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Posted: 4/13/2022 6:43:23 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You're absolutely right.  265 Navy and Marine F-4J's were upgraded to F-4S standards. Major changes included airframe and undercarriage strengthening including landing gear and wing/fuselage structural improvements. The electrical system was completely rewired, and the hydraulic system was replumbed using stainless steel tubing. Two-position wing leading-edge maneuvering slats were fitted to the F-4S, which gave a 50 percent improvement in combat turning capability in comparison with an unslatted F-4J. The F-4S was fitted with the digital AWG-10B weapons control system with new AN/ARC-159 dual UHF radios and an ARN-118 TACAN. The F-4S was fitted with smokeless J79-GE-10B engines with low smoke combustors and low-energy ignition. Low-voltage formation lights were fitted to the sides of the nose, mid-fuselage, and tailfin, and staggered cooling ports were fitted near the nosewheel well. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: 155539 is an F-4S not a J. She might have left St Louis as a J-33-MC, but there was a rebuild or two along the way. You're absolutely right. 265 Navy and Marine F-4J's were upgraded to F-4S standards. Major changes included airframe and undercarriage strengthening including landing gear and wing/fuselage structural improvements. The electrical system was completely rewired, and the hydraulic system was replumbed using stainless steel tubing. Two-position wing leading-edge maneuvering slats were fitted to the F-4S, which gave a 50 percent improvement in combat turning capability in comparison with an unslatted F-4J. The F-4S was fitted with the digital AWG-10B weapons control system with new AN/ARC-159 dual UHF radios and an ARN-118 TACAN. The F-4S was fitted with smokeless J79-GE-10B engines with low smoke combustors and low-energy ignition. Low-voltage formation lights were fitted to the sides of the nose, mid-fuselage, and tailfin, and staggered cooling ports were fitted near the nosewheel well. At one time I had a model of every major Navy variation of the F-4 and those ECM fairings on the intakes are dead giveaways. I always notice them because when I was making my models there weren't kits for the N or S so you had to start with a B or J and make the parts yourself. The best part was a friend wondering why I'd made three of the same F-4B and him totally not seeing the changes in the antennas made in 1965 and 1967. One was Project Shoehorn, never did find out what they called the 1967 changes. |
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Posted: 4/13/2022 6:47:33 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sweet. I'd much rather see that F-4 get displayed indoors, but, It is what it is. Castle AFB was my first duty assignment back in 1984. Damn I feel old.  Old? I was an instructor at Castle from ‘85 to ‘89. That’s old. |
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Posted: 4/13/2022 6:53:50 PM EDT
[#3]
I used to visit Castle AF Base Museum regularly.
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Posted: 4/13/2022 6:59:41 PM EDT
[#4]
I always liked the grey USAF livery
 Attached FileI'd suspect this, or the Vietnam era camouflage paint scheme was what they looked like when my dad flew 'em! |
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Posted: 4/13/2022 7:11:59 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I always liked the grey USAF livery https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/14121/greyusaf_jpg-2348048.JPG I'd suspect this, or the Vietnam era camouflage paint scheme was what they looked like when my dad flew 'em! The F-4Cs originally had a glossy gray and white scheme around 1964-65 before being repainted to Vietnam jungle camo. 
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Posted: 4/13/2022 7:20:18 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Let me guess, right about 1991? 
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Posted: 4/13/2022 7:22:12 PM EDT
[#7]
F4 Phantom was the best looking fighter of the post WWII era.
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Posted: 4/13/2022 7:26:00 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Jesus. So everyone in this whole thing who mattered was fine with it.  Self important people who were not going to see these things in anything but photographs, decided it had to go? I can tell you're not an aircraft fanatic. There are aircraft spotters all over the world who would have given their left nut to see the F-4 or F-14 version of Vandy 1 with the Bunny on the tail. Both were popular with the airshow crowds. |
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Posted: 4/13/2022 7:31:40 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Oddly enough there's been more than one Navy squadron's whose mascots have caused problems.  The World War II nose art would cause untold turmoil - hell it will get your account locked here. Anybody seen WWII nose art altered in a museum yet? And Marines. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/marine-werewolves-transform-crusaders-back-again-flna793567 |
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Posted: 4/13/2022 8:08:45 PM EDT
[#10]
Castle does have some cool aircraft!
Unfortunately they are all outside in the weather, and not maintained very well!  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 4/13/2022 11:41:24 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: since we're doing F-4's here's my dad and his engine nozzle test crew at Edwards AFB late 60's https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/5205/3093C440-B683-4EDB-8282-455873474B87-1915888.jpg Nice! The old days of ties and pocket protectors. Bet there is a slide rule or two hiding in that bunch as well for on the spot calculations |
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Posted: 4/13/2022 11:45:39 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What's so special about this F4 other than it being painted black? |
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Posted: 4/13/2022 11:55:34 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Oddly enough there's been more than one Navy squadron's whose mascots have caused problems. The World War II nose art would cause untold turmoil - hell it will get your account locked here. Anybody seen WWII nose art altered in a museum yet? |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 12:08:57 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What's so special about this F4 other than it being painted black? This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 1:11:26 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: What's so special about this F4 other than it being painted black? This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed It’s a legitimate question. Why would you expect everyone to know about it? |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 1:19:18 AM EDT
[#16]
The Blackbird in Oregon is indoors.
I should go spend a day there again. |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 1:20:17 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: it has a bunny. the bunny. do you even bunny? I need to find my photos of Pt Mugu from 2002. I saw a black bunny tomcat landing; was at the static missile displays IIRC. took pics with a Sony Mavica floppy disk camera. Haha I had both the floppy and mini-CD versions
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Posted: 4/14/2022 1:21:31 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryWas there a reason for the 17 stripes on the flag? |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 1:21:32 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: it has a huge gun pod. I don't know how it works around here? But calling a bunny black then saying it has a Huge gun pod!! Just saying  I'm just glad he got out of the boneyard
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Posted: 4/14/2022 1:32:41 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Old? I was an instructor at Castle from ‘85 to ‘89. That’s old. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Sweet. I'd much rather see that F-4 get displayed indoors, but, It is what it is. Castle AFB was my first duty assignment back in 1984. Damn I feel old. Old? I was an instructor at Castle from ‘85 to ‘89. That’s old. Mine too, 86 |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 2:14:07 AM EDT
[#21]
to be fair, the bunny is actually white, not black.
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Posted: 4/14/2022 4:23:53 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: What's so special about this F4 other than it being painted black? This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed  |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 8:10:29 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: What's so special about this F4 other than it being painted black? This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 8:19:15 AM EDT
[#24]
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Posted: 4/14/2022 8:24:01 AM EDT
[#25]
I approve of this post....
 I also built the F-14 VX-4. |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 8:43:55 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I approve of this post.... https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img921/2879/tdnsle.jpg I also built the F-14 VX-4. Nicely done! |
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Posted: 4/14/2022 7:33:16 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I cannot imagine how/why a group of fighting age Alpha-males would have such an InsensitiveTM symbol.  C A N N O T I M A G I N E. 
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Posted: 4/14/2022 7:44:32 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: USMC entered the chat https://www.iliketowastemytime.com/sites/default/files/marines_helicopter_sneaky_camouflage1.jpg Well done |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 7:56:12 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: USMC entered the chat https://www.iliketowastemytime.com/sites/default/files/marines_helicopter_sneaky_camouflage1.jpg I have that kit and decals to build as well. |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 5:37:43 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:Old? I was an instructor at Castle from ‘85 to ‘89. That’s old. Old? I dated a girl from Atwater who's dad was a CMSgt at Castle with the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron. That was 1981. That's old.
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Posted: 4/16/2022 6:54:28 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is how you tell people you are a dipshit without telling people you are a dipshit. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: What's so special about this F4 other than it being painted black? This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed I must be special ed because I've been an aviation nut since I was a kid and had no idea what the Black Bunny F-4 was
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Posted: 4/16/2022 6:59:38 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Old? I dated a girl from Atwater who's dad was a CMSgt at Castle with the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron. That was 1981. That's old.I served with the 93rd CES at Castle from 1977 to 1981, that’s old. |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 7:12:53 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 2nd Marine Airwing caved into the fat stay at home dependas in the 90s and removed the Bunny, too. That really doesn't surprise me. I thank God you had to be badged into the IMA Avionics area I worked in. It seemed the dependas were always trying to get in to see their husbands. I made a comment one time about fat asses and it got me a bunch of funny looks....I was single and didn't give a fuck.... |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 7:16:27 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The bunny (it's been pointed out already) https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/119852/Phantom_Tomcat_VX4-1114550.jpg Cool picture. The F-14 looks elegant and sporty, while the Phantom looks like it's hungry for a kill. |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 7:19:36 PM EDT
[#35]
I always wondered if Playboy ever said anything about the bunny on those aircraft.
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Posted: 4/16/2022 7:26:13 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: VX outfits have cool aircraft. I used to ride with the CO of this squadron (bikes, not jets). https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/166803/7E011984-C125-4655-933E-08A88CCF5F23-2347397.jpg Used to have coffee with a guy whose son flew in that unit at Pt. Mugu. United pilot now. TC |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 7:31:08 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I always wondered if Playboy ever said anything about the bunny on those aircraft. Besides saying "If you're going to use the Bunny, make it look right. Here's a couple decals we use on our DC-9." 
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Posted: 4/16/2022 7:38:47 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Besides saying "If you're going to use the Bunny, make it look right. Here's a couple decals we use on our DC-9." https://external-preview.redd.it/B5vo_qw3B1SYvtYEHltbknCbvjHrKMAVXlwU8VOPGo0.jpg?width=1024&height=536.12565445&auto=webp&s=3fd85bcf5811b14ecbeecce095ae1720d298c610 They kept that plane at the Purdue/Lafayette Airport. I believe Ozark Airlines pilots flew it until Purdue got some people qualified to fly it. TC |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 7:53:04 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Old? I dated a girl from Atwater who's dad was a CMSgt at Castle with the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron. That was 1981. That's old.It’s wasn’t Benny Heald was it? He was there for decades! Funny… in high school (‘75’ish), I dated a girl who’s dad was a CMSgt (gunner) at CCTS. 10 years later, there I was. |
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Posted: 4/17/2022 2:33:10 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I must be special ed because I've been an aviation nut since I was a kid and had no idea what the Black Bunny F-4 was Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: What's so special about this F4 other than it being painted black? This is how you tell people you are special ed without telling them you are special ed I must be special ed because I've been an aviation nut since I was a kid and had no idea what the Black Bunny F-4 was It was and is a valid question. There is simply no excuse to act like an dipshit in answering it. 
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Posted: 4/17/2022 9:51:32 PM EDT
[#41]
Here’s the Phantom they used during the Bicentennial. Building this one too.
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Posted: 4/17/2022 11:12:21 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It’s wasn’t Benny Heald was it? His last name was Buuic. Like the car. |
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Posted: 4/17/2022 11:40:50 PM EDT
[#43]
holy shiz that's sexy
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Posted: 4/18/2022 12:06:14 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: since we're doing F-4's here's my dad and his engine nozzle test crew at Edwards AFB late 60's https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/5205/3093C440-B683-4EDB-8282-455873474B87-1915888.jpg A bunch of brilliant people 
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Posted: 4/18/2022 12:07:48 AM EDT
[#45]
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Posted: 4/18/2022 12:53:12 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Here’s the Phantom they used during the Bicentennial. Building this one too. https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/1817/EzJxyA.jpg The W&B calculator in me just shuddered hard. |
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Posted: 4/19/2022 8:42:16 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Old? I dated a girl from Atwater who's dad was a CMSgt at Castle with the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron. That was 1981. That's old.Wonder if it was my Mom or Aunt lol. |
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Posted: 4/19/2022 9:04:54 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Wonder if it was my Mom or Aunt lol. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Old? I dated a girl from Atwater who's dad was a CMSgt at Castle with the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron. That was 1981. That's old.Wonder if it was my Mom or Aunt lol. |
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Posted: 4/20/2022 2:28:43 AM EDT
[#49]
On one of our WestPac trips in the early 70's we had a jet on our Helo Deck; just moving it from point A to point B. It was covered in "white shipping plastic" and had a small black bunny on the tail.
The bunny was cute but I always wondered what the spy type folks thought about us (AE) launching and recovering a jet. |
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Posted: 4/20/2022 1:39:50 PM EDT
[#50]
Welp, guess that answers that, there are a few of us here with some kind of affiliation to Castle AFB.
Back to the F-4 thing, It's a real pain in the ass right now finding C/D Model Phantoms 1/72 scale. Lots of Navy, F-4E & G, and the Odd Britt K/M versions. I recently had to track this Fujimi kit down in Japan to fill the hole in my kit collection for an F-4D model I'd like to build soon.  |
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