The F-4EJ Kai is a modernized version of the F-4EJ Phantom II, developed for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
In 1968 (Showa 43), the F-4EJ was selected as the successor to the F-86F, and its deployment began in 1969 (Showa 44). However, over 20 years had passed since its introduction, and to extend the aircraft’s service life and improve its capabilities, research and development began in 1980 (Showa 55).
As a result, in February 1982 (Showa 57), the F-4EJ Kai upgrade plan was announced. The upgrades primarily focused on enhancing combat capability and extending the airframe's service life through the ASIP inspection system.
Combat Capability Enhancements
The fire-control radar was replaced with the AN/APG-66J, a modified version of the radar used in the F-16, adapted for the F-4EJ. This small pulse-Doppler radar was chosen following lessons learned from the forced landing of a MiG-25 in Hakodate, and it excels at detecting aircraft flying at low altitudes over the sea from higher altitudes.
In conjunction with the new radar, the aircraft’s onboard computer was upgraded from analog to digital. This allowed for integrated weapons systems and enabled the use of domestically produced ASM-1 anti-ship missiles.
The navigation system was also updated from analog to digital, with the inertial navigation system greatly improving navigational accuracy. A target mark function was added, allowing up to three target points to be set.
Self-Defense and Avionics Upgrades
The Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) was upgraded for better threat detection, with more detailed information displayed on a CRT screen in the cockpit.
To simplify pilot operations, the HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) system was introduced, allowing the pilot to perform various tasks without taking their hands off the controls.
A Head-Up Display (HUD) was also added, letting the pilot read key data while keeping their eyes forward.
Airframe Life Extension
The F-4EJ Kai adopted the ASIP (Aircraft Structural Integrity Program) management system. This system tracks each aircraft’s individual flight data via computer, allowing fatigue monitoring and extending the airframe life by approximately 2,000 hours per unit.
Mission Capabilities
Though the F-4EJ Kai was mainly tasked with air interception, its ground-attack capabilities were significantly improved compared to the original F-4EJ.
With the scheduled retirement of the F-1 support fighter, one squadron of F-4EJ Kai aircraft was expected to take on support combat missions as well.
(Information current at the time of the kit’s release.)
Specifications:
- Crew: 2
- Wingspan: 11.77 m
- Length: 19.2 m
- Height: 5.02 m
- Max Takeoff Weight: 28,030 kg
- Engines: General Electric / Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries J79-GE/IHI-17 × 2
- Thrust: 5,380 kg (8,120 kg with afterburner)
- Max Speed: Mach 2.2 at 11,000 m altitude
- Fixed Armament: M61A1 20mm Vulcan cannon
- First Flight (F-4EJ Kai test aircraft): July 17, 1984
Decals (Markings):
- Aircraft "414" – 302nd Squadron, 83rd Air Wing (Naha Air Base)
- Aircraft "416" – 306th Squadron, 6th Air Wing (Komatsu Air Base)
- Aircraft "417" – 301st Squadron, 5th Air Wing (Nyutabaru Air Base)