Built in 1948 and active with an Illinois based owner. Designed to compete for a military contract to supply observation aircraft, the Luscombe T-8F is based on the Luscombe 8 but with a tandem cockpit and a large bubble canopy for the rear passenger. The T-8F didn't win the contract and none ever flew with the military although a number were subsequently marketed for civilian roles such as pipeline inspection, observation duties and also as sprayers.

The Luscombe T8F Observer was originally proposed to the US Army as a replacement for the L-4 Grasshopper but lost out on cost to the Aeronca L-16. The type later trialed as a crop duster and was also modified to compete for a US Army liaison contract but lost out again, this time to the O-1 Bird Dog.