Airfix 1:72 McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1/FGR.2 Model Kit Skill Level 3 A06019A

Airfix 1:72 McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1/FGR.2 Model Kit Skill Level 2 A06019AOne of the most famous machines of the cold war the phantom F-4 was operated by both the Royal Navy and in an altered form by the RAF from the late 1960s until the early 1990s. The Royal Navy was the first export customer for the F-4, but wished to retain engine commonality

across its carrier-borne fast jet fleet so opted for their Phantoms to be powered by the Rolls Royce Spey jet engine. This necessitated a subtle re-design

of the rear fuselarge to accommodate the new engines, as well as changes to the electrical systems. The Royal Navy Phantoms were designated FG.1

with later machines for the RAF designated FGR.2. The Royal Navy Phantoms operated from the carrier HMS Ark Royal and were the only Phantoms

operated at sea by another power outside the USA. But after the retirement of the Navy's large aircraft carriers the Phantoms were passed to the RAF.

In both air arms the Spey powered Phantoms proved to be a popular machine, able to carry large loads of ordinance a long way. While the Phantom never saw combat in British hands, it was always regarded as a capable and powerful asset to Britain's Cold War defences.

With the RAF already operating Phantoms initially intended for the Royal Navy at Leuchars air base in Fife, the withdrawal of HMS Ark Royal in 1978 meant that they also inherited the rest of the Fleet Air Arm Phantom fleet. Nos 43 and 111 Squadrons would use the Phantom FG.1 to defend Britains airspace until 1989, when they both converted to the BAe Tornado F.3.