This listing is for a new Century Wings Vought F-8E Crusader USN VF-211 Fighting checkmates, NP101, Commander Paul Speer, USS Bon Homme Richard, Vietnam May 19th, 1967 shot down a MiG-17. Item # CW 601628 Launch Configuration. This model was released in 2008 with only 3,000 pieces distributed world wide. Outer box has some scuff marks and small tears. Model in this listing belongs to my collection. Scale: 1/72 Length: 9.25″ Width: 5.75″ (wingspan) US Navy Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) Fighting Checkmates was the new designation given to Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24) on March 9th, 1959. It traded its F-11F Tigers for F-8 Crusaders in July of that year. In 1961 VF-211 moved to NAS Miramar, which remained its home-base for the next 35 years. The Fighting Checkmates deployed to Vietnam seven times aboard the USS Hancock and once aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. During this period, VF-211 pilots earned the title of “The MiG Killers, ” having downed eight enemy aircraft. The squadron transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat in 1975 and has been flying the F-18F Super Hornet since 2005. Vought F-8E Crusader Designed to meet a USN requirement for a supersonic air-superiority fighter, the Chance-Vought F-8 (originally F8U) was first flown on March 25th, 1955. The F-8 was the last American fighter to use guns as a primary weapon. Its powerplant was nearly identical to the one used by the F-100 Super Sabre, and it was the world’s first carrier-based aircraft to break the speed of sound. The US Navy used the Crusader in a traditional dogfighting interceptor role, while the Marines operated it as a strike/attack aircraft. Both flew the F-8 during the Vietnam War, and it remained in service for more than four decades. Century Wings 1:72 die-cast airplanes feature. Die-cast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won’t fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Selected moveable control surfaces. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear. Presentation stand to display the aircraft “in flight”. Detailed removable pilot and crew figures. Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screw heads. Many limited editions with numbered certificate of authenticity.