A visually striking and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of the United States Navy McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II known as “Vandy 1” or the “Black Bunny”. Released as part of the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series, AA33205 depicts an aircraft operated by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four, VX-4, from Naval Air Station Point Mugu in California during 1969.
VX-4 “Evaluators” was responsible for the operational testing and evaluation of aircraft, weapons systems and associated equipment for the United States Navy. The squadron operated several frontline naval aircraft and helped determine how new technology would perform under realistic service conditions.
The unit's commanding officer aircraft carried the callsign “Vandy 1” and became famous for its dramatic overall black colour scheme. The prominent white rabbit emblem applied to the tail resulted in the aircraft becoming widely known among aviation enthusiasts as the “Black Bunny”.
The model recreates the aircraft's gloss-black finish with contrasting white United States Navy markings, national insignia and aircraft number 3783. Fine blue and white trim runs along the fuselage and wing surfaces, while the large tail emblem makes this one of the most instantly recognisable Phantom schemes.
Developed as a fleet defence fighter for the United States Navy, the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II first flew in 1958. Its powerful twin engines, two-person cockpit and extensive weapons capacity allowed it to perform interception, air-superiority, strike and reconnaissance missions.
The F-4J introduced improved radar, engines and avionics over earlier naval Phantom variants. It served extensively with the United States Navy and Marine Corps and became one of the defining carrier-based fighter aircraft of the Vietnam War era.
This sizeable Corgi release is particularly appealing to collectors of United States Navy aviation, test and evaluation aircraft and unusual military colour schemes. The model features substantial diecast construction, separately positionable cockpit canopies, detailed crew positions, raised carrier-style wingtips, movable control surfaces, removable external stores and the original Corgi Aviation Archive presentation stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Corgi
Series: Aviation Archive Collector Series
Model code: AA33205
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II
Tactical Markings: 3783
Aircraft Name: Vandy 1 / Black Bunny
Unit: United States Navy VX-4 “Evaluators”
Role: Operational test and evaluation aircraft
Theatre / Base: Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California
Date/Period: 1969
Operator / Country: United States Navy / United States
Scale: 1:72
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Distinctive overall black finish, authentic VX-4 Evaluators markings, Vandy 1 identity, prominent white rabbit tail emblem, aircraft number 3783, detailed front and rear cockpits, separately positionable canopies, raised carrier-style wingtips, movable control surfaces, removable external stores and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 10.5" or 26.7 cm
Width (Wingspan): 6.25" or 15.9 cm