{"product_id":"planetags-mcdonnell-f4h-1f-143391","title":"Planetags McDonnell F4H-1F 143391","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"width: 100%; column-count: 2; column-width: 260px; column-gap: 32px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"break-inside: avoid;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA piece of the Phantom’s earliest history\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOwn an authentic connection to the beginnings of the Phantom II with a McDonnell F4H-1F BuNo 143391 PlaneTag. Crafted from genuine material from this historic aircraft and individually numbered, each tag preserves part of the sixth production Phantom, an aircraft that helped prove the design was ready for carrier operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the F-4 became a familiar sight around the world, BuNo 143391 played a crucial role in its development. This collectable celebrates the aircraft that helped set the Phantom legend in motion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"break-inside: avoid;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProving the Phantom at sea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt as an F4H-1F, BuNo 143391 was among the first production Phantoms. Rather than joining an operational fleet squadron, it worked in the early development programme, allowing engineers and Navy pilots to assess its handling and suitability for aircraft carrier service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 15 February 1960, it became the first Phantom to successfully complete carrier suitability trials aboard USS Independence (CVA-62). During testing, it made 17 arrested landings and 18 catapult launches, demonstrating the performance and handling needed for life at sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"break-inside: avoid;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrom test aircraft to aviation landmark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose successful trials helped pave the way for the Phantom’s entry into operational service. The F-4 Phantom II went on to become a defining military aircraft of the Cold War, serving with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and allied nations. More than 5,000 were built over the following decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Jack G. Wilson acquired BuNo 143391 with the aim of restoring it. Further research confirmed its place in history as both an early production Phantom and the aircraft responsible for the type’s first successful carrier suitability trials. Although restoration ultimately proved impractical, its significance endured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, authentic PlaneTags preserve material from this pioneering aircraft. Add one to your aviation collection as a tangible reminder of the testing that helped turn a new design into a worldwide success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"break-inside: avoid;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAircraft characteristics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e McDonnell Aircraft Corporation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e F4H-1F Phantom II\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial number:\u003c\/strong\u003e BuNo 143391\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrew:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two, comprising a pilot and radar intercept officer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMission:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carrier-based all-weather interception and carrier suitability testing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSensors:\u003c\/strong\u003e AN\/APQ-50 Modified\/APQ-72 radar and AN\/AAA-4 infrared search-and-track system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWingspan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 38 ft 5 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 56 ft 0 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16 ft 3 in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"break-inside: avoid;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAircraft performance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRange:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2,300 miles with external fuel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum speed:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1,485 mph\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCeiling:\u003c\/strong\u003e 62,000 ft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmpty weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 28,000 lb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum take-off weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 54,600 lb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRate of climb:\u003c\/strong\u003e 28,000 ft\/min\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEngines:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two General Electric J79-GE-2 afterburning turbojets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Planetags","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42808474206290,"sku":"143391","price":119.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2457\/7775\/files\/PT26_F4_CARD_Skin2.jpg?v=1791928193","url":"https:\/\/pilotshop.co.nz\/products\/planetags-mcdonnell-f4h-1f-143391","provider":"Pilot Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}