If you like jets, you're going to like this article! The F-8 Crusader and the F-105 Thunderchief are both aircraft that we've made vlogs on recently, but we really like to test the aircraft that we review in detail. This way, we can give you a realistic impression of what the planes are like to live with over a long period of time. With that in mind, we took them to one of our favourite flying fields and blasted them into the sky. 

Style and Detail

Both of these jets are superbly detailed. Based on Cold-War fighter-bombers in an era when jets were becoming established in the USAF (the United States Air Force), each capture those sleek aluminium lines.

The F-8 has quite a unique intake duct. Like it or not, it's modelled to perfection. 

The colour schemes on both jets are also fantastic. 

Our daring test pilots Bob and Josh agree on the quality of the remarkable levels of detail put into these small jets. 

Both the F-8 and F-105 feature elevons in the wings, much like would be the case for a delta wing. It's quite a unique feature which adds to the nimble manoeuvrability of these jets. It's worth noting that having elevons like this means that you need to use a transmitter capable of elevon mixing. 

The jets feature similar levels of detail to Motion RC's FlightLine F7F Tigercat (63"/1600mm wingspan) that we reviewed a while back. It's quite incredible what is available these days. Great flying and great looking models are getting more and more prevalent (which is good news!). 

The F7F featured amazing detail in the canopy, radial engines and panel lines. 

It had no less than six servos in the wings, not to mention the retracts. Alex's favourite feature was the attention to detail inside the wheel wells which were painted with olive drab paint, just like the real thing! 

Flying Characteristics

Back to the jets, the first thing to mention about the performance is this: these things have some serious speed.

Their menacing, pointy lines are the first indication that they're going to rip through the air like the real things. 

It takes a lot of concentration to fly fast aircraft like these. Having said that, the technology inside these little jets mean that they remain surprisingly stable at any speed with 'axial rolls and predictable behaviour' as Motion RC state on their website. 

But how fast is it? Officially, the F-105D Thunderchief can hit a top speed of 72mph using a 3s 1000mAh-2200mAh lipo. This makes chasing it with the FT 270 Quad a little challenging, especially when the F-105 punches the throttle. 

For the F-8, Motion RC says that it can reach 68mph with a 3s 1000mAh-2200mAh lipo.  

Hand launches are easy as the small form factor makes them lightweight and easily 'grabbable' under the plastic skid tray.

Launch! Alex's hair trembles with excitement. 

Spec Comparison

Can't decide which one's for you? We can help with that. Here is a brief comparison chart to help you choose your favourite jet. What's great is that they're both great options for intermediate fliers as an introduction to the world of EDF's. Whichever you pick, it's sure to live up to your expectations.

So as you can see, they're fairly similar in spec and perform very similarly too. So, perhaps choose which one you prefer the look of. 

More Video and Our First Impressions

As mentioned earlier in the article, we previously did a couple of vlogs featuring each of these planes. If you've missed them and would like to see what our first impressions were with these planes out of the box, here is each of them for your enjoyment.

F-8 Crusaider

F-105 Thunderchief

Check out both of the $100 jets in this article, along with other awesome products, on Motion RC's website.

Freewing F-105 Thunderchief 64mm EDF Jet - PNP

Freewing F-8 Crusader 64mm EDF Jet - PNP