1/72 RF-8A/G Photo-Recon Crusader ,,Eyes of the Fleet´´

The Vought RF-8 Crusader was a specialized reconnaissance version of the F-8 Crusader fighter aircraft. While the fighter Crusader was known as the "last of the gunfighters", the RF-8 variant was designed for tactical photographic reconnaissance: camera equipment and related systems were installed in the nose so that the aircraft could make a high-speed pass over a target and bring back detailed images for evaluation. It was its speed and ability to operate from aircraft carriers that made it a very valuable asset for naval aviation.

The designation RF-8A belongs to earlier versions, while RF-8G represents a later upgraded version that reflected operational and deployment experience. These machines served in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War and are closely associated with reconnaissance missions during theVietnam War, where rapid tactical reconnaissance was key to planning strikes and evaluating results. Of interest to modelers, the RF-8 has a different nose with camera windows and an overall "cleaner" appearance compared to the fighter versions, as the main task was not aerial combat, but image acquisition.

Sword Model SW72154 RF-8A/G Photo-Recon Crusader (1/72) is focused on the reconnaissance variants of the RF-8A and RF-8G. The package includes masks for glazing to facilitate accurate masking when painting.