There are exceptions to Mod 3 in appearance but not in systems. The F-4Bs with VF-142 and VF-143 on CVA-64 the USS Constellation differed from what became the standard Mod 3 fit in that while they did have a single fairing fin cap already in place from their 1967 cruise they also were fit with the original APR-30 hook shaped chin pod fairing. It is thought this was nothing more than using up the last of the available stocks of these fittings and indeed a small number of the first Marine aircraft to go into the Shoehorn project acquired the same fit.
New aircraft coming into VF-151 and VF-161 on CVA-43 the USS Coral Sea were the first to get the new and correct shaped antenna fairings associated with AFC-339 and AFC-375. It should be noted however that the F-Bs still with these squadrons from their 1967 retained their original APR-30 fittings but had the new style fairings fit when they returned to the States at the end of the 1967 / 1968 deployment. The disc antenna covers on the new style drag chute door and other antenna fits as already noted in mid to late 1967 were retained.
Access doors would not change except that the enlarged door 621 was no longer needed and the smaller door 68 would return on all new aircraft coming into the shoehorn project from this point on.
(click on picture to enlarge) 1 - AN/ALQ-51/100 Fwd Pulse Transmit Antenna |
Revision History:
- 19 MAR 2014 - Original Post
Sources:
- Artwork by Kim Simmelink
- Michael France and his unending patience and tremendous work on F-4 Phantom II changes.
- Craig Kaston and his patience and help with the "Navy Way" of doing things.
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