View Full Version : Happy 55th birthday to...
Rhino power
27th May 2013, 22:42
The F-4! First flight, 27th May 1958, and still serving in all but four (possibly five) of the countries that have operated it!
-RP:ok:
thing
27th May 2013, 22:50
Indeed, grand aeroplane. First tour was on the mighty 'Toom. 40th ann of the first flight of the Tonka next year.
Don't know whether anyone else thinks of this or whether I am merely odd but the 'Toom which is still an operational a/c is equivalent to the Sopwith Camel fighting in the Six Day War.
Courtney Mil
27th May 2013, 22:50
Mine too. Although the exact date is not for the public domain.
54Phan
28th May 2013, 02:56
:ok:One of the true all time greats of aviation! An iconic aircraft.
AGS Man
28th May 2013, 06:38
As this is a rumour site.... I am hearing a very strong rumour from a German contact that although the Luftwaffe will retire the Phantom the week before it is just possible that one might make a "positioning flight" via Waddington.
Rhino power
28th May 2013, 12:38
As this is a rumour site.... I am hearing a very strong rumour from a German contact that although the Luftwaffe will retire the Phantom the week before it is just possible that one might make a "positioning flight" via Waddington.
That would be nice, especially since to date, Waddington has managed to secure only one(!) foreign mil FJ for this year's airshow static line-up...
Warmtoast
28th May 2013, 16:40
My first sight of an F4 was at the May 1961 Paris airshow where this US Navy F4 flew past fast and low. Very noticeable with it's bright red rudder. Not particularly sharp as it's a screen grab from my 8mm cine film.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/thawes/Paris%20Air%20Show%201961/A4-USNPhantom1_zpsc6c3e44c.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/thawes/Paris%20Air%20Show%201961/A4-USNPhantom_zps7ed6873d.jpg
Another impressive fast flypast at the show was by this USN A3 Vigilante - God knows how they got this aircraft with it's enormous rudder stowed below decks!
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r231/thawes/Paris%20Air%20Show%201961/A3-Vigilante_zpsc8a628d6.jpg
Plastic Bonsai
28th May 2013, 21:06
Fin Fold:
http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/builds/tru/images/tru_ra-5c_titlet.jpg
Geehovah
29th May 2013, 06:38
If anyone wishes to celebrate I can recommend a good book ;): DeeGee Media (http://deegee-media.webnode.com/)
Looking forward to celebrating her retirement at Wittmund next month as I missed the Wattisham retirement.
Vzlet
29th May 2013, 09:34
The third Phantom produced has survived and is now in the collection of the National Museum of the USMC, presumably to be restored at some point:
USMC Musem Restoration Branch - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vzlet/sets/72157632898190143/)
Q-RTF-X
29th May 2013, 12:38
Just pipping the first flight of the F4 but of certain significance was the induction of 33rd entry RAF Boy Entrants (February 1958) ;)