Vought F-8 Crusader
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 25 March 1955 |
| Year of introduction | 1957 |
| Number produced | 1219 units |
| Average unit price | $2.5 million |
Description
The F-8 Crusader was a supersonic carrier-based fighter aircraft developed by Vought in the United States. It was primarily used by the United States Navy and Marine Corps during the Cold War. The Crusader was designed to excel in air superiority missions, thanks to its high speed, maneuverability, and advanced avionics.
The F-8 Crusader featured a unique variable-incidence wing design that could be raised or lowered to optimize performance in different flight conditions. It was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J57 engine. The distinctive feature of the aircraft was its variable-geometry air intakes, called "scoops," which automatically adjusted to maintain optimal airflow at different speeds.
Equipped with a powerful radar, the Crusader was capable of detecting and engaging enemy aircraft at long range. Armed with four Colt Browning Mk12 20mm cannons, each loaded with 144 rounds (this capacity was reduced to 120 rounds per gun to mitigate the risk of jamming), it could also carry 2 or 4 Sidewinder missiles on its wing pylons. Additionally, it had the capacity to carry up to 2270 kg of ordnance under its wings, including fuel tanks, Bullpup missiles, and bombs. The Sidewinder missiles could be replaced with unguided Zuni rocket pods.
The F-8 Crusader distinguished itself during the Vietnam War, where it carried out numerous strike, close air support, and air superiority missions. Its maneuverability, along with its Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, made it an effective adversary against enemy aircraft. In addition to its combat capabilities, the Crusader also had the ability to conduct research on "supercritical" wings, contributing to advancements in aircraft design and aerodynamics.
During its production from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, a total of 1261 F-8 Crusaders were built. The aircraft served in the United States and was also exported to allies such as France and the Philippines. France acquired 42 units in 1962 to operate on its Foch and Clémenceau aircraft carriers, under the designation F-8E(FN) - FN for French Navy. The last ones were retired from service in 1999.
Technical specifications
| Version: F-8E | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Operational range | 730 km (454 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 1971 km/h (1225 mph) |
| Wing area | 34.8 m² (374.6 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 10.9 m (35.7 ft) |
| Height | 4.8 m (15.7 ft) |
| Length | 16.5 m (54.2 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 17678 m (57999 ft) |
| Empty weight | 7956 kg (17540 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 13000 kg (28660 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 162.3 m/s (532.5 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 1 × turbojet Pratt & Whitney J57-P-20A delivering 4853 kgp, up to 8165 kgp with afterburner |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the F-8 Crusader in 2024.
All operators
Armament
Missiles payload:
- Air-to-Air Medium-Range Bisnovat R-98 (AA-3 Anab)
Photo of F-8 Crusader
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