{"product_id":"free-shipping-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4j-showtime-106-vf-96-uss-constellation-may-1972-hobby-master-172-ha19071","title":"McDonnell Douglas F-4J \"Showtime 106\"  VF-96, USS Constellation, May 1972 \/ Hobby Master 1:72 HA19071","description":"\u003ch1\u003eMcDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II \u003cbr\u003eUSN VF-96 Fighting Falcons, Showtime 106, Matt Connelly, USS Constellation, Vietnam, May 1972\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch1\u003eHobby Master 1:72 HA19071\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#4400ff;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flyingmule.com\/powersearch\/?Search=CAT_TYP_JET_FTR_F004\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#4400ff;\"\u003eMcDonnell Douglas F-4J \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration:underline;\"\u003e Phantom II \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:#0000ff;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHobby Master \"1:72 Air Power Series\" diecast airplanes feature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMolded metal construction with plastic components.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRealistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eopening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtended \/ retracted interchangeable landing gear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay stand to display the aircraft \"in flight\".\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobby Master","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49050298581147,"sku":"HA19071","price":181.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0657\/9214\/7611\/files\/67271.jpg?v=1791915262","url":"https:\/\/passiondiecast.com\/products\/free-shipping-mcdonnell-douglas-f-4j-showtime-106-vf-96-uss-constellation-may-1972-hobby-master-172-ha19071","provider":"Passion Diecast","version":"1.0","type":"link"}