Preview: Meng's 48th scale F-4E AUP Fighter (Hellenic Air Force)

We have seen Meng's Turkish Terminator; now it is the turn of the Hellenic Air Force in the form of the F-4E AUP in 1/48th scale. We have details of the kit & the real aircraft in our preview...

Preview: Meng's 48th scale F-4E AUP Fighter (Hellenic Air Force)

McDonnell Douglas F-4E AUP Fighter (Hellenic Air Force)

Kit No #LS-021

1/48th scale

There are three marking choices in the box.

Product Link on the Meng Website

The Subject: McDonnell Douglas F-4E AUP Fighter (Hellenic Air Force)

The McDonnell Douglas F‑4E AUP (Avionics Upgrade Program) represents one of the most comprehensive modernisation efforts ever applied to the venerable Phantom II airframe. Developed primarily for the Hellenic Air Force, the AUP package transformed late‑model F‑4Es into credible multirole fighters for the 21st century. At its core, the upgrade replaced the aircraft’s ageing analogue systems with a digital backbone, integrating a mission computer, MIL‑STD‑1553 data bus, and modern cockpit displays. This shift not only improved reliability but also allowed the Phantom to employ contemporary weapons and sensors far beyond the scope of its original 1960s design.

 An F-4E Phantom II of the Hellenic Air Force taken during Athens Flying Week with Aviation PhotoCrew.

A defining feature of the AUP configuration is the incorporation of the AN/APG‑65 radar, the same pulse‑Doppler set used in early F/A‑18 Hornets. This radar dramatically enhanced the F‑4E’s situational awareness, enabling look‑down/shoot‑down capability, improved target discrimination, and compatibility with advanced air‑to‑air missiles. The upgrade also supported precision‑guided munitions, giving the aircraft a true multirole profile. Combined with updated navigation systems, a new INS/GPS suite, and improved electronic warfare equipment, the AUP Phantom became a far more survivable and flexible platform than its predecessors.

Hellenic Air Force F-4E AUP Phantom II at Sanicole Airshow 2025

Service in the Hellenic Air Force – Despite its age, the F‑4E AUP remained operationally relevant thanks to the synergy between its rugged airframe and modernised avionics. Pilots benefited from a reworked cockpit featuring multifunction displays and HOTAS controls, reducing workload and aligning the aircraft with contemporary fighter ergonomics. The result was a machine that retained the Phantom’s trademark power and endurance while gaining the precision and connectivity expected of modern combat aircraft. For the Hellenic Air Force, the AUP programme extended the service life of a trusted workhorse and ensured that the Phantom could continue to contribute meaningfully to national and regional security well into the 21st century.

The Kit: Meng's 48th scale F-4E AUP Fighter (Hellenic Air Force)

Meng's 48th-scale "LS-021 McDonnell Douglas F-4E AUP Fighter (Hellenic Air Force)" is approximately 399 mm in length and 245 mm in width.

This kit includes a metal pitot tube, pre-cut stainless steel PE parts and painting masks, and provides three paint schemes. This kit includes AIM-9M and AIM-120B air-to-air guided missiles, an AN/AAQ-28 Litening targeting pod and AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground guided missiles, allowing the weapon stores to be configured for either air superiority or ground attack missions.

The kit's features are listed below ...

The kit accurately reproduces the characteristics and details of the actual aircraft.

Precisely reproduces the layout of the two-seater cockpit and the equipment inside the cabin.  

The leading-edge slats and flaps can be selected in raised or lowered positions.

The horizontal tail wings are posable.  

The pivot plate for the horizontal tail & wings is reproduced using metal etched parts.  

The speed brakes can be posed open or closed.  

The internal structure of the landing gear bays is precisely reproduced.

The horizontal rear stabilisers can be posed to your needs

A metal pitot tube is included in this kit.

Three colourful markings from the Hellenic AF are included in the kit.

You can see more info on this kit and others from Meng on the Meng Models website...