"Far East Phantom"

1/48 Hasegawa F-4EJ kai

Gallery Article by Mark L. Rossmann on July 13 2015

 

      

History: 
The Phantom II was exported to 11 other nations, and continues to serve in a military role in some parts of the world. Japan selected the F-4 Phantom II as its new fighter at the end of the 1960s replacing earlier U.S. models like the F-86-40 and F-104J. Japan became one of the few countries that license-produced this aircraft. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force, received a total of 154 F-4EJ and RF-4Es. While the F-4EJs were built almost entirely by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, RF-4Es were bought directly from McDonnell-Douglas.]

Due to Japanese military limitations prohibiting air-to-ground ordnance, the F-4EJs were delivered without the AN/AJB-7 bombing computer system and also did not have an air-refueling probe or receptacle. 

McDonnell Douglas built the two prototype F-4EJs, which first flew on 14 January 1971. The next 11 aircraft were assembled in Japan and the first Japanese-built example flew on 12 May 1972. Mitsubishi built all the EJs over the next nine years and the production ended with 127th F-4EJ, on 20 May 1981, being the last F-4 built in the world

The F-4EJ entered service with the JASDF in August 1972 with a total of six Hikōtai ("Squadrons") operating the aircraft: the 301, 302, 303, 304, 305 and 306th. The RF-4EJ equipped the 501st, that had previously operated one of the less-well-known Sabre models, the RF-86F.

As of 2007, Japan has a fleet of 90 F-4s currently in service. To keep the fleet flyable the JASDF planned the F-4EJ Kai (Japanese for "modified") program. This involved 110 aircraft, later reduced to 96, which were upgraded with Apg-66 radar, ground attack capabilities and most importantly, ASM-1 or ASM-2 anti-ship missiles. This boosted their capabilities in the anti-shipping role; The Phantom upgrade added several other air-to-surface weapons to the F-4, including bombs and rockets.

The F-4EJ Kai first flew on 17 July 1984, and first F-4EJ Kai was delivered on 24 November 1989 to the JASDF 306th Squadron. It was fitted the smaller and more lightweight AN/APG-66J pulse Doppler radar and a heads-up display resulting in a lookdown/shootdown capability. The central computer was updated, as well as the J/APR-6 homing and warning system, IFF system and the inertial navigation unit.

The first F-4EJ Kai aircraft were delivered to the 306 Hikōtai at Komatsu, but within a few years they were replaced by F-15Js. In April 1994 the F-4 strength was reduced to three squadrons.

Click on images below to see larger images

Specifications:

  • Crew: 2

  • Engine: Two - GE IHI J79-GE/IHI

  • Max Speed: Mach 2

  • Weapons: M61A1 20 MM Vulcan Cannon

  • Air to Air Missiles

Model is well manufactured as with most Hasegawa kits. The worst part of construction was adding all of the small decals. Took me about 10 days to do that.

Paint: 
Gloss Gull Grey over flat white Testors rattle cans.

Decals: 
from CAM – 48-044 Phar East Phantoms

Markings:
Serial #: 37-8323

Modex: 323
#301st Squadron, 7th Air Wing (JASDF) 1988

References: 

  • Hasegawa Instruction sheet.

  • Wikipedia

  • Cam Decals

“Phantom Weiler” is this worthy enough to be on your Phantom Shelf?

Thanks to Steve for his great site and providing readers a means to provide articles.

Respectfully,

Mark L. Rossmann

Photos and text © by Mark L. Rossmann