F 4 swing wing

[Sensemann]

I saw someone was working on one a few days ago when I was doing research for mine don't remember who though. Was wondering if there were any warnings I needed? I'm doing it as a late model using the parts from a F 4C and a F 14D with VF-32, CAG 3, Harry S. Truman markings. Assuming it would have followed the same development of the F 14 I'm going to use the avionics and weapons from the F 14. This should be intresting............. My first 4 years military were Navy and CAG 3 is my old air wing so Imma have to look up some VF-32 friends when its done. I wanted to do a one piece canopy does anyone know one that would fit with little to no modification?

[pyro-manic]

A single-seat Flanker canopy works quite well. Or even a single seat Eurofighter Typhoon canopy. Not much modification needed. Why not use an F-4E/F nose, so it has a gun?

[Sensemann]

Im thinkin about adding it in a different spot. The Navy refused one armed with the gun in that location because of the danger to ground handlers while hooking it up to the catapault. It would have required the ABH to walk directly in front of the barrels. Was thinking about something similar to the F 15. Since mine is a post 90% commonality DoD requirement Im gonna use the nose gear and IR package from the F 14.

[rickshaw]

Couldn't they modify their procedures so he didn't walk in front of the barrels?

[pyro-manic]

And wouldn't that have happened anyway with all the other gun-armed aircraft on carriers? F-8s, A-7s, etc. all had guns mounted low enough to stand in front of. OR a podded gun. And surely the risk would be negligible anyway? Thinking about it, what about the (later) F-14's gun, which would also have to be walked in front of...?

[Sensemann]

All aircraft using a bridle for launch used multiple .50 cal mounted high on the fuselage ie the F 8. The A 7, F 14, F 18 and such the nose wheel was aft of the gun and it did not require a bridle for launch. The F 4 was the last aircraft using a bridle to be phased out of carrier service and the only ones to ever use a gun pod was the Air Force and Marines operating from land bases. Because of the airframe differences the 90% commonality rule would not have applied  so like I said I'm looking at using the 14s nose wheel and a new spot for the gun since technically to the DoD its a new plane even with I think it was supposed to still have like 72% commonality.

[Sensemann]

I also have parts for my next build now too lol. Just need to find a 1/48 Vigilante that is worth the price of a kit bash. I am gonna use the nose and belly off of the F 14 to make the proposed Air Force Interceptor. I have my fingers crossed. Hopefully doing dry fit of the nose gear and wing tomorrow gonna post pics of the hope is not a disaster! Also knowing the funky things the DoD and Navy do it would probably have received a new designation F ? Phantom III. Any ideas for the number? Since mine is a late model is gonna be F ?F Phantom III. Was re-debating..... maybe a export model........Maybe Israel or Germany since they both loved the Phantom so much?

[Sensemann]

K now I got it. Thanx for the assist Army!!!



Before and afters........ Still working on the nose gear !!!!!!!

[Sensemann]

Cables and hoses are making me cross eyed so I started working on my next project........ FB 58E Hustler proposed interceptor for the Air Force. Thinkin engines from a F 14 or F 15 just gotta order the aftermarket pipes. Still cant find the cocpit interior anyone know of one? Kit only has the front seat.

[Thorvic]

What scale is the Hustler ?

[Sensemann]

1/48. I found one for 50 bucks but is more than I wanna spend for a kitbash