What should compliment my F-4J(Ar)?

anthonyp · June 18, 2005, 10:16:58 AM

I've managed to get my hands on another set of Argentinian Naval decals, and I have no idea what they should go onto. So here's my question: Which plane get's to be part of the massive (snicker) Argentinian Navy? I figured I'd ask here and get an idea of what others would do, given the choices. The decals came from an Airfix Super Etenard, and whatever plane gets them will have a similar paint scheme to the F-4J(Ar). Here's the choices (all 1/72):

Airfix Buccaneer
Hasegawa F11F Tiger
Hasegawa F-9F Couger
Italeri Rafale M
Hobby Craft F/A-18
Italeri AV-8B
ERTL F-8E
Heller E-2C
Fujimi F-4K (done up as an F-4L for use off of Argenitina's Essex class carriers)

Those are the kits I've got on hand that are near completion, or have major interior painting already done so they can be assembled.

Any other suggestions would be welcome as well.

dragon · June 18, 2005, 10:45:49 AM

If you are going for the "What-If" thing, then you cannot use the F9F Cougar. The Argentinian Navy did use them from 1958 to approximately 1970.

anthonyp · June 18, 2005, 02:28:21 PM

That I did not know! The book I've got on the subject doesn't list the Cougar as being used by them. The photo proves otherwise.

Thanks for the clarification... But you forgot to leave a vote!

Leigh · June 18, 2005, 04:58:40 PM

Well an Argie AV-8 would upset a few people, and a Buccaneer could possibly start a war.

dragon · June 18, 2005, 05:29:06 PM

The Agentinians also owned the S-2 Tracker, so the E-2C is not too far of a leap.
The RAFALE is more than anything a "Could-Be".
My vote would go for the Hornet.

Now if you really want to be outrageous, may I suggest a GRIPPEN or a VIGGEN in Argentinian Markings? B)

elmayerle · June 19, 2005, 02:49:55 AM

If you can "clone" an exhaust nozzle from the F/A-18, how about an upgraded F11F-1 with a modern cockpit and radar? Say they bought some originally to replace the Cougars and just kep them, finally doing a massive upgrade rather than buying all new and having to create an whole new logisitics structure.

Mike Wren · June 19, 2005, 09:06:10 AM

AV-8B

Radish · June 19, 2005, 11:29:22 AM

You could use the Cougar.
The Argentine Navy had F9F PANTHERS...F9F-5s to be precise.
When they enquired about training aircraft/additional F9Fs, some daft clerk assigned F9F-8Ts to themas they had F9fs anyway, not realising that the extra aircraft were very different with a much higher performance.
Interestingly, the Panthers were in Light Gull Grey/White (the later USN colour scheme) and the Cougars (2 of them) were in Sea Blue Gloss (the early USN finish!)
So....a single-seat Cougar could be ideal from a Wookster point of view...just a little bit "off" reality to really confuse.

Radish · June 19, 2005, 11:31:05 AM

A Vulcan would look terrific though.
Try doing it like their Mirages in SEAsia colours??

Joe C-P · June 20, 2005, 11:18:45 AM

The F/A-18 would be logical, if a bit bland in imagination. The Bucc and Harrier could conjure up a whole alternate history line, with no Falklands War. I don't think even an F-4L could have operated off an Essex, but don't hold me to that.

Bryan H. · June 27, 2005, 01:10:38 PM

Well if the aircraft are contemporary with the F-4's, I'd go with the Buccaneers as a dedicated strike aircraft. You'ld have a good mix of capabilities with the F-4's & Buccaneers. If you're needing a follow on aircraft, I'd go for the either the F/A-18 or Rafale.

Bryan

anthonyp · June 30, 2005, 06:46:38 AM

ARRRGGHHH!!!! I HATE EBAY!!!

I just won an auction I didn't think I would. I'd wanted to do this plane up as an Argentinian one for the longest time, but couldn't get my hands on it. So now that I've got one, the decals are going to it instead of hurrying and finishing the F-11 that the decals were going to go on.

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Looks like another model blitz sometime in July

thundereagle1997 · December 30, 2022, 12:29:21 AM

F-11B super tiger powered via twin J-85s

thundereagle1997 · July 14, 2023, 01:30:50 AM

F11F Tiger powered via 2 J-85-GE-21 turbojets & an A-4 interceptor variant powered by twin J-85-GE-21 turbojets.

sandiego89 · July 15, 2023, 07:49:24 AM

AV8B would be the most realistic to operate from the real 25 de Mayo. She was maxed out with the single, short catapult and a STOVL Harrier would make sense.

John Farley did demonstrate the two seat Harrier Gr2 aboard the 25 de Mayo as she sailed to Argentina from the Netherlands, but they decided on the A-4.