Crécy Publishing | Vought F7U-3 Cutlass
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
Publisher: Crécy Publications
Author(s): Tommy H Thomason & Alfred C Casby
Publishing date: 2024
ISBN: 978-1-80035-294-0 (Hardcover)
Pages: 383
Crécy Publications is generally very well known for very producing well researched and documented aircraft books. Such is the case with this volume, and I wholeheartedly approve.
As with the majority of titles from this publisher, this is very much a supreme effort, using photos from many varied sources, and there are quite a fair good number of them in this magnificent volume. Printed on good quality semi-glossy stock, the photos are quite interesting, as is the history, highlighting the various stages of its development, and offering a nice glimpse into this fascinating plane.
Not too many publications have been produced over the years (that I'm aware of) dealing with this particular machine, the Ginter and Schiffer volumes, OK in their own right, but not on par with this volume.
While I certainly should be used to it by now, flipping through the pages of a new (to me) Crécy title, still makes me smile. The quality and variety of images and research, is truly very interesting, frequently revealing aspects of various details that I had previously been unaware of.
Photo Samples
Lots of data is offered up here; from initial design concepts and philosophy through final manufacturing and air-frame specifics and accomplishments. The "Nose-High" attitude of the Cutlass was a unique design feature, and lends an interesting look to the aircraft when parked.
For those of us with a taste for larger scale aircraft models, there was only ever one kit produced, the now long out of production Fisher Model & Pattern F7U-3M.
For those with a passion for the Cutlass as well as the series of designs that led directly to it, I can highly recommend this volume. Buy a copy, you will not be disappointed.
Summation
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate this book as a solid 10, no question about it. Topping out at a very respectable 448 pages of fascinating F7U stuff, it is highly recommended.
Not being a Cutlass expert, I can't really offer a true evaluation of the accuracy of the text itself, and so will leave that to more informed individuals than myself. All other aspects of the book are really quite nice though, from the selection of illustrative photos to the interesting progress of the Cutlass design itself.
My review copy compliments of Casemate Publishers. Thanks a ton to Casemate, it's truly an outstanding reference book on this somewhat iconic Vought design, really top-notch stuff.
© Kevin Williams 2026
This review was published on Wednesday, April 22 2026; Last modified on Sunday, April 26 2026