1/72 RF-4E Phantom II 57-6907 JASDF "501 SQ Final Year 2020"

General Background

The 501st TRS was the JASDF’s only Recon Squadron. It was formed in December 1961 and uses the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker as it emblem. In 1972 the JASDF decided to replace their RF86F with 14 RF-4Es and formed a detachment at Hyakuri AB to handle the new aircraft. The first F-4Es were numbered 6901- 6914 and began arriving throughout 1974 and 1975. For operation over the water 6901, 6905 and 6913 were given a special Ocean Blue scheme while converted F-4EJ and F-4EL Kai were painted in green/gray Forest scheme.

The Aircraft

In 1974 Hikotai 501 received its first RF-4E and were transferred to Hyakuri AB. JASDF RF-4E Phantom II was constructed in 1975 c/n 4603 arrived in 1975. In the early 90s, most RF-4EJs were updated and re-designated RF-4EJ Kai (“Kai” “modifications with update”). The RF-4Es served with the unit until 2020 when this type of aircraft was being retired. RF-4E 47-6905 and 57-6907 were given a special paint scheme to commemorate the retirement of the JASDF RF-4E aircraft. These 2 aircraft wore what looks like a roll of 35mm film marked with 1961 2020.

Specifications

• Dimensions
• Length: 17.7m
• Height: 4.7m
• Wingspan: 11.6m
• Wing area: 49.2 sq m
• No. of Engines: 2
• Powerplant: General Electric J79-GE-10 (A/B 17,900Lb/8,119Kg)
• Performance
• Range: 2,222 km
• Cruise Speed: 908 km/h
• Max Speed: 2,299 km/h
• Climb: 12,572 m/min
• Ceiling: 16,672 m