HISTORY:
The Vought F-8 Crusader (originally F8U) is a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft built by Vought for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps (replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass), and for the French Navy. The first F-8 prototype was ready for flight in February 1955. The F-8 served principally in the Vietnam War. The Crusader was the last American fighter with guns as the primary weapon, earning it the title "The Last of the Gunfighters".

The RF-8 Crusader was a photo-reconnaissance development and operated longer 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.United States Navy Reserve units continued to operate the RF-8 until 1987.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Role:
Fighter aircraft

National origin:
United States

Manufacturer:
Vought

First flight:
25 March 1955

Introduction:
March 1957

Retired:
1976 (fighter, U.S. Navy)
29 March 1987 (photo reconnaissance, U.S. Naval Reserve)
1991 (Philippines)
19 December 1999 (fighter, French Naval Aviation)

Primary users:
United States Navy
United States Marine Corps
French Navy
Philippine Air Force

Number built:
1,219

CONTROLS:
AG1: Arresting hook
AG6: variable-incidence wing
AG7: Fold wings
TRIM: Flaps

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