F-8 CRUSADER - USMC

Historical Note:         Unbeatable museum quality best describes our handcrafted F-8 Crusader USMC model airplane. After passing through the hands of master craftsmen, the parts are sanded and primed many times. Talented artists then paint on the intricate details with great accuracy. A final coat of clear lacquer protects the F-8 Crusader USMC model and gives it a glossy finish. The F-8 Crusader USMC model airplane comes with a handsome mahogany-based chrome pedestal, and to ensure that it is ready for delivery, it undergoes various stages of quality control before being placed in its box. The F-8 Crusader USMC model airplane is perfect as an addition to a growing collection or as an exquisite gift to a loved one.

Scale:    1:100
W/S:      11.0     inches, 
Lgth:      12.75    inches

Item Number:    TMC-CF008M                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Price:    $169.95

Quantity to Order:

 

Historical Note Cont'd:         The F-8 Crusader (originally F8U) was a single-engine, carrier-based fighter aircraft built by Chance Vought of Dallas, Texas. It was designed in 1953 in response to a request from the United States Navy for a new supersonic day fighter. The first F8 prototype was ready for flight in February 1955, and was the last American fighter with guns as the primary weapon. The RF-8 variant was a photo-reconnaissance development and operated longer in US service than any of the fighter versions. RF-8s played a crucial role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, providing essential low-level photographs impossible to acquire by other means.

Titanium was used as much as possible in the construction of the Crusader. All control surfaces had fully-duplicated hydraulic power systems. With wing and fuselage tanks, the aircraft had an endurance of about three hours. It was fitted for cannons, rockets, and missiles. As construction of the aircraft progressed, improvements were made to the engines, fire control, radar equipment, and ventral fins were added under the tail section for increased directional stability. The Crusader has a maximum speed of 1100 knots at 40,000 feet and a combat range of 700 miles. A total of 1,261 aircraft were built.

During the Crusader's first five years, it achieved an outstanding record as a carrier-based jet fighter. It was responsible for the Navy and Chance Vought being jointly awarded the Collier Trophy for the conception, design and development of the first carrier-based aircraft to exceed 1,000 mph. It was also the first aircraft to fly across the United States faster than the speed of sound.