Academy 1/72 F-8E Crusader USN VF-162 The Hunters Model Kit – ACD12521

Academy 1/72 Vought F-8E Crusader USN VF-162 "The Hunters" Plastic Model Kit

Recreate one of the United States Navy's most recognizable supersonic carrier-based fighters with the Academy 1/72 Vought F-8E Crusader VF-162 "The Hunters" plastic model kit (ACD12521). Famous for its impressive performance, powerful cannon armament, and distinctive variable-incidence wing, the F-8 Crusader became an important American naval fighter during the Cold War and Vietnam War.

This detailed 1/72 scale aircraft model represents the F-8E Crusader operated by US Navy Fighter Squadron 162, known as "The Hunters." Featuring accurately reproduced panel lines, cockpit detailing, positionable aircraft components, and authentic US Navy squadron markings, this Academy kit offers an excellent building project for military aviation enthusiasts and modelers of Vietnam-era carrier aircraft.

Academy F-8E Crusader Model Kit Features

• 1/72 scale Vought F-8E Crusader supersonic naval fighter
• Authentic US Navy VF-162 "The Hunters" squadron markings
• Detailed cockpit interior and ejection seat
• Finely recessed panel lines and aircraft surface details
• Variable-incidence wing with raised or lowered display options
• Separate leading-edge wing flaps
• Optional open or closed air brake configuration
• Detailed landing gear assemblies
• Positionable tail hook and horizontal stabilizers
• AIM-9B Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
• Zuni rocket launcher and Mk.82 Snakeye bomb options
• Waterslide decals with two historical US Navy aircraft marking options
• Premium Cartograf decals
• Illustrated assembly instructions
• Unassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly

History of the Vought F-8 Crusader

The Vought F-8 Crusader was developed during the 1950s as a high-performance, carrier-based fighter for the United States Navy. First flown in 1955, the Crusader was designed to provide American naval aviation with a supersonic fighter capable of intercepting enemy aircraft and maintaining air superiority.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engine, the F-8 combined impressive speed, excellent maneuverability, and powerful armament. Unlike many contemporary fighters that increasingly relied on missiles, the Crusader retained four 20 mm cannons, earning its famous nickname, "The Last of the Gunfighters."

One of the aircraft's most distinctive engineering features was its variable-incidence wing. During takeoff and landing, the wing could be raised to increase its angle of attack while allowing the fuselage to remain relatively level. This innovative arrangement improved pilot visibility during carrier operations and became a defining characteristic of the Crusader design.

The F-8E Crusader During the Vietnam War

The F-8E Crusader was an improved version of the original F-8 fighter, incorporating refinements to its radar, weapons capabilities, and operational equipment. The aircraft served extensively aboard American aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War, performing fighter escort, combat air patrol, and air superiority missions.

Crusader pilots engaged North Vietnamese MiG fighters in aerial combat, demonstrating the effectiveness of the aircraft's combination of speed, maneuverability, cannon armament, and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

The F-8 remained an important frontline US Navy fighter throughout much of the 1960s before newer aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II, assumed an increasingly prominent role in American carrier aviation.

US Navy VF-162 "The Hunters" – USS Oriskany

Fighter Squadron 162 (VF-162), "The Hunters," was a United States Navy fighter squadron that operated the F-8 Crusader from aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War. The squadron became closely associated with the USS Oriskany (CVA-34), conducting combat operations over Southeast Asia.

Academy's F-8E Crusader kit includes markings for a VF-162 aircraft flown during the 1966 deployment aboard USS Oriskany. The distinctive squadron insignia and US Navy markings provide an excellent opportunity to recreate a historically significant Vietnam-era naval fighter.

Two Historical US Navy F-8E Crusader Marking Options

The Academy F-8E Crusader model kit includes premium Cartograf waterslide decals representing two United States Navy aircraft:

• F-8E BuNo 149203 – VF-162 "The Hunters," Commander Burt Sheperd's CAG aircraft, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1966
• F-8E BuNo 150303 – VF-103 "Sluggers," USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 1964

These marking options allow modelers to recreate either a Vietnam War-era VF-162 Crusader or a VF-103 aircraft from the early 1960s.

Build a Detailed 1/72 Scale US Navy Jet Fighter

The Academy F-8E Crusader offers an engaging modeling project with numerous opportunities for detailed assembly and realistic aircraft finishing. Its positionable variable-incidence wing, separate leading-edge flaps, and optional air brake configuration allow builders to customize the appearance of the finished model.

The included AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, Zuni rocket launchers, and bomb options provide additional display possibilities, while the detailed cockpit and landing gear help reproduce the appearance of an operational carrier-based fighter.

Modelers can recreate authentic US Navy Light Gull Gray and Insignia White camouflage, with appropriate squadron markings, panel line washes, exhaust staining, and subtle operational weathering. The completed Crusader makes an excellent addition to a Cold War or Vietnam War aviation collection alongside the F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, and A-7 Corsair II.

Explore additional American naval fighters, military jets, bombers, and helicopters in our Academy Airplane & Helicopter Model Kits collection.

Complete Your Academy F-8E Crusader Model Kit

This plastic aircraft model kit requires assembly and painting. Model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately. For authentic US Navy aircraft colors, primers, metallic finishes, clear coats, and weathering supplies, browse our model paints and hobby painting supplies.

Discover additional military aircraft, tanks, naval ships, and specialty modeling projects in our Academy Models collection, or explore our complete plastic model kits collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.