McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo

USAF 460th TRW, 45th TRS Polka Dots, 56-0176 Gerry's Clown, Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam, 1969

Hobby Master 1:72 HA9351

In August 1958, the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron replaced its subsonic F-84 Thunderjets with the supersonic McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo, the first supersonic tactical reconnaissance aircraft in the USAF inventory. It deployed to Tan Son Nhut Airbase near Saigon in 1966, flying high-speed reconnaissance missions over South Vietnam. The usefulness of the RF-101 to the war effort was, in large part, the reason for the aircraft to remain in the inventory throughout the 1960s. The squadron returned to Misawa AB, Japan at the end of 1970 and its aircraft, now relatively war-weary from nearly a decade of flying combat missions, were retired.

McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo

Designed to meed a USAAF requirement for a long-range turbojet powered fighter, the F-101 was first flown (as the XF-88 prototype) on October 20th, 1948. Its initial mission as bomber escort was modified during development to include that of all-weather interceptor, nuclear fighter-bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft. Reconnaissance variants saw extensive use during the Vietnam war while interceptors remained in service with several Air National Guard units until 1982. Ultimately, the Voodoo's carreer was rather short-lived although it did help pave the way towards the highly successful F-4 Phantom II that replaced it.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.