Model Description

Century Wings 1/72nd scale CW001644 F-8E Crusader U.S.Marine Corps VMF(AW)-235 Death Angels DB8 1966 (Normal version) . Buy now online at Flying Tigers.

The Vought F-8 Crusader (originally F8U) was a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft built by Vought for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass, and for the French Navy. The first F-8 prototype was ready for flight in February 1955. The F-8 served principally in the Vietnam War. The Crusader was the last American fighter with guns as the primary weapon, earning it the title “The Last of the Gunfighters”.

The RF-8 Crusader was a photo-reconnaissance development and operated longer in U.S. 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. U.S. Naval Reserve units continued to operate the RF-8 until 1987.

The Vietnam War

Redesignated Fixed Wing Marine Fighter (All Weather) Squadron VMF(AW)-235 deployed to Vietnam on February 1st, 1966 flying the F-8E Crusader. Between February 2nd and November 15th, 1966 the “Death Angels” flew over 6,000 combat sorties in support of over 22 major operations. They returned to Vietnam on February 15th, 1967 this time for over a year until May 11th, 1968. They were the last active duty Crusader squadron. Upon leaving Vietnam, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. On September 6th, 1968 they were redesignated Fixed Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-235 and equipped with the F-4 Phantom.

RRP £144.00