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".

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. The aircraft had a unique design feature, a variable-incidence wing, which could be raised to increase the angle of attack, which enabled the sleek Crusader to get additional life for takeoff and use a lower airspeed for ...

One of the most capable fighters of the post-World War II era, the F-8 Crusader was a sleek design that featured a gaping jet intake beneath the fuselage and a variable-incidence wing that could...

Mar 27, 2023 · The Vought F-8 Crusader was an American jet-powered fighter that served with the US Navy from 1957-76. During its tenure, the aircraft participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis, as well as the Vietnam War.

Mar 11, 2025 · CAPT Switzer’s experience includes more than 150 Vietnam combat missions in the F-8, two years flying the F-4 with the Blue Angels, and command of an F-14 squadron.He also served as an air wing commander (CAG) and later as one of the first “Super CAGs.” He has more than 6,000 flight hours and more than 1,150 arrested landings.

Aug 4, 2020 · Shortly after 10 a.m. April 3, 1965, Pham Ngoc Lan brought his MiG-17 to fire on Navy Lt. Cmdr. Spence Thomas’ Vought F-8E Crusader as the American jet pulled away from attacking an anti-aircraft artillery position.

For over 30 years, the F-8 Crusader served the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as a front-line fighter and photo recon aircraft. It was the Crusader which went in low and fast to photograph the Cuban missle sites in 1962, and both photo and fighter versions performed admirably in Vietnam.

The F-8 Crusader was the United States Navy’s first supersonic jet fighter. It was also the Navy’s last dedicated, gun-armed fighter jet. This distinction leads many to call the Crusader, “Last of the Gunfighters”.

F-8 Crusaders assigned to the VF-211 Checkmates and VF-24 Red Checkertails from CVW-21 off USS Hancock (CVA-19) pictured in formation during a Vietnam War cruise.

Jan 1, 2020 · It’s a single engine air superiority jet fighter designed to take off and land from an aircraft carrier. Produced in 1955, the F-8 Crusader marks the departure from designing propeller fighter airplanes and the beginning of jet powered aircraft. This makes it a true middle child in American aviation.