabre and the supersonic F-4B Phantom into remotely-piloted targets for use in testing anti-aircraft defense systems, including live firing by missiles. A highly conspicuous orange paint scheme was adopted and the first aircraft was delivered to the Naval Missile Center at Point Mugu, California in April 1972.
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.
Corgi's 1:72 scale Phantom II series captures the lines of what is perhaps the world's best-known modern fighter/bomber aircraft, with distinguishing features such as a raised tailplane, "dog-tooth" wings and accurate raised wing-tips. The canopies are configurable and can be displayed in the open position, allowing for easy viewing of cockpit and crew. Each release spotlights different ordnance and fuel tank configurations, and a detachable crew access ladder is available with most releases. At the rear, the engine exhaust cans feature simulated "turkey feathers" with afterburner details. Simulated stainless-steel shielding the lower tail and the root of the elevator control surface complete the model.
Eén uitvoering;
- McDonnell QF-4B Phanton Drone, 148365, US Naval Missile Center, Point Mugu NAS, California, 1972.
