Vought's F-8 Crusader was called "Last of the Gunfighters" by the pilots, and was US Navy's first supersonic fighter, when it won the contract in 1951.
The Crusader uses a unique variable incidence wing, that enables the aircraft to raise the wing by 7 degrees to increase the angle of attack at lower airspeeds, keeping the nose down to help pilots land on carriers. It was designed as a single-seat day fighter/interceptor, armed with 4 Sidewinder missiles, four 20mm cannons and later versions, like this "E", was also used as a ground attack aircraft. Its 18 confirmed air-to-air kills during the Vietnam conflict showed the world that Vought had created a monster...
The "E" model pioneered as the first with provision for up to 1800 kilo's of stores under wing.
A total of 17 frontline units(482 aircrafts) was operating the Crusader in 1964. And even as it was the most successful aircraft in downing Mig-17 and -21's, it was extensively used in ground support by the Marines.

  
The Kit.

After many delays Academy finally released it's new 1:72 "E" Crusader. I wasn't really a fan of this aircraft before starting to read about it. But I must say that I have really changed my mind.

The kit contains 3 nicely done sprues of  light-gray plastic and one clear sprue. Everything is nice detailed, like the landing gear struts and bays and with superb engraved panel lines. The cockpit is very good, maybe one of the best in 1:72. Most of you out there won't need to buy expensive aftermarket set's for it. The details are crispy and there is also decals included for the panels, for the lacy. But one minus is the absence of buckles. 
Academy supplies under-wing pylons, as Marines' Crusaders did carry them, unlike the Navy. You also get the unique double Sidewinders launcher. The canopy is molded in a way that only allows a closed position.
The most interesting feature of the Academy's Crusader is of course the variable incidence wing, the first kit in 1:72.
Separate leading- edge flaps and detail in the fuselage top and under the wing allow the wing to be raised with flaps deployed, almost. Only the leading- edge flaps positions can be changed the others' is molded in one piece. Good or not, you decide... Assembling of the Crusader seems to be pretty straightforward.

The instruction is also very good, 8 pages of nicely presented drawings, in 12 steps. One very good thing is that the painting instructions are printed on a separate paper for easy access when painting.

Compared to Hasegawa, Academy gives you a lot of weapons:

• 8 Zuni unguided rocket tubes
• 4 AIM-9D Sidewinder AAM
• 2 MERs
• 8 Mk.82 Snakeye 225-kilo's bombs
• 2 Matra Magic AAMs

You can clearly see that more versions are planned. This is of course the reason for the Matra Magic AAMs included in the box. Rumours that a Aeronavale F-8E(FN) is being planned, may be true then.

Now, on to the not so good things:

• First why don't mould the nose separate? The "H" has a narrower pointy nose. And I have the intention to make a Philippine Air Force bird, so...

• Canopy is moulded so it is hard to show it in an open position.

• Only leading edge flaps is moulded separately.

• If I don't want to show the raised wing, it seem to be a fitting problem.

• the absence of buckles

 Decal options:

- F-8E 7/150852 of VMF(AW)-333 Shamrocks, MCAS Yuma, March 1967
- F-8E 14/150329 of VMF(AW)-232 Red Devils, NAS North Island, November 1967

The decals are typical Academy, well done and accurate. Aftermarket options for decals won't be a problem I think. Because of the quality and popularity of this kit.

Finally, you may thing that this is only a medium kit, but it is not. It is maybe the best 1:72 kit so far. The reason for the four airplanes out of five is simple. This is one of the new generation kits and maybe the best. But all new kits hereon will compare to this one and that is why Academy has such a great responsibility. I hope they listen to this and make there next jet go all the way. Because this did almost reached all the way.