F-4E Phantom II Thunderbirds No.1 Die-Cast Model

Lead aircraft of the 1970s Thunderbirds Demo Team.

Piloted by Maj. Roger Parrish and his crew chief TSgt. Tim Matthews, this F-4E Phantom was the leading aircraft of the Thunderbirds in 1973. Receiving all three trophies at Top Gun in 1966, Parrish commanded the team between 1973 and 1974 from onboard aircraft No.1. Decorated with a circle of stars on the tail, it flew at the front of every diamond formation, calling maneuvers and stunning crowds around the world. First to feature an all-white base paint scheme with red and white accents, the F-4E was introduced in 1969 and remained active until the 1974 oil crisis.

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
• Display stand included
• Measures 10”l with a 6.5” 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.