Hobby Master 1/72 F-4J Phantom II VMFA-235 “Death Angels” 1972 (HA19024)

The “Death Angels” of VMFA-235

The Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235 (VMFA-235), famously known as the “Death Angels,” holds a storied place in U.S. Marine Corps aviation history. After completing two grueling tours in Vietnam flying the F-8E Crusader—where they flew over 12,000 combat sorties—the squadron transitioned to the F-4J Phantom II in September 1968. Based at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, the squadron’s Phantoms were easily recognized by their iconic red-and-white star-patterned “Bozo-Noses.” VMFA-235 continued to operate the Phantom until 1989, making them one of the last active-duty units to fly the legendary “Double Ugly” before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet.

The HA19024 Replica

This Hobby Master replica capturesBuNo 153887 (c/n 2503)as it appeared in 1972. This specific airframe is a veteran of the “Death Angels” frontline service during the early 1970s. After leaving VMFA-235 in 1977, the aircraft was later upgraded to the F-4S variant. Its long service life eventually saw it converted into a drone in 1991, before meeting its final end in 2001. This model stands as a tribute to the era of all-weather interceptors and the Marines who maintained them in the Pacific theater.

SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Category	Airframe & Performance Data
Manufacturer SKU	HA19024
Scale	1:72
Era	Cold War / Vietnam Era (1972)
Construction	Diecast Metal & Plastic
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas
Power Plant	2 x General Electric J79-GE-10 Turbojets (17,900 lbf with afterburner)
Maximum Speed	1,584 mph (Mach 2.4) at 48,000 ft
Service Ceiling	70,000 ft
Combat Range	596 miles (Maximum range 1,956 miles with external fuel)
Weights	Empty: 29,535 lbs / Gross: 40,562 lbs
Wingspan	38 ft 5 in (Model: ~6.25”)
Length	63 ft 0 in (Model: ~9.75”)
Wiring & Fasteners	54,197 ft of wiring / 643,000 fasteners

IN THE BOX (THE LOADOUT)

• Precision Ordnance:Full interceptor complement including 4x AIM-7 Sparrow semi-recessed missiles and optional AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red missiles.
• External Fuel:Includes centerline 600-gallon drop tank and two 370-gallon under-wing pylon tanks.
• Operational Features:Detailed opening canopy, well-appointed cockpit with instrumentation dials, and removable pilot figures.
• Landing Gear:Optional-position (deployed or retracted) landing gear with accurately detailed gear wells.
• Surface Detail:Engraved realistic panel lines, antennas, and authentic pad-printed (Tampoed) VMFA-235 squadron markings.
• Display Stand:1x Professional Presentation Stand included for in-flight display.