Vought F-8 Crusader

Vought F-8A to F-8J, RF-8,

DF-8 and QF-8

Origin: Vought Systems Division of LTV, Dallas, USA.

Type: Originally single-seat carrier-based day fighter (see text).

Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J57 two-shaft turbojet with afterburner; (A, B, F. L) 16,2001b (7327kg) J57-12; (С, K) 16,9001b (7665kg) J57-16; others, 18,0001b (8165kg) J57-20A. About 100 F-8J re-engined with P&W TF30-420 afterburning turbofan, rated at 19,6001b (8891kg). Dimensions: Span 35ft 8in (10-87m); (E, J) 35ft 2in; length 54ft 3in (16-54m); (E, J) 54ft 6in; height 1 5ft 9in (4-80m).

Weights: Empty (C) about 17,0001b (7710kg); (J) 19,7001b (8935kg); maximum loaded (C) 27,5501b (12,500kg); (J) 34,0001b (15,420kg). Performance: Maximum speed, clean, at altitude (A, B, L, FI) 1,01 3mph, (RF-8A) 982mph; (RF-8G) 1,002mph; (С, K. J) 1.105mph (1780km/h. Mach 1Q8); (E) 1,135mph; (D) 1,230mph; initial climb (typical) 21,000ft (6400m)/min; service ceiling, from 38.400ft for J to 42,900ft (1 3,100m) for D; combat radius, from 368 miles for С, К to 440 miles (708km) for J and 455 miles (732km) for D.

Armament: (А, В, C) four 20mm Colt Mk 12 cannon each with 84 rounds; one Sidewinder on each side and 32 folding-fin rockets in belly pack; (D) four 20mm plus four Sidewinder; (E, H, J) four 20mm plus four Sidewinder plus 12 Mk 81 bombs, or two Bullpups or eight Zuni rockets; (K. L) as J but 144 rounds per gun; RF versions, none.

History: First flight (XF8U-1) 25 March 1955: (production F-8A) Novem­ber 1956; service delivery 25 March 1957; final delivery 1965.

Users: France, Philippines, USA (Naval Reserve).

Development: This outstanding carrier-based fighter, notable for its variable-incidence wing, outperformed the F-100 on the same engine, besides having 1,1 65gal internal fuel! Exceeding Mach 1 on the level on the first flight the F8U (as it then was) was rapidly developed for carrier service, and for 12 years was a popular combat aircraft of the US Navy and Marines.

Three-view of F-8J, a remanufactured F-8E now in use with the US Naval Reserve.

Altogether 1,259 were built, plus two prototypes, and in 1966—71 446 were rebuilt to a later standard (B to L, C to К. E to J and D to H). The continual process of improvement added all-weather radar, improved autopilot and weapon-delivery systems. air/groUnd weapons and, in the 42 F-8E(FN) for the French Navy, slower approach for small carriers. Variants include RF reconnaissance, DF drone RPV and QF RPV-control aircraft; a single dual trainer was also built. Many rebuilt versions remain in combat service, with long life ahead; total Crusader flight time exceeds 3,000,000hr.

Left: An F-8L, one of the long­life remanufactured versions, formerly serving with the USMC (squadron VMF-321).

Below. Rebuilt Crusader, probably an F-8J, serving with VF-201 US Navy fighter squadron. In 1980 French F-8E(FN) fighters were being replaced by the Super Etendard attack aircraft, and the only remaining user is the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Philippines Air Force.