rharris73

For years I've wanted to build a scale RC Crusader but very few kits have been available, only one that I recall actually looked like a Crusader and it had some issues as I recall. A Crusader was designed to be somewhat unstable to enhance its fighter capabilities and it did indeed. The downside to that effert made the Crusader a handfull to operate at low speeds and landing. All that aside the Crusader is an awesome looking and fast jet.
Recently, I have recreated the Crusader using 6MM foam and am ready to test fly the prototype (see attached). This model is approximetly 1/13 scale, 44" long and 28" WS, its all up weight is 24oz. with a 3S 2200mah Lipo. I have calculated the forward CG to be 5.25" aft of the leading edge at the Fuse., the jet has a large CG envelope and I want the first flight to be as stable as possible. I'm using a Super Park Jet, 7x5 prop and 25 amp SC. My power choice is the Grayson Mega Park Jet but I wanted to retain the least amount of weight for the test flight.
Initial concerns I have include the Stabilator that incorporates a CF tube and axel with brass bearings and an internally mounted servo. There is a little slop in the axel untill power is applied and then it appears to dissapear, strange. Any failure here will be bad so I will attempt to reenforce the axel with a pin prior to the test flight.
I welcome any suggestions or comments. The finish is not complete so excuse the lack of detail at this time, I will enhance that after the first flight.

marshall

My Feedback: (5)

Rharris,
Great looking Gunfighter! One of my favorites. Good luck with the maiden. Paul

rharris73

Thank you! The maiden flight went well, good performance and speed but the Super Park Jet was very hot after the flight. I am going to replace it with the Super Mega Jet from Grayson Hobby for the next flight. I began decorating it so it now looks a little more like an F-8.

Bob
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HazeGray

I want one of these!! Watched them operate off our carrier in Gulf of Tonkin in '68. Where do I order one??

rharris73

Indeed the F8U was a great looking and exciting jet. I built this one from scratch and after many exciting flights on it, she crashed due to my over confidance. I continued to try and get more and more speed
until it just became too much for me I guess.

still bill

My Feedback: (1)

HazeGray, What ship where you on. I spent one tour with Bon Homme Richard which also carried these aircraft.

rharris73

I was with VF 124, the F-8 RAG, 64-65 and on CVA-43 1967. Crusaders were an awesome aircraft.

Carlos G

Hi rharris&3,

You may have been already asked but, did you have a set of plans for your F-8? It is nice to see something different now and then I wouldnt mind knocking one out myself.

thanks for your time.

Carlos G.

rharris73

Hi Carlos,

I used plans for an A-7 Corsair II as a guide for the fuse, changing the nose and length. The wing was designed by scaling up from actual drawings I found in a book. The scale is 1/12, it is all 6mm foam and once laid out is pretty easy to build. If you diecide to build one and I can answer any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Bob

Carlos G

Hi Bob,

Can you tell me where you got the A7 plans so I have a starting point?

Thanks

Carlos G.

rharris73

Sure, I got them from Model Airplane News plan service, (plan X01951) $19.95. I belive the plan is 1/12 scale which works out good for the F-8. 888-235-2021 or airagestore.com

Carlos G

Hi Bob,

Thanks again for the prompt reply

Carlos G.