F-8 Crusader
| F-8 Crusader | ||
|---|---|---|
 Vought F-8 in use by NASA for fly-by-wire experiments. | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Carrier-borne fighter | |
| Crew | 1 | |
| First Flight | ||
| Entered Service | ||
| Manufacturer | Vought | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 54' 6" | m |
| Wingspan | 35' 2" | m |
| Height | 15' 9" | m |
| Wing area | 350 ft² | m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | lbs | kg |
| Loaded | lbs | kg |
| Maximum takeoff | lbs | kg |
| Capacity | ||
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet | |
| Power | hp | kW |
| Thrust | lbs | kN |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | mph | km/h |
| Combat range | miles | km |
| Ferry range | miles | km |
| Service ceiling | ft | m |
| Rate of climb | ft/min | m/min |
| Wing loading | lb/ft² | kg/m² |
| Thrust/Weight | ||
| Power/Mass | hp/lb | kW/kg |
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | ||
| Armament | ||
| Guns | ||
| Bombs | ||
| Missiles | ||
| Rockets | ||
| Other | ||
The F-8 Crusader was originally built by LTV Aerospace, which was based in Dallas, Texas. It was first manufactured in March 1957. It was the last US fighter with guns as its primary weapon. The RF-8 Crusader, the reconnaissance version, was longer-lived than the actual fighter versions, with reserve units using them through 1986.
Two F-8 Crusaders Prepare to Launch from the USS Midway (CV-41)
The F-8E was used by the French Navy, as a carrier-based aircraft, until 1999 (according to sources), when they were replaced by the Rafale-M. About 20 were still in service, before they were retired.
Specifications
External links
| Related content | |
|---|---|
| Related Development | A-7 Corsair II |
| Similar Aircraft | F-100 Super Sabre |
| Designation Series (pre-1962) | XF5U - F6U - F7U - F8U |
| Designation Series (post-1962) | F-5 - F-6 - F-7 - F-8 - F-9 - F-10 - F-11 |
| Related Lists | List of military aircraft of the United States |
| List of Aircraft - Aircraft Manufacturers - Aircraft Engines - Aircraft Engine Manufacturers |
| Airlines - Air Forces - Aircraft Weapons - Missiles - Years in Aviation |