Israeli upgrade F-4 Phantom

chrisonord · February 26, 2010, 09:52:06 AM

This build is a continuation of an idea I put up on the ideas thread. The kit is the Italeri F-4S in 1/72nd scale, and comprises of many internal and external upgrades and changes. Firstly I have fitted conformal fuel tanks to the fuselage, these are not very big tanks compared to those used on say the F-15e for example.The aircraft retains its 2 seater cockpit, but now has a bubble canopy identical to that fitted to the F-16 2 seater.
The radar is replaced with the APG 70, the same one as fitted to the F-15E, also LANTIRN pods can be fitted in the forward AIM-7 Sparrow recesses or the forward fuselage. The aircraft now carries a tail fin mounted A.D.A.R system,( Airborne Detection And Recognition) which monitors the surrounding airspace for other aircraft and missile threats.The engines have been replaced by a modified pair of P&W F-100, 229's
As this aircraft is being tendered for the Honduras air force, it has the capability of carrying U.S, Isaraeli, and European ordnance.
This aircraft will also be fitted with an extra pair of wing pylons, these new outer pylons will carry either short range AAM's ECM pods or a mixture of both.
Stay tuned for work in progress pics, as I am struggling with the weather and limited use of my right hand.
Cheers.
Chris.

Spey_Phantom · February 26, 2010, 11:20:33 AM

sounds awesome

i did a similar build last weekind in 1/144, i did have to modify and dremel out the tailsection to accomodate the F100 exsausts. i dont know if thats going to be the same in 1/72.

looking forward to progress pics

chrisonord · February 26, 2010, 01:41:49 PM

Hya Nils,
I have tried fitting the F-15e exhaust nozzles to the phantom and they are way too big, even with some modification, so if I can't get another set to fit right I could be using the original nozzles, well it is a whiff after all

I wanted to put a pair of AGM-142's on it, but they are just too big by the looks of it, so a pair of SLAM missiles might be going on or a pair of LGB's.
Cheers,
Chris.

Spey_Phantom · February 27, 2010, 01:01:02 AM

hm, i had the same problem in 1/144, but i do have an idea in mind for a second upgraded phantom.
but i would use the F404 or F414 engines from an F/A-18 hornet or super hornet, EJ200's from a eurofighter might work to

i always thought the phantom would lok good with storm shadow or taurus (since the landing gears of the typhoon and F-4 are about the same height)

good luck with the build

chrisonord · February 27, 2010, 05:59:06 AM

Here are some pictures of what I have done so far with my upgrade Phantom. The hump behind the cockpit is an avionics suite and also helps to blend the new F-16 canopy in.

Cheers,
Chris.

Sauragnmon · February 27, 2010, 10:03:00 AM

She's looking good so far, Chris, keep up the good work.

chrisonord · February 27, 2010, 10:21:03 AM

I have finally found a pair of exhaust nozzles that will fit reasonably well for this, many thanks go to Sauragmon for the idea.
I have "borrowed" a pair from a Mig-29 UB in the stash, and they look pretty good.
Cheers,
Chris.

chrisonord · March 04, 2010, 08:21:07 AM

Here is what I have done so far with the F-4, I just need to arm it put some legs on it and decal it then she is done. I will be putting Honduras markings on this aircraft, seen as it has been rebuilt for their air force. The colour scheme is an experimental one that is under evaluation by the Honduras A.F, and if all goes to plan, the company that built the F-4, will get the contract to repaint the air forces air superiority and multi role aircraft.

Cheers,
Chris.

Sauragnmon · March 04, 2010, 10:00:35 AM

The colours work beautifully on it, very interesting progress on it - and the RD-33 cans blend quite well, which is excellent.

Taiidantomcat · March 04, 2010, 01:59:14 PM

That is just excellent in shape and form. Great lines. But that Camo is what drops my jaw the most

What colors did you use?

chrisonord · March 04, 2010, 02:17:50 PM

Quote from: Taiidantomcat on March 04, 2010, 01:59:14 PM
That is just excellent in shape and form. Great lines. But that Camo is what drops my jaw the most What colors did you use?

Cheers for the comments

The colours I used on it were, Tamiya dark sea grey for the base coat and underside, top side I used Tamiya IJN dark grey,sky grey, med blue,and Valejo pale blue grey. I was going to put a bit of green in there, but I thought better of it

Cheers,
Chris.

Brian da Basher · March 04, 2010, 02:47:51 PM

Quote from: Taiidantomcat on March 04, 2010, 01:59:14 PM
That is just excellent in shape and form. Great lines. But that Camo is what drops my jaw the most What colors did you use?

Concur. That scheme is a wonder to behold!

Brian da Basher

noxioux · March 04, 2010, 04:44:39 PM

That does have some interesting lines. . .

chrisonord · March 04, 2010, 05:14:22 PM

earlier on I decided on a loadout for this bird, and put a SEAD set up on it. I have put a pair of HARM's on a pair of Delilah's an ecm pod on the right outboard pylon, twin sidewinders on the left outboard pylon, in the forward sparrow recess there is a LANTIRN pod, and inhabiting the rear recesses is a pair of Aim- 120's. All I need now is a 1/48th scale F-16 centre line tank, and its done.
Cheers,
Chris.

Eddie M. · March 05, 2010, 03:11:58 PM

The idea and camo are top notch!