F-4C Phantom II William Tell Die-Cast Model

Entered in the 1976 William Tell gunnery competition.

First F-4 Phantom II to enter the William Tell gunnery competition, aircraft 63-7666 belongs to the 57 FIS of Keflavik, Iceland. Nicknamed the “Black Knights” and tasked with interception of Soviet aircraft at the border of NATO airspace, this team was entered to Category II of the competition. Performing interception missions against BQM-34F Firebee drones, 57 FIS crew had to identify and match painted tail numbers with target aircraft, assisted by ground teams who would then designate aircraft that needed to be eliminated. 

Features:

• Authentic paint scheme, engraved panel lines, printed decals, antennas, and surface details
• Deployed or retracted landing gear
• Open or closed canopy with pilot figurines
• Attachable press-fit weaponry
• Display stand included
• Measures 9.75”l with a 6.25” wingspan at 1:72 scale
• Officially licensed

History and Specifications:
Critically acclaimed for its service to many nations worldwide, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II has created a long-standing legacy in the aviation world. Utilized extensively in Vietnam, the Phantom entered combat in 1960 as the primary multirole fighter aircraft. Boasting impressive speed and ordnance capabilities, the F-4 was well equipped to take on MiG fighters or eliminate enemy ground positions. With advanced radar and fire control systems, the aircraft had a distinct edge over contemporary Soviet fighters, which still relied largely on cannons as their offensive armament. Further enhancing situational awareness, the aircraft had a two-seat cockpit arrangement, which allowed pilot and weapons-systems-officer to work together in real time. Pilots put all their focus on maneuvering the aircraft, while the WSO called out threats and searched for firing solutions.