The Navy flew the F-4B extensively in Southeast Asia and as technology improved, the Navy ordered the F-4J to replace the F-4B. While the F-4J was entering service with the Navy, the F-4B was exhibiting fatigue after a decade of flight ops and 228 of these aircraft were refurbished and updated under the Bee Line program. While the F-4N retained the F-4B radar and engines, the J79-GE-8 engines were updated with 'smokeless' kits. The aircraft was refitted with slotted stabilators, fixed inboard wing flaps, drooping ailerons, and other aerodynamic improvements developed for the F-4J. The F-4N would serve as a gap-filler until the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornet came online in sufficient numbers.
One notable user of the F-4N was VF-154. Equipped with the F-4J aboard USS Ranger, VF-154 conducted combat operations in Vietnam through four WestPac cruises before transitioning to the F-4S (the updated F-4J) in 1979. When VF-154 was assigned to the USS Coral Sea, the ship was not rated for F-4S operations forcing the squadron to transition to the F-4N. The Coral Sea spent most of that cruise in the Persian Gulf after Iranians seized the US Embassy and its personnel. By the time VF-154 returned home, the squadron received some of the first TARPS-capable Tomcats off the production line.
• High quality plastic model kit
• Requires construction and painting
• Paint and glue not included
• Scale 1:48
SKU ACA-12315
Brand Academy

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