VFP-63 Vought RF-8G & VF-111 F-8E escort
AH 601/BuNo. 146871 & AH 105/BuNo. 149180

This is a noteworthy recon Crusader which most famously saw action with VFP-62 during the Cuban Missile Crisis, flown by CDR William Ecker. In 1966 it saw service over Vietnam with VFP-63. Lt Andre Coltrin flew this jet through extraordinarily dangerous low-level missions which are detailed in the Osprey book "RF-8 Crusader Units over Cuba and Vietnam." While the Sword kit provides decals for the 1962 A version of this plane, I am going to try something different and build 146871 in its upgraded G form. It will take some customizing of the decals and perhaps salvaging some from the other Sword kit. Rather unusually during this 1966 cruise this Crusader had none of the distinctive unit livery typically seen--its tail and strakes are completely blank grey/white. Nonetheless I think it will be a unique subject and tribute to the exploits of Lt Coltrin and his fellow RF-8 pilots, “unarmed and unafraid.”

Since RF-8s in Vietnam were often accompanied by an F-8 fighter escort, I'm going to build it with an F-8E from the same CAG out of the Academy kit. They will be displayed together in flight.