The Vought F8U-2 (F-8C) 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 remained in service there until 1987.

The Vought F8U (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.

The F8U-2 was the second major version of the F8U with a more powerful engine and improved radar.

The first one flew on 20 August 1957 and 187 were built before production moved to the more advanced F-8D.

This model represents a F8U-2 flying with VF-84 aboard the USS Independence at the end of 1960.

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