COBI F-4 Phantom II US NAVY #5897 | 1:48 Fighter Jet

Build the Navy Phantom That Made Vietnam War History

The COBI F-4 Phantom II brings one of America’s most famous naval fighters to your collection in an impressive 1:48 scale. Set #5897 contains 703 pieces and recreates the unmistakable F-4B Phantom II with U.S. Navy markings connected to USS Midway and VF-21 “Freelancers.” With its black radar nose, swept wings, twin-engine layout, tandem cockpit, external weapons, and authentic squadron markings, this model captures the aggressive appearance that made the Phantom an icon of Cold War aviation.

Even better, this aircraft represents a squadron with a direct connection to one of the most important early air-combat victories of the Vietnam War.

COBI F-4 Phantom II #5897 Specifications

Packed with Display and Play Features

The COBI F-4 Phantom II is built for aviation enthusiasts who appreciate both mechanical detail and display value. The finished aircraft measures nearly 15 inches long, giving the Phantom enough size to show off its distinctive shape without requiring an enormous display area.

The tandem cockpit opens to reveal positions for the two included pilot crew figures. In addition, the model features movable folding outer wing sections, a detail especially appropriate for an aircraft designed to operate from crowded U.S. Navy carrier decks.

Under the wings and fuselage, the Phantom carries an assortment of external stores that recreate its heavily armed appearance. The landing gear provides a deck-ready configuration, while the included black display stand lets you show the aircraft in an elevated flight position.

Set features include:

• 703-piece F-4B Phantom II construction set
• Large and detailed 1:48 scale
• USS Midway and VF-21-inspired U.S. Navy markings
• Two-seat opening cockpit with two pilot crew figures
• Folding outer wing sections
• Detailed landing gear
• Air-to-air missiles and external fuel tanks
• Movable aircraft components
• Black display stand with identification plate
• Finished length of approximately 14.96 inches

A COBI F-4 Phantom II with a Historic USS Midway Connection

The real F-4 Phantom II began life as a carrier-based interceptor developed for the United States Navy. Its combination of two powerful engines, long range, heavy weapons capability, and speeds exceeding Mach 2 eventually made it one of the defining American combat aircraft of the Cold War. The Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force all operated versions of the Phantom, and more than 5,000 were produced.

The markings on set #5897 connect the model with VF-21 and USS Midway. That connection gives this particular Phantom considerably more historical significance than simply being another gray Navy fighter.

On June 17, 1965, two VF-21 F-4B Phantom IIs launched from USS Midway and shot down two North Vietnamese MiG-17 fighters with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. According to the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command, these were the first confirmed American air-to-air victories over enemy aircraft during the Vietnam War.

Historical U.S. Navy photographs also document VF-21 Phantoms operating with USS Midway during Task Force 77 operations, providing a fascinating real-world connection to the aircraft represented by this set.

You can learn more about the aircraft’s development and remarkable service career in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II article on Wikipedia.

Build Both Sides of the American Phantom Story

The COBI F-4 Phantom II #5897 is an excellent choice for collectors of Vietnam War aircraft, naval aviation, carrier aircraft, and Cold War military history. The VF-21 and USS Midway connection also gives the model a specific historical story that makes it stand out on display.

For an excellent companion aircraft, add the COBI Vietnam War F-4 Phantom II – Col. Olds Edition #2427 to your collection. That version represents the U.S. Air Force side of the Phantom story and the legendary Vietnam War career of Colonel Robin Olds.

Together, the two models tell the story of a fighter that became a legend with both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force—and one of the most recognizable combat aircraft ever to take to the skies.

tom II US NAVY #5897.