Based on an F4D-1 Skyray, I give you the F4D-1P Skychase:
My second build for the GB over on
What If is going to be a F4D-1 modified with a PR nose from another kit.
Idea is that the RAN purchased a four of these aircraft in the early 1960's for evaluation purposes to replace their F9F-8's but opted for the F-8 Crusader, instead.
The Naval Aircraft Research & Development Unit (NARDU), the RAN's version of its RAAF equivalent, retained these aircraft for weapons, stores pylon & targetting system testing.
In the mid-70's three of these aircraft were retired & used for parts to keep the 4th flying.
This aircraft was modified by fitting a PR nose to the airframe & was used as a chase-plane to record test flights of other aircraft & the effectiveness of weapons delivery systems.
It was scrapped in 1984 after a crash-landing at NAS Parafield, SA.
What I'm starting with:
Not huge progress but it is moving. I've painted & put together the photo-recce gear & put it in the main body of the PR nose. To finish this bit I have to glue the glazing into the other 3 panels & fit them to the body-work.
In a fit of misplaced enthusiasm I glued the nose to the cockpit section;
In this shot we have the original F4D-1 nose for comparison;
So, next job is to remove it & work on the cockpit.