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Scale 1:36  Length 18"  Wingspan 12.5"

Photography by Action Asia Photo
© 2002-8 Action Asia Photo - All Rights Reserved
www.actionasiaphoto.com

In 1952, twenty-two projects were submitted to the US Navy which was modernizing its carrier fighter force. The Vought built F-8 Crusader stood out amongst these projects as the first truly supersonic carrier-based fighter aircraft and won the competition. Three prototypes were ordered and the first plane flew in March 1955. It was special in that the entire wing pitch could be modified in flight (up to +7°) and so gave a proper angle at low speeds as needed for carrier landings. The first F-8As were delivered to the USN in March 1957 and were operated by VF-32 squadron. Eventually 318 F-8As were built.

Further advances produced the F-8B, F-8C and the F-8E.

In the early Vietnam war, the Crusader had a very impressive combat record with both the US Navy and Marine Corps and was nicknamed "The MiG Killer" because of its numerous victories over those jets. The Marines used the aircraft largely in the attack role for support of their ground forces. In Navy hands the Crusader was operated more as a dogfighter; wing pylons being rarely fitted to Navy Crusaders which relied on the four machine guns.

Between 1967 an 1969 an upgrading program was launched and the F-8B, C, D and E were re-designated with higher letters. A new wing, an internal power unit and a new ECM suit were added. The weapon load was also increased and the gear and hook mounts were strengthened.

By 1972 the fighter versions of the F-8 were being phased out of service. In service still is the F-8E (FN) French version.  The RF-8G remained in US service until June 30th 1982 with VFP-63. Finally, the last US unit to fly the Crusader was VFP-206 Hawkeyes which retired its planes on March 29th 1987.

Crew:          Pilot only
Length:       54 ft
Wingspan:  36 ft
Engine:       P&W J57-P-20A turbofan, 18,000 lbs
Speed:        1,135 mph at 40,000 ft; Cruise 560 mph
Climb:         350 ft/sec
Ceiling:       58,000 ft
Range:        1000 nautical miles (longer with re-fueling)
Armament: Four Colt-Browning 20mm cannons and up to four short range IR Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles or eight 5 inch rockets

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