The Vought F-8 Crusader was a supersonic air superiority fighter developed in the 1950s. A total of 1261 were produced, they began entering service with the US Navy in 1957 and the last one flew with the French Navy in 2000.

The Vought F-8 won a competition in 1953 to become the US Navy’s next air superiority fighter and the prototype first flew on 25 March 1955.

They were manufactured in five major versions but after production ended most airworthy F-8s were refurbished into later versions with improved capabilities and performance.

France acquired 42 F-8E(FN)s that began flying with the Aeronavale in 1964.

Beginning in 1991 the remaining 17 aeroplanes were modernised, becoming F-8Ps (Prolonge), and were superceded by Rafale Ns in 2000.

This model represents a F-8P flying in special markings on their retirement from service in 2000.

Heller 1/72 kit with Model Art decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in January 2011.