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 captures BuNo 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
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Technical Category
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Airframe & Performance Data
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Manufacturer SKU
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HA19024
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Scale
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1:72
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Era
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Cold War / Vietnam Era (1972)
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Construction
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Diecast Metal & Plastic
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Manufacturer
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McDonnell Douglas
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Power Plant
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2 x General Electric J79-GE-10 Turbojets (17,900 lbf with afterburner)
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Maximum Speed
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1,584 mph (Mach 2.4) at 48,000 ft
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Service Ceiling
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70,000 ft
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Combat Range
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596 miles (Maximum range 1,956 miles with external fuel)
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Weights
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Empty: 29,535 lbs / Gross: 40,562 lbs
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Wingspan
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38 ft 5 in (Model: ~6.25”)
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Length
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63 ft 0 in (Model: ~9.75”)
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Wiring & Fasteners
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54,197 ft of wiring / 643,000 fasteners
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IN THE BOX (THE LOADOUT)
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Precision Ordnance: Full interceptor complement including 4x AIM-7 Sparrow semi-recessed missiles and optional AIM-9 Sidewinder infra-red missiles.
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External Fuel: Includes centerline 600-gallon drop tank and two 370-gallon under-wing pylon tanks.
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Operational Features: Detailed opening canopy, well-appointed cockpit with instrumentation dials, and removable pilot figures.
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Landing Gear: Optional-position (deployed or retracted) landing gear with accurately detailed gear wells.
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Surface Detail: Engraved realistic panel lines, antennas, and authentic pad-printed (Tampoed) VMFA-235 squadron markings.
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Display Stand: 1x Professional Presentation Stand included for in-flight display.
