NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Vought F-8 Crusader was the first production U.S. aircraft to fly over
1,000 mph. It 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.
Unique to the 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 first flight was on March 25, 1955. No other U.S. fighter aircraft has been built since with
cannons for its primary weapons.
The Crusader was considered one of the best fighter aircraft of its time. Pilots praised its maneuverability.
The photo reconnaissance variant 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.
The aircraft 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.
From 1970 through 1974 NASA modified the aircraft for experiments with wing shapes and in fly-by-wire technology.
The Philippine air force flew the F-8 Crusader from 1977 through 1991.
The French operated the aircraft from its carriers through 2000.
A total of 1,261 Vought F-8 Crusader aircraft of all types were produced.
Specifications
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engine:
Thrust:
Length:
Wingspan:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Fuel:
Cannons:
Ordnance:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
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
In the photograph immediately above is the nearly completed rc Vought F-8
Crusader built by David Hudson (dcmodelshop.com).
Specifications of the radio control airplane are:
scale: 1/6
gross weight: 51 lbs
length: 109"
wingspan: 72"
construction: fiberglass
fully functional wing, speed brake, wheel brakes operational canopy
engine : Merlin 160 Mark II, 36 lbs thrust
fuel: Jet A.
When David flew his rc 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 rc airplane. We will keep you posted with more pictures and David's impression of
flying his new rc F-8 Crusader on its next flight.
The first picture below is of David's rc F-8 Crusader as it taxis out for its first flight
In the next picture below is the Robart Mfg. rc F-8
Crusader. The ARF is of all composite
construction with a wing span 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 last picture on this page is the Jet
Hangar Hobbies A-7 that is based on
the rc F-8 Crusader. It is an ARF with a wing
span of 47" and a length of 57". The 1/10 scale rc airplane can be powered
by 7 to 12 lb. thrust turbines.
With its large, high mounted wing, the rc F-8
Crusader should make an excellent flying radio control airplane.
If you have a favorite model rc F-8 Crusader, please email us.
Vought F-8 Crusader
A rc F-8 Crusader from Jet Hangar Hobbies.