McDonnell Douglas F/A-4J

[Spinners 15,984]

McDonnell Douglas F/A-4J Skyhawk - 3rd Hikotai, Japanese Air Self-Defense Air Force

 

The merger of McDonnell Aircraft and Douglas Aircraft in 1967 enabled the highly proactive St. Louis sales team to be able to offer "Heinemann's hot-rod" alongside the F-4 Phantom and Japan became their first export customer who ordered 80 Skyhawks alongside the 120 F-4EJ Phantom. To overcome the controversial decision to purchase an 'attack' aircraft (directly contrary to Japan's defence orientated policy) was only partly overcome by the adoption of a new multi-role F/A-4J designation and the assurance that the aircraft would be used as an auxiliary interceptor-fighter and 'anti-invasion' aircraft. Entering service in 1969 the F/A-4J was a popular aircraft in JASDF service and was subject to various upgrade programmes with at least 18 aircraft continuing to serve in the aggressor role.

 

(I know, I know. Silly boy. I should have removed the refuelling probe)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2011 by Spinners

[Stratos 3,180]

This one really rocks!!! Congratulations mate!

[dsawan 620]

Nice one.