When David flew his F-8 Crusader for the first time he reported that it felt solid in flight, but a bit
nose heavy. The engine lost thrust in mid flight, causing it to go down hard, incurring extensive damage.
David is reconstructing the airplane. We will keep you posted with more pictures and David's impression of
flying his new F-8 Crusader on its next flight.
The F-8 Crusader was the last U.S. jet fighter designed with guns as its primary weapons. It was also
the first U. S. Navy supersonic carrier based aircraft.
The first picture below is of David's F-8 Crusader as it taxis out for its first flight
Unique to the 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.
In the next picture below is the F-8 Crusader for sale by the Robart Mfg. The ARF is of all composite
construction with a wingspan of 60" and a length of 65". It weighs between 16 and 18 lbs. and is
recommended for 12 - 14 lb. thrust turbine engines.
The 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.
The last picture on this page is the Jet Hangar Hobbies A-7 that is based on
the F-8 Crusader. It is an ARF with a wingspan of 47" and a length of 57". The 1/10 scale rc airplane can be powered
by 7 to 12 lb. thrust turbines.
The first flight of the F-8 Crusader was on March 25, 1955. No other U.S. fighter aircraft has been built since with
cannons for its primary weapons.
J.D. Enterprise has a F-8 Crusader kit for sale for turbine or ducted fan power. Its wingspan is 51.5" and it is 75" long with a weight of approximately 14 lbs.
The F-8 Crusader was considered one of the best fighter aircraft of its time. Pilots praised its maneuverability.
F-8 Crusader
David Hudson's F-8 Crusader before flight.
The photo recon variant of the F-8 Crusader was instrumental in obtaining pictures
during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It served the longest of all models. Its last
reconnaissance mission was with the Navy Reserve in 1987.
F-8 Crusader
Robard Mfg. F-8 Crusader.
The F-8 Crusader had a 19:3 victory ratio during 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.
F-8 Crusader
A F-8 Crusader from Jet Hangar Hobbies.
From 1970 through 1974 NASA modified the F-8 Crusader for experiments with wing shapes and in fly-by-wire technology.
Rider60 of RC Universe was asking aboout a F-8 Crusader kit.
At You Tube Daniel Madrigal posted a video of his F-8 Crusader.
At RC Groups Thomas B posted about a F-8 Crusader project.
The Philippine air force flew the F-8 Crusader from 1977 through 1991.
Madmax1965 of RC Groups posted about building his F-8 Crusader.
At RC Groups agriebil started a F-8 Crusader build thread.
J Morgan of RC Groups has a build thread for a 34" wingspan F-8 Crusader pusher prop model.
StMartin of RC Groups had a F-8 Crusader for sale.
At RC Universe bigaggy was looking for a F-8 Crusader kit.
DCM of RC Universe mentioned a F-8 Crusader.
At RC Universe mugenkidd had questions about the engine in his rc F-8 Crusader.
The French operated the F-8 Crusader from its carriers through 2000.
A total of 1,261 F-8 Crusader aircraft of all types were produced.
If you have a favorite rc F-8 Crusader, please email us.
Vought F-8 Crusader
