Hobby Master HA1921 F-4J Phantom II VF-31

Hobby Master HA1921 F-4J Phantom II VF-31, USS Saratoga, June 1972 “101”

The 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 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.

F-4J BuNo 157293 a/c 101 was flown by Cdr. Samuel Flynn and Lt. William John
and is generally accepted as the aircraft they were flying when they shot down a
MiG-21 on June 21, 1972. According to Cdr. Flynn they were flying F-4J 157307 at
the time and when he was assigned the new F-4J 157293 the kill markings were
transferred to that aircraft. F-4J 157307 is on display at the NASM-Dulles wearing
VMFA-232 markings while 157293 is on display at the Texas Air Museum, Slaton,
TX.