McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II 
USN VF-96 Fighting Falcons, Showtime 106, Matt Connelly, USS Constellation, Vietnam, May 1972

Hobby Master 1:72 HA19071

On May 10, 1972, Lieutenant Matthew Joseph Connelly III was flying an F-4J Phantom II, call sign Showtime 106, as part of Fighter Squadron 96 (VF-96) aboard the USS Constellation near Vietnam. Connelly, leading a combat air patrol, spotted a large enemy force of 16 MiG-17 and MiG-21 fighters threatening the departing attack team of F-4s, A-6 Intruders and A-7E Corsair IIs. With his radar intercept officer, Thomas “Tom” Blonski (both TOPGUN graduates), Connelly engaged and shot down two MiG-17s, forcing the others to retreat. His exceptional bravery and skill earned him and Blonski the Navy Cross for valor.

McDonnell Douglas F-4J  Phantom II 

Designed as a fleet defense fighter for the US Navy, the F-4 Phantom was first flown on May 27, 1958. This twin-engine, long-range all-weather fighter/bomber proved highly adaptable and served in the Marine Corps and the US Air Force as well as in the Navy. During the Vietnam War, it was the principal air superiority fighter for the Navy and the Air Force and was also used for reconnaissance and ground attack. The Phantom continued to serve well into the 1970s and 1980s and even flew missions during the first Gulf War. Finally phased out by the F-14, F-16 and F/A-18, the Phantom was retired in 1996.

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.