The F-4 Phantom II was the most successful jet fighter produced in the West from the 1960s. It entered service with the US Navy in 1960 and later flew with many other air forces. Over 5000 were constructed.

Design of the F-4 commenced in September 1953, prototype aircraft were ordered in July 1955 and the F-4 made its first flight on 27 May 1958.

The first basic version, the F-4B, was designed for aircraft carrier operations and began entering service in December 1960.

Between then and 1967 649 F-4Bs were delivered. They played a major role in the United States’ war in Vietnam, flying from aircraft carriers off the coast from August 1964.

They were very effective fighter-bombers, dropping tons of bombs and shooting down over 50 MiGs.

This model represents an F-4B of VF-161 on the USS Midways during the Vietnam War.

Fujimi 1/72 kit with Microscale decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in September 1997.