Hobby Master 1/72 HA1947 McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II AF74-0659/SP, USAFE, 1989/1990
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 was the main multipurpose aircraft for the US Military for 20 years. The F-4E variant was an improved version of the C/D with an elongated nose and compact radar. These two things made it possible to install a 20mm M61A1 6 barrel 640 round Vulcan gun pod in the nose. The F-4E was the most produced variant with 1387 aircraft being made over its 12 year production period. The “E” also equipped more air forces than any other variant of the Phantom II.
The 480th Fighter Bomber Squadron was activated September 25, 1957. On July 1, 1958 it was re-designated 480th (Warhawks) Tactical Fighter Squadron and after a few in activations the 480th was re-activated September 15, 1976 at Spangdahlem, West Germany wearing a red tail stripe. It began as a USAFE F-4D squadron but later re-equipped with F-4E’s and F-4G’s used as “Wild Weasel” “Hunter Killer” teams. F-4E Phantom II AF74-0659 c/n 4810 remained with the 480th from January 1, 1977 until December 1987. It was sent to AMARC April 18, 1991.