ACY1615 1/72 F8E Crusader

The F-8 Crusader was the US Navy’s first supersonic, carrier-based jet fighter. In September 1951, the US Navy announced a call for competitive bids from eight aircraft manufacturing companies for a new carrier-based fighter. Chosen was the F-8 Crusader which incorporated a 42-degree swept-wing design to achieve the high speed requirement. The unique wing also provided a two-position, variable incidence wing enabling the aircraft to land and takeoff at slow speeds while maintaining excellent visibility for the pilot. Armed with four 20mm cannons, the Crusader was a gunfighter and considered a pure air-superiority aircraft by its pilots. It was also capable of carrying an ordnance load of 4,000 lbs including AIM-9 “sidewinder” air-to-air missiles, and “Zuni” air-to-ground rockets. The Crusader had a very impressive combat record with the Navy and Marine Corps in Vietnam, and was nicknamed “the MiG killer” because of its numerous victories over these jets.

This 100% newly tooled kit from Academy allows you to bring home this historically significant bird in 1/72 scale. Even in this scale the kit’s wingspan measures nearly 6”, with an impressive 8.25” fuselage. The masterfully detailed cockpit interior and landing gear compartment are of a precision you have come to expect from Academy. It’s loaded with an impressive arsenal of four AIM-9D Sidewinders, four “Zuni” dual rocket tubes, and eight MK.82 Snakeeye (with two MER). Builders have the option of open or closed airbrake. Fully engraved panel lines and rivet details. Comes with vibrant mid-Vietnam era decal schemes from “Fighting Shamrocks” and “Red Devils”.