{"product_id":"hobby-master-1-72-f-4-ha1911","title":"Hobby Master HA1911 1:72 F-44J Phantom II VMFA-333, \"Shamrocks\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eHobby Master 1:72 F-44J Phantom II VMFA-333, \"Shamrocks\" #201, USS America (CVA-66) September 11, 1972 HA1911\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe F-4J was the last version produced for the USN and USMC. The “J” version was basically an upgraded “B” version with new radar and avionics as well as a better engine that required a longer afterburner nozzle. One of the most noticeable changes to the “J” version is what isn’t there; the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. Also missing was an internal gun but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. Between 1966 and 1972 there were 522 F-4Js built. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in South East Asia. In mid 1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new and improved F-14 Tomcat.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn September 11, 1972 4 F-4J Phantoms of VMFA-333 (Shamrocks) from USS America (CVA-66) came across a Mig-21U with a Soviet pilot and a Vietnamese student. Because of his experience the Soviet pilot was able to out maneuver 3 of the 4 Phantoms but he wasn’t so fortunate with the 4th. The 4th F-4J 155526 was crewed by pilot Major Lee T. Lasseter and RIO Captain John D. Cummings. The Mig-21U was flying north trying to lead the Phantom into SAM territory but the Phantom managed to shoot the MiG-21 down. The Soviet pilot managed to eject but the student didn’t. This would be the only air-to-air victory of the war by a Corps aircraft. Moments later south of Haiphong Harbor Lasseter and Cummings were downed by an S-75M Dvina (SA-2) missile.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobby Master","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43319006789859,"sku":"12138","price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0632\/5000\/6243\/products\/hobby-master-ha1911-172-f-44j-phantom-ii-vmfa-333-shamrocks-689727.jpg?v=1738274065","url":"https:\/\/www.mtsaviationmodels.com\/de\/products\/hobby-master-1-72-f-4-ha1911","provider":"MTS Aviation Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}