The Vought F-8 Crusader (originally F8U) is a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft [2] designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Vought. It was the last American fighter that had guns as the primary weapon, earning it the title "The Last of the Gunfighters". [3][4]

Oct 23, 2023 · The Chance-Vought F-8 Crusader was the U.S. Navy’s premier single-engine jet air superiority fighter from 1957 to 1976.

Jul 27, 2016 · F8U-1D (DF-8A) – several retired F-8A modified to controller aircraft for testing of the SSM-N-8 Regulus cruise missile. DF-8A was also modified as drone (F-9 Cougar) control which were used extensively by VC-8, NS Roosevelt Rds, PR; Atlantic Fleet Missile Range.

Mar 8, 2024 · The Vought F-8 Crusader was a successful carrier-based fighter, serving the US and French Navies until 1999. Known as "The Last of the Gunfighters," it was the final carrier-based jet equipped with guns as primary weapons.

The 77th production F8U-1, BuNo 143710, which had previously been modified to the F8U-2NE configuration, became the prototype and made its first flight on 6 February 1962 after an extensive modification program. A bold decision was made at the onset of design, that of maintaining the same length as the basic F-8 single place airplane.

Jun 24, 2014 · MILAVIA Aircraft - Vought F-8 Crusader (F8U) section with description, specifications, pictures and videos.

In 1953 the F8U-1 Crusader won the Navy competition for the new carrier-based day fighter. It flew supersonic on its maiden flight in 1955. A Crusader set a national speed record in 1956 by flying over 1000 mph, for which it won the Thompson Trophy.

On 29 June 1953, the company received an order to build two prototype aircraft, designated as XF8U-1, and by February 1955, the first of these was ready to transport aboard an Air Force C-124 Globemaster to the U.S.A.F. Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The F-8U-2NE (BuAer 147036, a transformed F-8D) prototype made its first flight on February 27th 1964. It had a entirely new wing, a special auto throttle for carrier approaches, a stall warning, wiring for the Matra R530, a J57-P-20A engine, and finally special test avionics.

The Vought F-8 Crusader (originally F8U) was a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft [2] built by Vought for the United States Navy and the Marine Corps, replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass.