The Vought F-8 Crusader It was an important American-produced carrier-based (supersonic) fighter used during the Cold War.
The aircraft's primary users were the US Navy, the Marine Corps, the French Naval Aviation and the Philippine Air Force.
The aircraft was produced by the Vought aircraft company and, in total, more than 1200 examples were built.
It is worth noting that the Vought XF8U-8 was developed from the F-3. Crusader and the LTV A-7 Corsair, while the French Naval Aviation built the Vought F-8E (FN) variant Crusader.
This latest version incorporated several structural modifications compared to the classic F-8, necessary for use from French aircraft carriers. Furthermore, the French Naval Aviation used the aircraft until the late XNUMXs.
The first F-8 Crusader prototype took flight for the first time on March 25, 1955, and entered active service with the US Navy in March 1957.
The F-8 was very fast and maneuverable, thanks to its aerodynamic design and powerful engine, characteristics that made it effective in combat. In addition, it was well armed, with 20 mm cannons and air-to-air missiles, which allowed it to deal with various threats. It is worth remembering that the F-8 Crusader It was the last US fighter to have cannons as its main weapon.
The aircraft, in combat, proved to be very versatile. In fact, the Americans also used the vehicle as a ground attack aircraft, particularly during the Vietnam War.
However, the aircraft had some weaknesses: limited cargo capacity; the cockpit had limited visibility and was difficult to maintain, which could affect the operational availability of the aircraft.
The aircraft was used extensively by the US Navy and Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where it saw much combat action against the MiG-17 and MiG-21 of the Vietnam People's Air Force.
The US Navy retired the F-8 from active service in 1976, and the Naval Reserve retired it in 1987.
The F-8E had a wingspan of 10,87 m, a height of 4,80 m and a length of 17,06 m. The empty weight was 8528 kg while fully loaded it was 13154 kg.
Engine: 1 Pratt & Whitney J57. Maximum speed was 1974 km/h at 11000 m and service ceiling was 18000 m.
The armament consisted of 4 Colt Mk 12 cannons, 2 LAU-10 rockets, 4 AIM-9 air-to-air missiles Sidewinder (the French version had 4 R.550 Magic), 2 AGM-12 air-to-surface missiles bullpup. Additionally, it was capable of carrying 8 x 81 lb Mark 250 bombs as well as 2 x 84 lb Mark 2000 bombs.
Photo: US Navy / USMC
