Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA19071McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II Diecast ModelUSN VF-96 Fighting Falcons, Showtime 106, Matt Connelly, USS Constellation, Vietnam, May 1972Limited Edition1:72 Scale Length WidthMcDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II 9.75" 6.25"On May 10, 1972, Lieutenant Matthew Joseph Connelly III piloted an F-4J Phantom II, call sign Showtime 106, with Fighter Squadron 96 (VF-96) aboard the USS Constellation near Vietnam. Connelly, leading a Combat Air Patrol, spotted a large enemy force of 16 MiG-17 and MiG-21 fighters threatening the retiring strike team of F-4s, A-6 Intruders, and A-7E Corsair IIs. With his Radar Intercept Officer, Thomas "Tom" Blonski (both TOPGUN graduates), Connelly engaged and downed two MiG-17s, forcing the rest to retreat. His exceptional bravery and skill earned him and Blonski the Navy Cross for valor.McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II Designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy, the F-4 Phantom was first flown on May 27, 1958. This twin-engine, long-range all-weather fighter/bomber proved highly adaptable and served in the Marine Corps and the US Air Force as well as in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, it was the principal air superiority fighter for the Navy and the Air Force and was also used for reconnaissance and ground attack. The Phantom continued to serve well into the 1970s and 1980s and even flew missions during the first Gulf War. Finally phased out by the F-14, F-16 and F/A-18, the Phantom was retired in 1996.© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-4 Phantom II is highly detailed and very popular among collectors. This model has an intricately crafted fuselage, with rear and forward canopies that open to expose cockpit interior details such as instrument panel dials, control stick and ejector seat handles. The solid metal wing has raised wing-tips and a dog-toothed leading edge that blends seamlessly into the fuselage. Each release includes a full complement of removable ordnance. Variants in this series have notable differences in the nose and/or tail fin and slight variations in the engines' exhaust. Carrier-based variants have elevators with a raised leading edge, and land-based variants have standard leading edges.© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.