HOME      F-8 Crusader

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
The last U.S. jet fighter designed with guns as its primary weapons, the Vought F-8 Crusader was the first production U.S. aircraft to fly over 1,000 mph.  The Vought F-8 crusader was also the first U. S. Navy supersonic carrier based aircraft.
 
Unique to the Vought F-8 Crusader was a variable incidence wing with a maximum of seven degrees up or down movement. This was utilized on take off and landing to reduce speeds. A search and fire-control radar system enabled all-weather operations.
 
The Vought F-8 Crusader originally operated from the decks of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. Later versions were used by the U.S.M.C. and eventually throughout the world.  Its original designation was F8U.
 
The first flight of the Vought F-8 Crusader was on March 25, 1955. No other U.S. fighter aircraft has been built since with cannons for its primary weapons.
 
The Vought F-8 Crusader was considered one of the best fighter aircraft of its time. Pilots praised its maneuverability. The photo reconnaissance RF-8 variant was instrumental in obtaining pictures during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It served the longest of all F-8 models. The last U.S. RF-8 mission was with the Navy Reserve in 1987.
 
The F-8 Crusader had a 19:3 victory ratio duing the Vietnam War, the best of any U.S. fighter aircraft. An interesting fact is that most of its victories did not involve cannon fire.
 
From 1970 through 1974 NASA modified F-8 aircraft in experiments with wing shapes and in fly-by-wire technology. The Philippine air force flew F-8 Crusader aircraft from 1977 through 1991. The French operated the F-8 from its carriers through 2000. The Rafale has replaced it in the Frech Navy.

Specifications

        Primary Function:
        Crew:
        Engine:
        Thrust:
        Length:
        Wingspan:
        Weight Empty:
        Max. Weight:
        Fuel:
        Cannons:
        Ordnance:
        Cruise Speed:
        Max. Speed:
        Climb Rate:
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        Range:
        First Flight:
        Year Deployed:
        Year Retired:
interceptor/attack
one
P&W J57
1 x 18,000 lbs.
54' 3"
35' 8"
17,541 lbs.
27,938 lbs.
9,633 lbs.
4- 20 mm
5,000 lbs.
575 mph
1,325 mph
32,000 fpm
58,000 feet
1,735 miles
3/25/55
1957
2000
 
Radio Control Airplane

David Hudson and his RC Airplane.
 
Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
In the photograph immediately above is the nearly completed Vought F-8 Crusader RC Airplane built by David Hudson (dcmodelshop.com).
 
Specifications of the radio control airplane are:
scale 1/6
gross weight 51 lbs
length 109"
ws 72"
construction: fiberglass
fully functional wing, speed brake, wheel brakes operational canopy
engine : Merlin 160 Mark II, 36 lbs thrust
Fuel: Jet A.
 
David flew his F-8 radio control airplane for the first time on July 7, 2007. He reported that the RC Airplane felt solid in flight, but a bit nose heavy. The engine of his F-8 radio control airplane lost thrust in mid flight, causing the RC Airplane to go down hard, incurring extensive damage.
 
David is reconstructing the radio control airplane. We will keep you posted with more pictures and David's impression of flying his new F-8 Crusader RC Airplane on its next flight.
 
In the first two pictures below is the Robart Mfg. F-8 Crusader ARF radio control airplane. The RC Airplane is of all composite construction with a wing span of 60" and a length of 65". Robart's radio control airplane weighs between 16 and 18 lbs. and is recommended for 12 - 14 lb. thrust turbine engines.
 
The last picture on this page is the Jet Hangar Hobbies A-7 Corsair II RC Airplane that is based on the F-8 Crusader. The radio control airplane is an ARF with a wing span of 47" and a length of 57". The 1/10 RC Airplane can be powered by 7 to 12 lb. thrust turbines.
 
With its large, high mounted wing, the F-8 Crusader should make an excellent flying radio control airplane. If you have a favorite model F-8 RC Airplane, or know of F-8 Crusader radio control airplane plans, kits, or an ARF, please email us.


Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane from Robart Mfg.
 
Radio Control Airplane

RC Airplane on ground.

Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane from Jet Hangar Hobbies.