F-4F Phantom II JG 71 "Richthofen" (1:72)

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat, supersonic long-range all-weather fighter-bomber. The aircraft was designed as a USN Fleet defense aircraft and entered service in 1961. The F-4 soon became one of the few aircraft to be utilized by the USN, USAF and USMC. The Phantom could carry a varied payload and armament so it was well suited to do just about any job. Because of its large nose and ruggedness the F-4 earned the nickname 'Rhino', along with others that were less flattering. The F-4 went on to serve in no less than 11 other countries. Production ended in 1979 with 5,201 aircraft manufactured in 14 different versions.

In June 1959 West Germany's first jet fighter unit was formed as Jagdgeschwader 71 (JG 71 ' Fighter Wing 71). The Geschwaderkommodore (equivalent of Group Commander or Wing Commander) was the highest-scoring fighter pilot of all time Erich Hartmann. JG 71 originally was based at ex-RAF base Ahlhorn but in 1961 it transferred to Wittmund. April 21 1961 was the 43rd anniversary of the death of 'The Red Baron' Manfred Von Richthofen and the unit was given the honorary title of 'Richthofen'. JG 71 received the first F-4F Phantom II in 1974 that were used as Fighter/Bomber/Attack but in 1988 became strictly a Fighter Wing. The F-4F is due to be decommissioned by 2012 when they are replaced by the Eurofighter Typhoon.

F-4F specifications

Manufacturer: McDonnell-Douglas

Type: Fighter/Ground Attack

Crew: 2

Dimensions
Height - 5.01 m
Length - 19.40 m
Wing Span - 11.70 m

Weight
Empty - 21,950 kg.
Max T/O weight - 27,300 kg

Performance
Engines ' 2 X J79-MTU-17A engines were built under license from General Electric by Motoren-und-Turbinenen-Union Munchen GmBH.
Thrust - 5,308 kg (8,120 kg with A/B)
Max speed - Mach 2.23 @ 12,500 m
Initial Climb Rate - 41,000 ft/min (210 m/s)

Armament
4 x AIM-120A AMRAMM air-to-air Missiles
The F-4F originally lacked the capability of carrying nuclear weapons and it could not carry or launch certain air-to-ground missiles such as the Maverick, Shrike, or Walleye.