The F-4 Phantom was used in a variety of roles during its long tenure with the USAF, Reserves and ANG. Like the F-16 after it, it was used in the Air Defense role. The Phantom replaced those ADC unit flying the F-101 and F-102 interceptors and flew along side the F-106 in defending the nation's borders against an enemy that never came.

One thing about ADC Phantoms is that they were always a bit more colorful than the mud movers. Much of this has to do with the nice coat of FS 16473, ADC Gloss Grey, that each of them got. That gave a perfect background for some nice colors, most of which was confined to the tail of the aircraft. Later in life, these units succumbed to the lo-viz greys and the unit markings became equally subdued.

The sheet includes common markings for all of the aircraft and enough national insignia for two of them. Some of my insignia were slightly off register regarding the red bar in them.

The first aircraft on the sheet is the only active duty USAF FIS squadron to fly ADC grey F-4Es. This one is from the 57 FIS that was at Keflavik, Iceland. This unit flew in some of the worst weather in the world. Despite that, had a low accident rate. The unit then went on to fly F-15Cs and was disbanded after Desert Storm and the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Next is an F-4D from the 178 FIS, North Dakota ANG. This unit traded in its F-4Ds for F-16A ADFs and is just now converting to the F-16C.

From the Hawaiian ANG, is this F-4C. Like a number of ANG FIS units, it swapped its Phantom for the F-15 Eagle.

Finally, one of the more colorful ANG units; the 171 FIS. This Michigan ANG unit generally had nose art on its aircraft and like the North Dakota unit, swapped out for the F-16 ADF. Unlike the NoDak squadron, it traded in its Vipers for C-130s!

Here are a couple of  images of aircraft built using the decals from this sheet. Both are Monogram kits. One of them was modified to a Hill Grey I scheme.

Review copy courtesy of me and my now empty wallet!

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