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1/72 - McDD Phantom FGR.2 by Airfix - released - new boxing


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Source: https://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/end-of-the-great-air-war

 

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The RAF go ‘American’ for TSR.2 replacement

 

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Early computer rendered 3D image used prior to the release of the new 1/72nd scale Phantom FG.1 kit, which proved so popular

 

It seems strange that for an aircraft which possesses such an incredible reputation as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, that its adoption by the Royal Navy and subsequently the Royal Air Force was proceeded by such political indecision and inter service rivalry. Although the aircraft was purchased at a time of national austerity and significant political upheaval, you could be forgiven for thinking that neither force actually wanted the Phantom and it was only accepted as very much a second choice substitute procurement. Linked with the failure of the indigenous Hawker Siddeley P.1154 supersonic VSTOL fighter project and the cancellation of both BAC TSR.2 and the intention to purchase US General Dynamics F-111K strike fighters, the British adoption of the Phantom was off to something of a turbulent start, even though McDonnell Douglas were more than confident about the capabilities of their aircraft. Sending examples around the world in the hope of securing export orders, the Royal Navy had already started warming to the idea of the US jet, even before the cancellation of the P.1154 project, following the visit of a Phantom to RNAS Yeovilton. Indeed, the UK Government soon placed an order for ‘British’ versions of the Phantom to equip the Fleet Air Arm and the subsequent cancellation of both P.1154 and TSR.2 left the RAF without intended replacements for their Hunter and Canberra fleets. As Britain was already committed to buying modified versions of the Phantom, it made financial sense to further increase this order with additional aircraft destined for the Royal Air Force and whilst it would be fair to say that they were initially less than excited at the prospect, the Phantom would go on to prove an incredibly successful aircraft in British service, silencing many of their initial doubters.

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This interesting image shows the scanned image data from the Airfix Phantom project displayed next to a computer rendered 3D image of the original Fleet Air Arm FG.1 release

 

Perhaps as a response to the cancellation of indigenous aviation projects, the British insisted that their aircraft were to be quite different from the standard American machines, particularly around the adoption of the Rolls Royce Spey engine and the fuselage modifications this necessitated. Although we will not be looking at all the differences between US and British Phantoms here, the impending release of the second Airfix British Phantom from our new 1/72nd scale tooling gives us an opportunity to discuss the differences between the Fleet Air Arm’s FG.1 and the FGR.2 of the Royal Air Force. All the British aircraft were based around the US Navy’s F-4J variant, however, the FGR.2 was required to be a multi-role aircraft from the outset, providing effective air defence, whilst also possessing strike and reconnaissance capabilities. The RAF machines would be operated exclusively from land bases, so some of the design requirements of Fleet Air Arm Phantoms were not incorporated into the FGR.2 – externally, these included a shorter, modified nose wheel, non-slatted tailplanes, a fixed radome nose and the omission of the Navy’s catapult hooks. They did, however, retain the arrestor hook of the naval machines. Electronic, navigation and radar fit were all slightly different to support RAF operations and the FGR.2s were also capable of carrying a SUU-23/A 20mm Vulcan gun pod (usually a single pod carried on the belly centreline station) or an EMI Reconnaissance pod (on the same pylon). 

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A first look at the additional parts frame which will allow the RAF Phantom FGR.2 to be built using the new 1/72nd scale British Phantom tooling

 

The picture above is the exclusive first reveal of the new parts frame which will accompany the October release of A06017 McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2, the second kit to come from our new 1/72nd scale British Phantom tooling. As you can see, it includes the non-slatted tailplanes and the two additional central stores options which were carried by the Royal Air Force Phantoms. Delivery of the British Phantom FGR.2s began in the summer of 1968 and all of the aircraft had been received by October of the following year. Every one of the RAF Phantoms initially passed through No.23 Maintenance Unit at RAF Aldergrove, which can boast quite a history with regard to Phantom operations – at one time or another every one of the RAF and Fleet Air Arm Phantoms passed through the Aldergrove site, for either service acceptance preparation, repair, re-painting or upgrade. The first RAF unit to receive the Phantom was No.228 Operational Conversion Unit at Coningsby, which would be responsible for training aircrew in how to operate this Cold War beast and one of the most successful jet aircraft ever built.

 

In support of the release of our new RAF Phantom FGR.2 kit, let’s take a closer look at the scheme and decal options which will be included with the new model.

 

McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 XV466/D, No.1435 Flight, Royal Air Force Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands, 1991.

 

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As one of the most famous of the RAF Phantom 'Falkland Defenders', this beautiful scheme will surely be popular with modellers following the October release of this kit

 

Perhaps the most interesting period of RAF Phantom operations was when the aircraft served as a ‘Falklands Defender’ in the wake of the Falklands War. Whilst the Phantom did not take part directly in the conflict, it was required to provide air defence cover for the Island, once significant repair and upgrade had been made to the runway at Port Stanley – until this could be achieved, Sidewinder missile equipped Harrier GR.3s would have to perform this task, even though this was not a role for which they were particularly suited. Following completion of the runway works at RAF Stanley, the first British Phantoms arrived on the Falkland Islands on 17th October 1982, following a 3,800 mile flight from Ascension Island which required the re-fuelling support of RAF Victor tankers. Over the course of the next week, a further eight aircraft from No. 29 (Fighter) Squadron arrived at Stanley and immediately began operating QRA cover for the Islands and represented a significant upgrade in the defensive capabilities of the RAF in the South Atlantic. Although the threat posed by the Argentine Air Force was still very real, the arrival of these highly capable air defence fighters acted as a significant deterrent to further military action and would have provided untold reassurance to the Falkland Islanders themselves who had endured the recent hostile Argentine invasion. At the end of 1983, the Falklands Phantoms of No.29 Squadron were rebadged with the markings of No.23 (Fighter) Squadron, who would now assume the role of Falklands Defenders.

 

Over the next ten years, the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 would serve the Falkland Islands faithfully, maintaining a reassuring high profile defensive deterrent and helping to prevent a repeat of the dramatic events of 1982. During this time, the Phantom force was regularly maintained at squadron strength, with as many as eleven aircraft deployed to RAF Stanley, with crews usually operating on a four month rotational basis. In May 1986, the Falkland Phantoms moved to the newly constructed airport at Mount Pleasant, but were to see a reduction in their numbers later the same year. Following continued political disagreement with Argentina, the British Government attempted to diffuse tension by reducing the Phantom force on the Island to just four aircraft. This move also reduced the squadron to ‘Flight’ status and heralded its adoption of the famous ‘1435 Flight’ name, its heritage from the siege of Malta during WWII and the operation of three Gloster Gladiator fighters in its defence, Faith, Hope and Charity. As there were four aircraft stationed at Mount Pleasant, this additional aircraft was christened ‘Desperation’.

 

The magnificent scheme adopted by Phantom XV466 is surely one of the most attractive ever applied to a British Phantom and represents an extremely eye-catching Falkland Defender. With the crest of the Islands carried on each side of its nose this Phantom also wore a smart white tail, with a red Maltese Cross carried on both sides – it must have made for an impressive sight whilst blasting around the skies of the South Atlantic and will certainly be the preferred scheme option for many modellers who secure one of these fantastic new kits. Originally entering RAF service with No.228 OCU at Coningsby, this Phantom would end its days in the South Atlantic and after providing years of sterling service, was scrapped and ingloriously buried at Mount Pleasant Airport.

 

McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 XV469/H, RAF No.2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Station Laarbruch, Germany, 1972

 

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The shape of the McDonnell Douglas Phantom really does lend itself to the application of RAF camouflage

 

During the height of the Cold War, the RAF upheld their commitment to the defence of Europe by maintaining a large military presence in Germany, including at its maximum strength, no fewer than six squadrons of Phantoms. Often operating at lower altitudes and in the strike/reconnaissance role, these mighty Phantoms wore a striking camouflage scheme, which many enthusiasts think looks much more appealing that the lighter colours of the later air defence machines. Replacing Canberras and Hunters in both the strike/attack and reconnaissance roles, many of these RAF aircraft were stationed close to the borders of the Warsaw Pact nations and were at a heightened state of readiness, in what must be considered one of the most dangerous periods in world history. The first dedicated Phantom reconnaissance unit in Germany was No.2 Squadron, who were originally stationed at Brüggen, but quickly moved to Laarbruch, where they would stay until returning to the UK in 1976. The squadron badge can trace its origins back to the formation of the unit at Farnborough in May 1912, as one of the first three squadrons of the newly formed Royal Flying Corps. Its motto is ‘Guardian of the Army’ and it is proud to have helped develop effective aerial support tactics in cooperation with ground forces since before the First World War.

 

Although the Phantom was undoubtedly an extremely capable air defence platform, it was restricted to interdictor strike/reconnaissance duties whilst stationed in Germany, with the English Electric Lightning performing the more glamorous interceptor role. The introduction of the Anglo-French Jaguar in the mid 1970s saw an immediate reversal in these positions, with the effectiveness of the Jaguar replacing the Phantom in both strike and reconnaissance roles. This released the Phantom to take over from the Lightning in the air defence role, where its greater range, additional firepower and two man crew made it more suitable for the role of air defence fighter and signified the beginning of the end for the Lightning.

 

Representative of RAF Germany Phantoms stationed in the country during the 1970s, XV469 performed reconnaissance duties with No.2 Squadron, before going on to see over 20 years of service and time with Nos 19, 56, 92 and 74 Squadrons. It was sent to No.27 Maintenance Unit at RAF Shawbury for storage in October 1992 and was eventually scrapped in 1995. As quite a large aircraft, the Phantom took to wearing RAF camouflage rather well and made this handsome aircraft look even more appealing, a fact which will soon be forcing a difficult choice on modellers when deciding on which scheme to finish their new model.

 

McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 XV408/Z, RAF No.92 Squadron, Royal Air Force Wildenrath, Germany, 1992.

 

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This striking Phantom 'Blue Bird' scheme was to mark both 75 years of RAF No.92 Squadron and the impending disbandment of this unit in 1992

 

Without doubt, one of the most strikingly presented Phantoms during their RAF service was this beautiful ‘Blue Bird’ from No.92 squadron whilst stationed at Wildenrath in Germany. With the disbandment of the squadron imminent and in an attempt to suitably mark the 75th Anniversary of the formation of No.92 Squadron, XV408 ‘Zulu’ was given this stunning colour scheme, which not only made it an instant hit with aircrew and enthusiasts alike, but also drew attention to the sad retirement of the original RAF Phantoms. This scheme was selected as it represented a particularly significant period in the history of No.92 Squadron, when they became the official RAF aerobatic display team of the Royal Air Force – known as the ‘Blue Diamonds’, the team were equipped with the handsome Hawker Hunter, which they painted in this same blue colour and delighted millions of Airshow-goers with their thrilling displays of precision flying and formation loops, which were performed by up to 18 aircraft. McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 XV408 had the distinction of taking part in two historic flights prior to the disbandment of No.92 Squadron – on the night of 2nd October 1992, it was one of a pair of Phantoms which performed the final ‘Battle Flight’ over the German border area, bringing the curtain down on over 14 years of Phantom operations over Germany - after this date, the German Air Force were responsible for the protection of their own airspace. XV408 also performed the final Phantom flight of No.92 Squadron before its disbandment, making this particular Phantom one historic ‘Blue Bird’.

 

Wearing this special commemorative scheme, XV408 would prove to be an aircraft in high demand, not only with aviation enthusiasts around Europe, but with the aircrew who attempted to fly her. Starring at the 1992 International Air Tattoo, it is almost as if this beautiful aircraft was highlighting to everyone what we would all be missing, once this much loved aircraft (which was initially thrust upon the RAF, as opposed to being chosen) was finally withdrawn from service. Entering RAF service with No.228 OCU at Coningsby, Phantom XV408 would also spend time wearing the colours of Nos 6, 19, 23, 29 and 92 Squadrons, before returning to the UK and RAF Wattisham. Spending time at both Cranwell and Halton, her distinctive ‘Blue Diamond’ scheme was painted over in a rather less inspiring air superiority grey, a scheme which she was wearing when taking part in the ‘100 years of flight’ static exhibition at RIAT in 2003. Seemingly no longer wanted by her previous guardians, the aircraft was taken to a quiet corner of Fairford and simply left, very much attracting the attention of the scrapman’s axe – thankfully, she was saved that fate by the RAF Museum, who collected the aircraft and gifted her to the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum in late 2005. Still on display at Tangmere, 92 Squadron’s famous Phantom ‘Blue Bird’ has been returned to this iconic commemorative scheme and helps to tell the story of the mighty Phantom in Royal Air Force service.

 

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Decal placement details for the forthcoming 1/72nd scale Airfix McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2

 

Now it is over to the modellers. Our new 1/72nd scale British Phantom tooling received popular acclaim when it was released earlier this year and this second kit will undoubtedly be equally popular. With three completely different, yet delightfully iconic schemes offered in which to finish your RAF Phantom, this is not going to be an easy choice to make and may result in many hours of head scratching and Phantom procrastinating. The sensible option would be to undertake a multi build project and complete at least two of these beautiful schemes, but having said that, which one would we leave out? This is going to be a tough one, but at least we have until October to decide.

 

V.P.

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I was raised on the old Matchbox & Airfix kits and hence am a tad disappointed with the weapons load out - the vintage Matchbox kit (although crude tooling by todays standards) was way ahead of its time, take a look at the options on offer enough to start a war (images from http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=63597)

 

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  • 1 month later...
  • 2 weeks later...
On 10/31/2018 at 3:28 PM, Procopius said:

I'm not a betting man, but I'd be willing to bet they don't.

They didn't - just used aftermarket stuff on the display model - see the related thread in "ready for inspection". The General did a good job on this for the Airfix Mag.

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  • 4 weeks later...
30 minutes ago, pinky coffeeboat said:

Maybe the delay is due to them fixing all the things they got wrong on their first version?

 

Jeff

Not a practice that they are in the habit of following and in any event the FG.1 sold well enough despite any detail issues and it is hardly likely that their customer base are going to don their high-viz jackets and take to the streets about it.

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  • 4 weeks later...
12 minutes ago, TEXANTOMCAT said:

I think this might be an example of the 'Oxford' business model at work - tool up then rather than one socking great release of one version, do lots of versions in different schemes in smaller numbers? TT

 

It's pretty much the business model Hornby have been using for their railway engines for quite a while - lots of livery variants. Airfix have been doing it for a while as well - I think the 1/72 Spit IX was amongst the first, but it serves them well.

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Should be collecting mine tomorrow (it was to be a Christmas present but Santa was delayed)

 

I think I will resist purchasing the xtradecal set to recreate this, very faded example - XT899/B 19 Sqn 76th Anniversary overall blue special scheme

 

2017-09-20 14-25-16 Nick

 

This photo was taken last year at the Aviation Museum Kbely, just outside Prague. It's an excellent museum although some of the exhibits as weatherworn. Well worth the visit.

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  • Homebee changed the title to 1/72 - McDD Phantom FGR.2 by Airfix - released - new boxing

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