F-8 Crusader

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The F-8 Crusader (originally F8U) was an aircraft carrier-based fighter aircraft built by Chance-Vought of Dallas, Texas. It was first manufactured in March 1957, and was the last American fighter with guns as the primary weapon. The RF-8 Crusader was a photo-reconnaissance development, longer-lived in U.S. service than any of the fighter versions. RF-8s played a crucial role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, providing essential low-level photographs impossible to acquire by other means. Naval Reserve units continued to operate the RF-8 until 1986.

Related Topics:
Aircraft carrier - Fighter aircraft - Chance-Vought - Dallas - Texas - March - 1957 - American - Gun - Photo-reconnaissance - Cuban Missile Crisis - Naval Reserve - 1986

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A unique feature of the Crusader was its variable-incidence wing, capable of being raised at the front. Additionally, the entire leading edge was slatted, and the ailerons drooped with the flaps. This allowed for better low-speed performance and visibility, by permitting both a nose-low fuselage and a high angle of attack, during carrier landings. Several modified F-8s were used by NASA in the early 1970s, proving the viability of both digital fly-by-wire and supercritical wings.

Related Topics:
Variable-incidence wing - Slat - Aileron - Flap - Angle of attack - NASA - 1970s - Digital fly-by-wire - Supercritical wing

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The F-8E was used by the French Navy until 1999, when they were replaced by the Rafale-M. About 20 had remained in service until retirement, with other units removed from duty during the preceding years.

Related Topics:
French Navy - 1999 - Rafale

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