Warplanes of the USA: Vought F-8 Crusader

Vought F-8 Crusader

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8H Crusader (BuNo. 148677) of U.S. Naval Reserve Fighter Squadron 202 (VF-202) "Superheats" landing on the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) in 1971. VF-202 was based at Naval Air Station Dallas, Texas (USA), and was having carrier qualifications.

The Vought F-8 Crusader (originally F8U) isa single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraftdesigned and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Vought. It was thelast American fighter that had guns as the primary weapon, earning it the title"The Last of the Gunfighters".

Development of the F-8 commenced after release of the requirement for a newfighter by the United States Navy in September 1952. Vought's design team, ledby John Russell Clark, produced the V-383, a relatively unorthodox fighter thatpossessed an innovative high-mounted variable-incidence wing, an area-ruledfuselage, all-moving stabilators, dog-tooth notching at the wing folds forimproved yaw stability, and liberal use of titanium throughout the airframe.During June 1953, Vought received an initial order to produce three XF8U-1prototypes of its design. On 25 March 1955, the first prototype performed itsmaiden flight. Flight testing proved the aircraft to be relativelyproblem-free. On 21 August 1956, U.S. Navy pilot R.W. Windsor attained a topspeed of 1,015 mph; in doing so, the F-8 became the first jet fighter inAmerican service to reach 1,000 mph.

During March 1957, the F-8 was introduced into regular operations with the USNavy. In addition to the Navy, the type was also operated by the United StatesMarine Corps (replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass), the French Navy, and thePhilippine Air Force. Early on, the type experienced an above-average mishaprate, being somewhat difficult to pilot. American F-8s saw active combat duringthe Vietnam War, engaging in multiple dogfights with MiG-17s of the VietnamPeople's Air Force as well as performing ground attack missions in the theatre.The RF-8 Crusader was a photo-reconnaissance model. It played a crucial role inthe Cuban Missile Crisis, providing essential low-level photographs of Sovietmedium range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) in Cuba that were impossible to acquireby other means at that time.[3] Several modified F-8s were used by NASA forexperimental flights, including the testing of digital fly-by-wire technologyand supercritical wing design. The RF-8 operated in U.S. service longer thanany of the fighter versions; the United States Navy Reserve withdrew itsremaining aircraft during 1987. (Wikipedia)

(USN Photo)

The Vought F8U-1T Crusader (after 1962 TF-8A) returning from its first flight on 6 February 1962 at Dallas, Texas (USA). It was built by modifying the 77th production F8U-1 (F-8A BuNo. 143710). This plane had also served as the prototype for the F8U-2NE (F-8E). It finally crashed near Dallas, Texas (USA), on 28 July 1978, after experiencing engine trouble on a training flight for Philippine pilots.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F8U-1 Crusader (BuNo. 143685) of fighter squadron VF-32 Swordsmen, Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1958.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Vought F-8E Crusader fighters from fighter squadron VF-33 Tarsiers prepare for a launch in afterburner from the waist catapults of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) in 1964. VF-33 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6) for the "Operation Sea Orbit" around the world cruise from 8 February to 3 October 1964.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought DF-8F Crusader (BuNo. 143724) drone control aircraft of Fleet Composite Squadron VC-8 at Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

(Bill Larkins Photo)

Vought F-8E Crusaders, VF-211, on the USS Hancock CVA-19 leaving San Francisco on 2 August 1969.

(Bill Larkins Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F8U-1 Crusader (BuNo. 143683) of Fighter Squadron VF-211 "Red Checkertails", Carrier Air Group 21 (CVG-21), at Naval Air Station Miramar, California, in August 1957.

(USN Photo)

Four planes of U.S. Navy Carrier Air Group Three (CVG-3) in 1958: A Vought F8U-1 Crusader of fighter squadron VF-32 Swordsmen (left); a Grumman F9F-8P Cougar of reconnaissance squadron VFP-62 Det.43 Fighting Photos (above); a Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk of attack squadron VA-34 Blue Blasters (below); and a McDonnell F3H-2N Demon of VF-31 Tomcatters (right). CVG-3 was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958. CVG-3 (after 1963 CVW-3) was stationed aboard the Saratoga from 1958 to 1980.

(USN Photos)

A U.S. Navy Vought F8U-1 Crusader (BuNo. 145357) from Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11) "Red Rippers" crashes after the arrestor hook broke during a hard landing in heavy seas aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) on 21 October 1961, causing a fuel fire and forcing the pilot to eject. VF-11 was assigned to Carrier Air Group One (CVG-1) aboard the Franklin D. Roosevelt for a deployment to the Mediteranean Sea from 15 February to 28 August 1961.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F8U-1 Crusader (BuNo. 143709) of Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11) "Red Rippers" during a catapult launch from the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) during operations in the Mediterranean Sea on 10 March 1960. VF-11 was asigned to Carrier Air Group 1 (CVG-1) aboard the Franklin D. Roosevelt for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 28 January to 24 August 1960. The F8U-1 143709 crashed on 24 April 1962 in a flight out of Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida (USA), while in service with VF-32 "Swordsmen". The pilot ejected.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Vought F-8L Crusader (BuNo. 145492) from Marine Fighter Squadron 321 at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, in 1970.

(Bill Larkins Photo)

Vought F8U-2, VF-01, San Francisco, September 1960.

(USN Photo)

A formation of Vought F-8J Crusader fighters of fighter squadron VF-194 Red Lightnings (BuNos. 149175, 149177, 149182, 150340, 150347, and 150868). VF-194 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing Nineteen (CVW-19) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in 1971. Aircraft BuNo.. 150868 crashed on 21 June 1971.

(USN Photo)

A Vought F-8J Crusader fighter (BuNo. 149215) of fighter squadron VF-211 "Fighting Checkmates", assigned to Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19). The photo was taken in November 1975, just some weeks after Hancock´s last deployment, ending 20 October 1975. The carrier was decommissioned on 30 January 1976.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo. 149196) of Fighter Squadron 51 (VF-51) "Screaming Eagles" launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. VF-51 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the Bon Homme Richard for a deployment to Vietnam from 20 April to 12 November 1970.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Vought F-8J Crusaders (BuNo. 149155, 150317) of Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-63 drop Mk 82 227 kg bombs in the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California (USA). VFP-63 used the F-8J only for training as it regularly flew the RF-8G reconnaissance version.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Reserve Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo. 150317) of Fighter Squadron 301 (VF-301) in flight, in the early 1970s

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8J Crusader of Fighter Squadron VF-24 "Red Checkertails" in flight. VF-24 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 18 March to 20 October 1975.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo. 149210) of Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) "Checkmates" in flight over the Gulf of Tonkin as it returns to the carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) following a combat air patrol. VF-211 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) aobard the Hancock for a deployment to Vietnam from 22 October 1970 to 2 June 1971. Note the AIM-9D Sidewinder missile on the fuselage mount. During the Vietnam War, VF-211 was known to return to their carrier with AIM-9s missing from their arsenal given the fact that the squadron was credited with shooting down seven enemy MiG-17 fighters in air-to-air combat.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps Vought F-8C Crusader (BuNo. 147007) of Marine Fighter Squadron 334 (VMF-334) parked on the flight line at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California (USA), on 18 March 1966.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8H Crusader (BuNo. 148703) of Fighter Squadron VF-111 "Sundowners" in flight over Imperial Valley, California, in 1970. VF-111 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) for a deployment to Vietnam from 5 March to 17 December 1970.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Reserve Vought F-8H Crusader (BuNo. 148628) of Fighter Squadron VF-201 at Naval Air Station North Island, California, in 1972.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8H Crusader (BuNo. 146956) from Fighter Squadron 62 (VF-62) "Boomerangs" in flight over the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), in December 1968. VF-62 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) aboard the Shangri-La for a deployment to the Caribbean from October to December 1968.

(USN photo)

Four U.S. Navy Vought F-8H Crusader from Fighter Squadron VF-51 Screaming Eagles fly over their parent carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in 1968. VF-51 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the BHR for a deployment to Vietnam from 27 January to 10 October 1968.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8H Crusader (BuNo. 148678) of Fighter Squadron VF-111 "Sundowners" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). VF-111 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16) aboard the Ticonderoga for a deployment to Vietnam from 1 February to 18 September 1969.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Marine Corps Vought F8U-2 Crusader (BuNo. 146959, 146969) of Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-333 "Shamrocks" in flight over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

(USN Photo)

U.S. Navy Vought F-8C Crusaders of Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24) "Red Checkertails" and F-8Es of VF-211 "Checkmates" pictured on the catapults and positioned behind jet blast deflectors during flight operations on board the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) off the coast of North Vietnam on 3 March 1967. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) aboard the Bon Homme Richard for a deployment to Vietnam from 26 January to 25 August 1967. During this cruise, each squadron shot down four North Vietnamese MiG-17 fighters in air-to-air combat. However, both squadrons also lost eight Crusaders in combat and one during operations.

(USN Photo)

Two Vought F8U-2 Crusaders (BuNos. 146906, and 146933) of fighter squadron VF-103 Sluggers. VF-103 was assigned flying the F8U-2(F-8C) to Carrier Air Group Eight (CVG-8) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) from 1960 to 1963.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8C Crusader from Fighter Squadron VF-84 Jolly Rogers on the catapult of the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62). VF-84 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) aboard the Independence for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 6 August 1963 to 4 March 1964.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Vought F-8C Crusaders (BuNo. 145558, 146963) of Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) flying over the Mediterranean Sea on 26 September 1963. VF-84 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 7 (CVG-7) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 6 August 1963 to 4 March 1964.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F8U-1E Crusader (BuNo. 145466) from Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) "Black Knights" over the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) following a wave-off on 4 March 1961. VF-154 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 15 (CVG-15) aboard the Coral Sea for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 19 September 1961 to 27 May 1961.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo. 150871) of Fighter Squadron 191 (VF-191) is recovered aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34). VF-191 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 19 (CVW-19) aboard the Oriskany for a deployment to Vietnam from 14 May to 10 December 1970.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F8U-1E Crusader of Fighter Squadron VF-32 Swordsmen (BuNo. 145456) on an elevator of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60). VF-32 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 15 August 1959 to 26 February 1960.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8C Crusader (BuNo. 146991) of Fighter Squadron VF-111 "Sundowners" at Naval Air Station North Island, California (USA). VF-111 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16).

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Marine Corps Vought F-8C Crusader from Marine Fighter Squadron 334 (VMF-334) "Falcons".

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman KA-6D Intruder from Attack Squadron VA-165 Boomers refuels a Vought RF-8G Crusader from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-63 Eyes of the Fleet in 1975.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman Ling Temco-Vought A-7B-3-CV Corsair II (BuNo. 154489) from attack squadron VA-155 Silver Foxes refuels a Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo. 150663) from fighter squadron VF-191 Satan's Kittens over Vietnam. Both squadrons were assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 19 (CVW-19) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for a deployment to Vietnam from 5 June 1972 to 30 March 1973.

(USN Photo)

Three U.S. Navy aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in flight off Vietnam in October 1969: A Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo. 142654) from Electronic Countermeasures Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) Det. 31 "Zappers", a Douglas A-4F Skyhawk of Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22) "Fighting Redcocks", and a Vought F-8J Crusader (BuNo. 150672) of Fighter Squadron 53 (VF-53) "Iron Angels".

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8E Crusader (BuNo. 150329) of Fighter Squadron VF-162 "Hunters" escorting a Soviet Tupolev Tu-95 (NATO reporting code "Bear"). VF-162 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) and flew the F-8E during two deployments to Vietnam from 26 May to 16 November 1966 and from 16 June 1967 to 31 January 1968.

(USN Photo)

Two Tupolev Tu-16 of the Soviet Naval Air Force are escorted by a McDonnell F-4B Phantom II of Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) "Aardvarks" and a Vought F-8C Crusader of VF-111 "Sundowners", during an overflight of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) in the Northern Pacific, in January 1963. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group 11 (CVG-11) for Kitty Hawk's first deployment to the Western Pacific from 13 December 1962 to 2 April 1963.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8J Crusader of fighter squadron VF-194 "Red Lightnings" intercepts a Soviet Tupolev Tu-95 reconnaissance aircraft near the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) (steaming below) on 25 May 1974. VF-194 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 19 (CVW-19) for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 18 October 1973 to 5 June 1974.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Vought F-8E Crusader fighters (BuNo. 149205, 150872) from Fighter Squadron VF-11 Red Rippers in flight in 1965. VF-11 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 28 June to 17 December 1965.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8E Crusader (BuNo. 150909) of Fighter Squadron VF-194 "Red Lightnings" at Naval Air Station Miramar, California (USA). VF-194 would be assigned to Carrier Air Wing 19 (CVW-19) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) for a deployment to Vietnam from 19 October 1966 to 29 May 1967. 150909 was the colourful aircraft of the Commander, Carrier Air Wing 19, Cdr. Bill Philipps.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought F-8E Crusader (BuNo. 150293) of Fighter Squadron VF-162 "Hunters" in flight. VF-162 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for a deployment to Vietnam from 16 June 1967 to 31 January 1968.

(USN Photo)

Aircraft of the U.S. Navy Attack Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) in flight in August 1963. CVW-14 was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 21 February to 10 September 1963. The following aircraft are visible (l-r): a McDonnell F-4B Phantom II (BuNo. 149439, NK-312) from Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) "Pukin' Dogs"; a Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo. 138966, NK-210) from Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10) "Vikings"; a Vought F-8E Crusader (BuNo. 149187, NK-107) from VF-141 "Iron Angels" (redesignated VF-53, 20 December 1963); two Douglas A-4C Skyhawk (BuNos. 149562, NK-605; and 149567, NK-608) from Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146) "Blue Diamonds"; two Douglas A-1 Skyraider (A-1H BuNo. 139778, NK-501; A-1J BuNo. 142036, NK-511) from VA-145 "Swordsmen"; a Grumman E-1B Tracer (BuNo. 148143, RR-785) from Airborne Early Warning Squadron 11 (VAW-11) Det.F "Early Eleven".

(USN Photo)

U.S. Navy and Royal Navy aircraft during aerial refueling in 1962-1963. The U.S. Navy aircraft are from Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) which was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) to the Mediterranean Sea from 3 August 1962 to 2 March 1963 (l-r): A McDonnell F4H-1 Phantom II from Fighter Squadron VF-74 Be-Devilers; a Vought F8U-2 Crusader (BuNo. 146909) from VF-103 Sluggers; a F8U-1P (BuNo. 146895) from Light Photographic Squadron VFP-62 Det.59 Fighting Photos; a Douglas A4D-2N Skyhawk (BuNo. 147801) from Attack Squadron VA-83 Rampagers; and a Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo. 142661) from Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-11 Det.59 Checkertails. Two Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft from HMS Hermes (R12) are lining up for refueling (l-r): a Supermarine Scimitar F.1 (serial XD244) from 803 Naval Air Squadron, and a De Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.1 from 892 NAS.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk (BuNo. 144900) from Attack Squadron VA-34 Blue Blasters refuels a Vought F8U-1P Crusader (BuNo. 145644) from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-62 Det.43 Fighting Photos. Both aircraft were assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 15 August 1959 to 26 February 1960.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk (BuNo. 145006) of Attack Squadron 83 (VA-83) "Rampagers" refuels a Vought F8U-1P Crusader (BuNo. 146829) of Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 62 (VFP-62) Det.42 "Fighting Photos". Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) aboard the aircraft carrier carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 28 January to 31 August 1960. Note: The date given "26 Jun 1987" has to be incorrect, as both types of aircraft were then long out of the U.S. Navy inventory. Also, the A4D-2 145006 crashed 17 km (10 mi) astern of the USS Forrestal on 16 November 1962 while in service with VA-81. The pilot was killed in this accident. The F8U-1P 146829 crashed on 7 November 1962. The pilot ejected.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo. 142661) from Heavy Attack Squadron 5 (VAH-5), Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8), from USS Forrestal (CVA-59) refueling a Royal Navy Supermarine Scimitar F.1 (s/n XD244) of 803 Naval Air Squadron from HMS Hermes (R12) in 1962-63. The aircraft are accompanied by a Vought F8U-1P Crusader (BuNo. 146895) from Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 62 (VFP-62) Det. 59.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Grumman A-6E Intruder (BuNo. 1604269) from Attack Squadron VA-196 Main Battery refueling a Vought RF-8G Crusader from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-63 Det.2 Eyes of the Fleet off the coast of Southern California in September 1979. They are accompanied by two McDonnell F-4N Phantom II fighters from Marine Strike Fighter Squadron VMFA-323 Death Rattlers (BuNo. 151435, background) and from VMFA-531 Grey Ghosts (BuNo. 153050). All aircraft were assigned to Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43).

(USN Photo)

Three U.S. Navy aircraft in flight in the mid-1960s (l-r): A Grumman E-1B Tracer (BuNo. 137232) from Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-11 Early Eleven; a Vought RF-8A Crusader (BuNo. 145615) from Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-63 Det.B Eyes of the Fleet, Attack Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5), from USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14); a Douglas EA-1E Skyraider from VAW-11. VAW-11 operated detachments from all Pacific Fleet carriers, in the mid-1960s the E-1B was operated from the attack carriers and the EA-1E from the anti-submarine carriers until replaced by the Tracer. Note that the RF-8A has raised its wing and dropped its flaps to be able to fly as slow as the props.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Douglas A-4F Skyhawk of Attack Squadron 212 (VA-212) "Rampant Raiders" refuel two Vought RF-8G Crusader (BuNo. 155607, 146858) of Photo Reconnaissance Squadron 63 (VFP-63) Det.1 "Eyes of the Fleet". All aircraft were part of Attack Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) aboard the carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) between 1970 and 1975. Note: the date given "16 Mar 1985" has to be incorrect as CVW-21 was disestablished in 1975. According to the tactical numbers on the aircraft, this photo was probably taken in 1973-74.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Naval Air Reserve McDonnell F-4N Phantom II (BuNo. 151456) of Fighter Squadron VF-301 and a Vought RF-8G Crusader (BuNo. 146845) of Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-306 at Naval Air Station Miramar, California (USA), in 1978. The F-4N 151456 was retired to the MASDC as 8F0155 on 2 February 1984, the RF-8G 146845 was retired as 2F0433 on 25 September 1984.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy aircraft from Attack Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6), a McDonnell F-4B-21-MC Phantom (BuNo. 152226) from Fighter Squadron VF-41 Black Aces and a Vought RF-8A Crusader (BuNo. 146848) from Light Photoreconnaissance Squadron VFP-63 Det. 42 Eyes of the Fleet, in flight over the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), circa 1970.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought RF-8A Crusader (BuNo. 145633) from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 62 (VFP-62) "Fighting Photos" in flight. VFP-62 Det.62 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62) in 1963-1964.

(USN Photo)

A Lockheed C-130 Hercules tanker/transport aircraft refuels an RF-8 Crusader fighter aircraft of Light Photographic Squadron 63 (VFP-63) from the attack aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19).

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought RF-8G Crusader (BuNo. 146865) of Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-63 Det.3 "Eyes of the Fleet" at Naval Air Station Midway (USA), in 1974. VFP-63 Det.3 had been assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVA-41). Note other aircraft of CVW-9 from USS Constellation (CVA-64) in the background. The Constellation was deployed to the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean from 21 June to 23 December 1974. 146865 was on its way back to the continental United States and had departed Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, on 29 April 1974 as the Crusaders of CVW-5 were replaced by U.S. Marine Corps RF-4B Phantom IIs.

(USN Photo)

Flight deck crewmen perform a preflight check on a Vought RF-8G Crusader of U.S. Naval Reserve Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-206 Hawkeyes, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (RCVW-20), aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on 15 September 1985.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought RF-8G Crusader from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 63 (VFP-63) Det. 5 "Eyes of the Fleet" is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). VFP-63 Det. 5 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard the Coral Sea for a deployment to Vietnam from 9 March to 8 November 1973.

(USN Photo)

A U.S. Navy Vought RF-8G Crusader (BuNo. 146827) of Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 63 (VFP-63) Det.1 "Eyes of the Fleet" on the port bow catapult during flight operations on board the carrier USS Constellation (CV-64). VFP-63 Det. 1 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) aboard the Constellation for a deplyment to the Western Pacific from 12 April to 21 November 1977. 146827 was destroyed by an accidental fire while being defuelled on 20 November 1977.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Naval Reserve Vought RF-8G Crusader aircraft from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 206 (VFP-206) in formation during "Reconnaissance Air Meet '86" near Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas, on 1 November 1986.

(USAF Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Vought RF-8G Crusader aircraft from Light Photographic Squadron 206 (VFP-206), Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20) in formation during "Reconnaissance Air Meet '86" near Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas (USA). Reconnaissance pilots, photo interpreters and maintenance crews from the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Navy and Marines, Royal Australian Air Force and the United Kingdom were competing in the event sponsored by the USAF Tactical Air Command.

(USN Photo)‍

‍A U.S. Navy Vought RF-8G Crusader aircraft (BuNo. 146858) of light photographic reconnaissance squadron VFP-63 Det.1 Eyes of the Fleet parked on the flight line at Naval Air Station Miramar, Califormia (USA), on 1 April 1976. The aircraft has been painted in a Bicentennial theme.

(USN Photo)

Two U.S. Navy Reserve Vought RF-8G Crusader aircraft of Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron VFP-206 in flight through Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah (USA). The pilots were CDR Chuck Wagner, lead, and LCDR Tim Sullivan.

Vought F-8 Crusaders preserved in the USA

(Arjun Sarup Photo)
XF8U-1 Crusader prototype on display at the Museum of Flight.

XF8U-1 (XF-8A)
138899 – Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.

XF8U-2 (XF-8C)
140448 – McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, New Hampshire.

F8U-1 (F-8A)

(David Yarborough Photo)
141351 – NAS Jacksonville Heritage Park, Naval Air Station Jacksonville,Florida (relocated from former NAS Cecil Field).

(NASA Photo)

A Vought F-8A Crusader was selected by NASA as the testbed aircraft (designated NF-8A) to install an experimental Supercritical Wing in place of the conventional wing. The unique design of the Supercritical Wing (SCW) reduces the effect of shock waves on the upper surface near Mach 1, which in turn reduces drag. The F-8 Supercritical Wing (SCW) project flew from 1970 to 1973. Dryden engineer John McTigue was the first SCW program manager and Tom McMurtry was the lead project pilot. The first SCW flight took place on 9 March 1971. The last flight of the Supercritical wing was on 23 May 1973, with Ron Gerdes at the controls. Original wingspan of the F-8 was 35 feet, 2 inches while the wingspan with the supercritical wing was 43 feet, 1 inch. F-8 aircraft were powered by Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines. The NF-8A Crusader was made available to the NASA Flight Research Center by the U.S. Navy. F-8 jet aircraft were built, originally, by LTV Aerospace, Dallas, Texas. Rockwell International’s North American Aircraft Division received a $1.8 million contract to fabricate the supercritical wing, which was delivered to NASA in December 1969.

(Thornfield Hall Photo)
141353 – Edwards AFB, California.

(Tony Hisgett Photo)
143703 – USS Hornet Museum, former Naval Air Station Alameda, Alameda,California.
143755 – Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
143806 – Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, former Naval Air Station WillowGrove, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.

(USN Photo)

Four U.S. Navy aircraft from Fleet Composite Squadron VC-7 "Redtails" in flight near San Diego, California (USA), in 1969: a Vought DF-8F Crusader (BuNo. 144427), an F-8C (BuNo. 145562), and two Douglas A-4C Skyhawks (BuNo. 147715, 149645).

(aeroprints Photo)

(Mike Freer Photo)

(Author Photo)
144427 – Pima Air and Space Museum adjacent to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona.

(Alan Wilson Photo)
145336 – VMF-251, Planes of Fame at Chino, California.
145347 – National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

(Robert Frolar Photo)

(Author Photos)
145349 – Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, Pueblo, Colorado.
145397 – Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, Lakehurst, New Jersey.

F8U-2 (F-8C)

(NASA Photo)

F-8C Digital-Fly-By-Wire Control System was first tested in en:1972. The use of electrical and mechanical systems to replace en:hydraulic systems for aircraft control surface actuation was flight-tested. Today widely used by commercial en:airliners, the Digital-Fly-By-Wire Control System allows for better maneuver control, smoother rides, and for military aircraft, a higher combat survivability.

(Thornfield Hall Photo)
145546 – Edwards AFB, California. After being transferred from the US Navy to NASA, it was used as a research aircraft (experimental aircraft). NASA F-8C 802 (N802NA) Digital Fly by Wire.

(Author Photos)
146973 – Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
147034 – (nose section only) USS Hornet Museum, former NAS Alameda, Alameda,California.

F8U-2N (F-8D)

(Robert Dilley Photos)
148693 – Mid-America Air Museum in Liberal, Kansas.

F8U-2NE (F-8E)

(Author Photos)
149150 – NAS Oceana Aviation Heritage Park, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.

F-8E(FN)
151765 – under restoration to airworthiness by a private owner in Fort Myers,Florida.

F8U-1P (RF-8G)

(RightCowlLeftCoast Photo)

(Author Photos)
144617 – Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.

(aceebee Photo)
144618 – Celebrity Row, Davis-Monthan AFB (North Side), Tucson, Arizona.

(Alan Wilson Photo)
145607 – Castle Air Museum (former Castle AFB), Atwater, California.
145608 – (nose section only) Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa, California.

(kitmasterbloke Photo)
145609 – National Museum of Naval Aviation, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida.

(National Archives and Records Administration Photo)

(APK Photo)
145645 – USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, Alabama.

(HawkeyeUK Photo)
146860 – Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum Udvar-HazyCenter in Chantilly, Virginia, adjacent to Dulles International Airport.
146858 – in storage at Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at Marine Corps AirStation Miramar, California.
146882 – Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, Texas.

(Author Photo, Alabama Memorial)
146898 – Fort Worth Aviation Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

F-8H

(Mick Hersey Photo)
147909 – NAD Soroptimist Park, Kitsap Lake, Bremerton, Washington, about onemile away from Naval Hospital Bremerton. Aircraft is on loan from the NationalNaval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. The wings are in a folded position.

F-8J

(Skytamer.com Photo)

150297 - San Diego Air & Space Museum, California.
150904 – Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is currently on display indoors,with its wings folded.

(Jerry Gunner Photo)

(Author Photo)
150920 – Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. Initially commissioned as an F-8E, it was later converted to an F-8J.

F8U-2 (F-8K)

(Alan Wilson Photo)
145550 – USS Intrepid Museum in New York City, New York.
145592 - under restoration to airworthiness by a private owner in Seattle,Washington, After being operated by the U.S. Navy, the registration number waschanged to NX19TB, with the X removed from the middle. It was then transferredto the Flying Heritage Collection at Arlington Municipal Airport in Arlington,Washington, although it is believed that the wings were still able to fold atthat time. It is unknown what condition it is currently in.

(Bill Abbot Photo)

(Manuel Castrillo Freytes Photo)
146931 – Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles, California. The operating mechanism of the wings remains.

(Jim Hoagland Photo)
146939 – Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum aboard ex-USS Yorktown(CV-10), Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

(Jim Hoagland Photo)
146963 – Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. It was manufacturedas an F-8F but was converted into an F-8K and used until retirement. The stateof preservation is such that leak prevention measures have been taken aroundthe cockpit.
146983 – Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

(ZLEA Photo)
146985 – Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum at Space Coast Regional Airport inTitusville, Florida. It is currently on display indoors, with its wings folded.

(Eugene Zelenko Photo)
146995 – Pacific Coast Air Museum, adjacent to the Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California.

(Clemens Vasters Photo)

(Author Photo)
147030 – USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California.

F-8L

(Jerry Gunner Photo)
145449 – Naval Air Station Fallon, Fallon, Nevada. USS Oriskany.
145527 - under restoration to airworthiness by a private owner in Seattle,Washington. Originally operated as an F-8A, it was converted to an F-8L andused until retirement. Afterwards, it was given a new registration number N37TBand taken over by Thunderbird Airlines. In 2002, ownership changed to theFlying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum, and it was restored, but the wings arestill folded.

F8U Cockpit
145399 – Under restoration at Moffett Historical Museum, Moffett FederalAirfield, California.

Crusaders preserved in France

(USN Photo)

The prototype for the French Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader. This aircraft was originally a U.S. Navy F-8D, BuNo. 147036, which was used as the test airframe. It flew for the first time on 27 February 1964, but already crashed on 11 April 1964. The first production F-8E(FN) flew on 26 June 1964, and this aircraft was then assigned the task of completing the test program. The F-8E(FN) had to be modified so that it could operate safely aboard French aircraft carriers Foch and Clemenceau. In order to reduce the approach speed, the maximum angle of incidence of the variable-incidence wing was increased from five to seven degrees. The drooping wing leading edges were separated into two sections in order to increase the amount of camber that could be achieved when they were extended. A boundary layer control system was added, which blew pressurized air from the engine compressor through adjustable air vents that exhausted over the trailing edge wing flaps. The airflow pressure automatically increased with the angle of flap deflection. The maximum angle of deflection of the trailing-edge flaps was increased. The surface area of the tailplane was increased. The aircraft was also equipped with an AN/APQ-104 radar to guide French radar-guided Matra R530 missiles. Original caption: "Prototype F-8E(FN) Crusader which tested new features of the F-8E's which Ling-Temco-Vought built for the French Navy made its first flight on February 27. The plane, shown here taxiing out for its initial flight was flown by Test Pilot Robert Rostine. Major differences between the French Crusader and the standard F-8E built for the US. Navy are in the wing. These provide slower landing and takeoff speeds to permit operation from smaller French Carriers. The wing has two degrees less angle of incident in the French plane when in the "up" position. It also incorporates double droop leading edges on the wings and boundary layer air blown over the ailerons, which will droop to 40 degrees, double that of the U. S. versions. The double-drooop feature was used in the F8U-3 Crusader."

(USN Photos)

A Marine Nationale (French navy) Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader aircraft lands on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) during joint operations off of Toulon, France, in 1983.

F-8E(FN)

(Alan Wilson Photo)
151732 (French Navy Side Number 1) – Musee des Avions de Chasse, Beaune.
151750 (French Navy Side Number 19) – Musée des Ailes Anciennes, Toulouse.

F-8P
151733 (French Navy Side Number 3) – Lann Bihoue Airport, Le Meneguen.
151735 (French Navy Side Number 4) – Musee Europeen de lAviation de Chasse,Montelimar-Ancone.
151738 (French Navy Side Number 7) – Aeronavale Base, Landivisau.
151741 (French Navy Side Number 10) – Musee de l air et de l Espace, (The Airand Space Museum), Paris, France.
151742 (French Navy Side Number 11) – Musee de l aeronautique navale,Rochefort.
151754 (French Navy Side Number 23) – Aeronavale Base, Landivisau.
151760 (French Navy Side Number 29) – Aeronavale Base, Landivisau.
151767 (French Navy Side Number 36) – Musee des Avions de Chasse, Beaune.
151768 (French Navy Side Number 37) – Airport in Cuers.
151770 (French Navy Side Number 39) – Aeronavale Base, Landivisau.

Crusaders preserved in the Philippines

(USN Photo)

A Vought F-8H Crusader (ex U.S. Navy BuNo. 148649) of the Philippine Air Force in flight. The Philippine Air Force operated some 25 F-8Hs from 1978. However, the aircraft quickly became too expensive and difficult to maintain. Due to the lack of any immediate "enemy", the Crusaders were permanently grounded in 1988 stored at Basa Air Base.

F-8H
147056 – Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum, Villamor Air Base, Manila.
147060 - Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.
148661 – Clark Air Base, Angeles City.
148686 - Philippine Military Academy, Fort Gen. Gregorio H. del Pilar, Baguio City. Painted as 148696.

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