Flying Anvil

1/48 Conversion set to make a French Crusader

Product Article by Stephane Marignac on Sept 22 2003

 

 

 

Distributed in France by Flight 66
30, rue de Montreuil
F 75012 - Paris, France
Tel. : (00 33) 1 40 09 16 15
email : flight66@wanadoo.fr

Retail price is € 25 (approx. USD 27/28), plus P&P

Conversion set to make an F-8 E (FN) Crusader, from the Hasegawa F-8 E kit.

Scale, 1/48

French Navy (Aéronavale) Crusader delivered to France were 'E' models, but were modified to suit smaller French carriers.

These modifications are as follow : enlarged stabilisers, incidence angle of wing decreased to 5°, leading edge slats are two separated pieces, and flaps are having a
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Boundary Layer control system. All these modifications are reducing approach speed and increasing lift. These modifications were later applied to the 'J' model.

During its extensive career in the French Navy, the type has been subject to 3 major overhauls, the last adding the 'P' suffix after the type name, the 'P' standing for 'prolongé' (prolungated).

The set offers all the resin parts needed to make any of the 3 versions, plus a detailed instruction sheet, in English, including painting instructions, modifications needed according to versions, and instructions to realize the various aerials and antennae.

Leading edge slats for the main and folding parts of the wing. Inst sheets provide the correct angling for these parts, as stated in the French Tech Manual.

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Enlarged stabilisers, with engraved panels lines, and raised axis reinforcing plates.  And the 'sherloc' fairing, goes atop prolongated's tail; replace kit part.

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Martin Baker Mk. 5 (left) seat, used on French Crusader up to the' Prolongated' version. These are suited to fit in the original Hasegawa cockpit. Martin Baker Mk.7 (right), used on the 'Prolongated' Crusader

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Pylon used to fire the the Matra 530 missile; used on the early versions    

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The instruction sheets;

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Photos and text © by Stephane Marignac