Vought F-8 Crusader

The F-8 Crusader (initially F8U ) is a hunter Supersonique builds by Vought, embarked on board Porte-avions. It is characterized by a nasal air intake and a aerofoil with variable incidence. In spite of an additional expenditure due to its naval equipment, it posted the same performances as its counterpart based on the ground, the F100 Super Sabers.

History

In 1952, the American Marine wished to lay out for its naval Aéronautique of a hunter Supersonique of air superiority. After an invitation to tender, the project suggested by the company Vought was adopted. Its characteristic was that the wing could be tilted 7 degrees to the top, thanks to a handle activated by the pilot, which caused the same effect as a large air-brake and than an additional system of Sustentation. In this way, the speed of landing was clearly reduced and, moreover, the visibility of the pilot was better during the phase of approach. The first prototype exceeded the Mur of the sound as of its inaugural flight, on March 25th 1955.

Approximately 1260 Crusader were built on the whole. The first versions were armed with 4 guns of 20mm and rockets in a ventral compartment. Progressively from their production, F-8 accepted progressive improvements of their radar, electronics of edge, and a more powerful engine. The rockets were removed starting from version F-8D, while the versions starting from the F-8E could carry 2000 kg of various armaments under the wings. The plane could be supplied with vol. Crusader were useful during the Guerre of Vietnam, with a rate of victory of 6 compared with 1 on the MiG and of many missions of attack or recognition, before being withdrawn from the first lines in first half of the Seventies. Version RF-8G of recognition was used in the units of active until 1982, and in the reserve until 1987.

F-8 Crusader was used as a basis for the design of the A-7 Corsair II, which resembles to him much outside.

Exports

35 Crusaders were delivered to the air force of Philippines in 1978 and were preserved until the end of the years 1980, even if they were probably unable to fly during their last years of service.

An indicated special version F-8 (FN) was built for the France: the aircraft carriers of the National marine being smaller than those of its counterpart American, it were necessary to increase the Incidence wing and to modify the high-lift Dispositif. The 42 ordered apparatuses were delivered as from 1964 and underwent several improvements during their service. To note, a fixing which has occurred on May 7th, 1977 above the Gulf of Aden enters of the apparatuses embarked on Clémenceau and two Mig-21 south-Yemenis (without consequences).

At the beginning of the year 1990, the last 17 specimens were gradually put at standard F-8P in order to still prolong them a few years (integral revision of the electric and the orders of flight, new system Ejector seat, new electronics components including one THEY and a detector of alarm radar). French Crusader were definitively withdrawn in December 1999 to be replaced by Rafale.

See too

the card of F-8 Crusader on the FAQ of fr.rec.aviation

Crusader Site of the National marine

Simple: F-8 Crusader

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