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Two F-8 Crusaders Prepare to Launch from the USS Midway (CV-41). Note the variable-incidence wings are in the "up" position.
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. It was the last US fighter with guns as its primary weapon. The RF-8 Crusader, the reconnaissance version, was longer-lived than the actual fighter versions, with reserve units using them through 1986. A unique feature of the Crusader was its variable-incidence wing, which could be lifted up at the front (including a section of fuselage) to give a greater angle of attack for takeoff and landing.
A modified F-8C was used by NASA in 1972 to prove the concept of digital fly-by-wire.
The F-8E was used by the French Navy, as a carrier-based aircraft, until 1999 (according to sources), when they were replaced by the Rafale-M. About 20 were still in service, before they were retired.
Specifications (F-8E)
General Characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 54 ft 6 in (16.5 m)
- Wingspan: 35 ft 2 in (10.8 m)
- Height: 15 ft 9 in (4.8 m)
- Wing area: 350 ft² (32.5 m²)
- Empty: 16,483 lb (8,088 kg)
- Combat: 24,475 lb ( kg)
- Maximum takeoff: 27,938 lb ( kg)
- Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney J57-P-20A, 10,700 lbf (4,852 kN) thrust (18,000 lbf with afterburner)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 1.72 mach
- Range: 1,295 nm ( km)
- Service ceiling: 58,000 ft (17,680 m)
- Rate of climb: 27,200 ft/min (8,290 m/min)
Armament
- 4x M39 20mm cannon in the lower fuselage, with 500 rounds.
- 2x AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on fuselage pylons.
- Main other versions: RF-8G (Reconnaissance), F-8E (mainly French)
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