Vought F-8 Crusader
Version overview
XF8U-1
In 1952, at the beginning of the supersonic aircraft era, the US Navy decided to commission the development of a supersonic aircraft that could operate from aboard aircraft carriers. In September 1952, the US Navy announced a requirement to develop a daily supersonic fighter capable of operating from the deck of an aircraft carrier, which would have folding wings and a landing speed of about 100 knots (185 km/h). Other requirements were to be weatherproof, especially when stored on board an aircraft carrier, easy maintenance and strong cannon armament.
In June 1953, the Chance Vought Aircraft factory produced the first two prototypes of the XF8U-1 (BuNo: 138899 and 138900). The inaugural flight, in which the first prototype of the new aircraft, now called the Crusader, exceeded the speed of sound, took place at Edwards AFB on March 25, 1955. The XF8U-1 was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J57-P4 engine with a maximum thrust of 10,200 lb. (45.37 kN), with additional combustion, the thrust reached values of up to 13,200 lb. (58.72 kN) (the same engine was used for the type F-100 Super Saber).
The most unique innovation in the development of the Crusader was its variable wing, the front of which, with the help of hydraulics, tilted seven degrees upwards during takeoff and landing. This increased the lift and efficiency of the flaps and slots, which made it possible to reduce the landing speed to the required 100 knots.
The tanks contained 1,165 gallons (4,410 liters) of aviation fuel, which was enough for approximately three hours of flight.
The cockpit was equipped with a launch seat from A-4 Skyhawk, which did not yet have the parameters 0/0. The safe height at which the rescue of the pilot was guaranteed was about 150 ft. (46 m) above the ground.
The armament consisted of four cannons Colt Mk.12 caliber 20 mm, with a supply of 144 rounds for each of the weapons. The main armament was to be supplemented by 32 pieces of 2.75´ unguided missiles, located in the rocket launcher in front of the brake shield at the bottom of the fuselage. However, tests have shown that there is a risk of exhaust fumes entering the engine and shutting it down during mass rockets. For this reason, this missile armament was never used on the Crusader.
Military tests took place to the full satisfaction of the ships USS Forrestal and USS Bon Homme Richard. Subsequently, the US Navy signed a contract for the production of Crusader. A total of 1,261 all versions of the Crusaders were produced.
F8U-1 (F-8A)
After successful tests, a slightly modified prototype Crusader was introduced in 1955 into the US Navy. The first of the serial aircraft took off from the production line at the Chance Vought Aircraft factory in Dallas on September 30, 1955. The F8U-1 was equipped with a more powerful J57-P-12 engine with a thrust of 10,900 lb. (48.49 kN) and with additional combustion reached a thrust of up to 16,600 lb (73.84 kN). This allowed the Crusader to reach speeds of up to Mach 1.5 and access of 50,000 ft (15,240 m).
The armament of four 20mm cannons was supplemented by two launchers for anti-aircraft missiles Sidewinder (one on each side of the fuselage behind the cabin). The original ejection seat was replaced, modern for its time, Martin-Baker F5, with parameters 0/0. An extension for in-flight refueling has also been added to the F8U-1.
The first operational deployment on the aircraft carrier took place in April 1956. It was a VF-32 unit serving on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal.
In 1962, the last F-8A (renamed F8U-1) was moved to the reserve units of the Navy VF-701/VF-703 and Marine Corps VMF-111/VMF-112.
F8U-1E (F-8B)
After 315 pieces of F8U-1 (F-8A) were produced, production of F8U-1E (F-8B) began. The main modification was the installation of radar AN/APS-67, which replaced the original APG-30 shooting system. The installation of the radar allowed the Crusader to operate in any weather.The first F8U-1E aircraft modified in this way (BuNo: 145318) was manufactured on September 3, 1958. A total of 130 F8U-1Es were produced. In 1962, the F8U-1E was redesignated the F-8B.
F8U-1P (RF-8A)
As the Navy urgently needed a fast and high-flying reconnaissance aircraft, the choice fell on Crusader. The photographic version was marked F8U-1P. The prototype was rebuilt from F8U-1 (BuNo: 141363). The armament and the shooting computer were removed, instead of which three cameras, two vertical and one pointing obliquely forward, were placed in a vacant place in the fuselage. For these reasons, it was necessary to partially reconstruct the front of the fuselage.
A total of 144 pieces of the F8U-1P version were produced from December 17, 1957 to the beginning of 1960.
In June 1957, pilot and cosmonaut Maj. John Glenn reached an average speed of 726 mph (1,168 km/h) on a F8U-1P (BuNo: 144608) on a transcontinental flight from Los Angeles to New York. The record flight lasted three hours and twenty-three minutes.
In 1962, the F8U-1P was redesignated the RF-8A.
During the "Cuban Missile Crisis" in 1962, pilots VFP-62 and VMCJ-2 flew the RF-8A on photo reconnaissance missions over Cuba, in order to locate the newly built missile forces.
F8U-1T (TF-8A)
The seventy-seventh production F-8A (BuNo: 143710) was converted to a training two-seat Crusader. Two 20 mm cannons were removed, a parachute was added and a second, instructor's cockpit was added. The first prototype took off February 6, 1962. But budget cuts prevented its further development and remained with only one prototype. TF-8A was handed over to NASA. It was later lent to the Philippine Air Force, where future pilots of F-8P machines learned.
F8U-2 (F-8C)
On August 20, 1957, the first prototype F8U-2 was produced (it was rebuilt from F8U-1, BuNo: 140477). The main change was the installation of a more powerful P&W J-57-P-16 engine with a thrust of 13,000 lb. (57.83 kN) and with additional combustion reached a thrust of up to 17,500 lb (77.84 kN). Another modification was the installation of two hangers on the fuselage, which allowed to carry up to four missiles AIM-9 Sidewinder. The F8U-2 took off for a record flight on August 20, 1958, piloted by Jim Omvig, who reached Mach 1.7.
The first operational deployment took place in mid-1958. During the Lebanese crisis, the Crusaders operated from the decks of aircraft carriers USS Saratoga and [url = https : //forum.valka.cz/topic/view/12931/] USS Essex[/url]. The second combat deployment took place over Vietnam, where the F-8C achieved five victories MiG-17 and one MiG-21 (there is also can be found with the number of 4 shot down Mig-17 and one Mig-21).
F8U-2N (F-8D)
It was created on the basis of a request for a night fighter. A total of 152 F8U-2N were produced between 1960 and 1962. Apart from partial modifications to the electronics, the most significant change was the installation of an infrared sensor AN/AAS-15 on the bow in front of the cabin and the installation of a more powerful radar AN/APQ-83, which required an increase in the radome. Another change was the installation of a more powerful P&W J-57-P-20 engine with a thrust of up to 18,000 lb (80.07 kN) with additional combustion. With this engine, the Crusader reached speeds of up to Mach 1.9. The F-8D also had increased range. The first F8U-2N was included on June 1, 1960 in the unit VF-111. The F8U-2N was redesignated the F-8D in 1962.
F8U-2NE (F-8E)
A total of 286 pieces of the F8U-2NE version were produced for the US Navy. The first prototype took off on June 30, 1961. It was equipped with a new radar AN/APQ-94, which allowed in addition to missile guidance AIM-9 Sidewinder and aiming firing 20 mm cannons, also guidance of new missiles Bullpup. The wings were modified to carry two hangers, on which it was possible to hang a load of armament, fuel or means of electronic warfare up to a weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg). The first operational deployment took place in the second half of 1962 on board USS Forrestal.
The F-8E gained the most fame and popularity over Vietnam, reaching a total of 12 confirmed victories over the Vietnamese MiGs. They shot down eleven MiG-17 and one MiG-21 (in the literature is sometimes mentioned one shot down Mig-17 under the version of the F-8J).
F-8E (FN)
The last Crusaders produced were modified F-8Es, designed for the French Navy. As the landing speed of 113 kn (209 km/h) was too high to land on French aircraft carriers, Vought designers rebuilt the wing, flaps and ailerons and used the wing blowing system for the first time. These modifications managed to reduce the landing speed to 90 kn (167 km/h). The missile armament was modified for the use of French Matra missiles R.550, which was similar to the American Sidewinderů, a R.530. As the flame from the Matra rocket engine damaged the floating elevators, it was necessary to make them from much more durable titanium.
The first F-8E (FN) was rebuilt from the F-8D (BuNo: 147036), unfortunately in April 1964 crashed during tests of the modified wing. Flight tests took place first on board USS Shangri-La and from December 1964 on board the French aircraft carrier Clemenceau. By early 1965, the French had received a total of 42 F-8E (FN). Crusaders replaced in the French Navy obsozní AU-1 and /15684/] F4U Corsair.
DF-8F
In 1969, it was planned to rebuild 40 F8U-1 (F-8A) to F-8M, but this did not happen due to the flight of aircraft kites. Therefore, several Crusaders, which began modification, were converted to a control station for unmanned aerial vehicles and redesignated the DF-8F.
RF-8G
In 1965, the photo-reconnaissance RF-8A was modified to RF-8G. The first 53 Crusaders were rebuilt in 1965-67, and another 20 in 1968-70. The most important modification was the addition of a new navigation system, new cameras, modification of the wing and Crusader equipment by means of electronic warfare (REB).
F-8H
In July 1967, began a program of modernization and conversion of the F-8D to the F-8H. A total of 89 F-8Ds underwent this conversion in twenty months. Two hangers were added under the wing, a "hump" was added to the wing, which hid the electronics for controlling anti-ground missiles AGM-12 Bullpup. With this modification, approximately an additional 4,000 flight hours were added to each kite. other modifications concerned the chassis, radar and shooting system.
The first F-8H took off on July 17, 1967, the pilot was John Konrad.
During the Vietnam War, two F-8Hs (BuNo: 147916 and 148710) from VF-51 shot down one by one MiGu-21.
F-8P (F-8H)
In 1977, Vought received an order for 25 F-8Hs designed for the Philippine Air Force. All 25 Crusaders were reactivated from the Davis-Monthan AFB repository in the Arizona desert.
F-8J
In January 1968, the modernization of 136 F-8Es began to the highest standard, which was designated the F-8J. The first of such modified machines took off on January 31, 1968. The most important modification was the modification of the wing by adding a system for blowing it. The chassis and electronics underwent further partial modifications (addition of REB systems). The armament of the F-8J remained unchanged. The modernization was completed in the second half of 1969, a total of 136 F-8Es were modified.
F-8K
In December 1968, Vought began modifying the 87 F-8C. The modernized Crusader was designated the F-8K.Two hangers were added under the wing and the cockpit was modified to the F-8E standard.
F-8L
In December 1968, Vought began modifying 61 F-8B aircraft. Modified Crusaders were redesignated the F-8L. The wing for carrying two hangers was modified, the front landing gear leg was strengthened and the cockpit and electronics for night flights were redesigned.
XF8U-3 Crusader III
In the second half of 1955, at the same time as the development and production of the F8U-1, Vought developed a new generation fighter project. Experience from the construction of the F8U-1 was used in its construction. The project was designated XF8U-3 Crusader III.
A total of three prototypes were produced, which took a total of 190 flights. Crusader III was equipped with a jet engine J75-P-4 and an additional rocket engine, which was to allow the aircraft to reach speeds of up to Mach 3. However, the rocket engine was never used.
The first flight of the XF8U-3 took place on June 2, 1958 and was piloted by John Konrad. During the tests, Mach reached a maximum speed of 2.8. Although the performances of Crusader III. excellent, the project was canceled in favor of F-4 Phantom II. A total of five XF8U-3s were produced (BuNo: 146340, 146341, 147085, 147086 and 147087). Shortly after the cancellation of the project, all XF8U-3s were handed over to NASA for altitude and speed tests.
Version overview
XF8U-1
In 1952, at the beginning of the supersonic aircraft era, the US Navy decided to commission the development of a supersonic aircraft that could operate from aboard aircraft carriers. In September 1952, the US Navy announced a requirement to develop a daily supersonic fighter capable of operating from the deck of an aircraft carrier, which would have folding wings and a landing speed of about 100 knots (185 km/h). Other requirements were to be weatherproof, especially when stored on board an aircraft carrier, easy maintenance and strong cannon armament.
In June 1953, the Chance Vought Aircraft factory produced the first two prototypes of the XF8U-1 (BuNo: 138899 and 138900). The inaugural flight, in which the first prototype of the new aircraft, now called the Crusader, exceeded the speed of sound, took place at Edwards AFB on March 25, 1955. The XF8U-1 was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J57-P4 engine with a maximum thrust of 10,200 lb. (45.37 kN), with additional combustion, the thrust reached values of up to 13,200 lb. (58.72 kN) (the same engine was used for the type F-100 Super Saber).
The most unique innovation in the development of the Crusader was its variable wing, the front of which, with the help of hydraulics, tilted seven degrees upwards during takeoff and landing. This increased the lift and efficiency of the flaps and slots, which made it possible to reduce the landing speed to the required 100 knots.
The tanks contained 1,165 gallons (4,410 liters) of aviation fuel, which was enough for approximately three hours of flight.
The cockpit was equipped with a launch seat from A-4 Skyhawk, which did not yet have the parameters 0/0. The safe height at which the rescue of the pilot was guaranteed was about 150 ft. (46 m) above the ground.
The armament consisted of four cannons Colt Mk.12 caliber 20 mm, with a supply of 144 rounds for each of the weapons. The main armament was to be supplemented by 32 pieces of 2.75´ unguided missiles, located in the rocket launcher in front of the brake shield at the bottom of the fuselage. However, tests have shown that there is a risk of exhaust fumes entering the engine and shutting it down during mass rockets. For this reason, this missile armament was never used on the Crusader.
Military tests took place to the full satisfaction of the ships USS Forrestal and USS Bon Homme Richard. Subsequently, the US Navy signed a contract for the production of Crusader. A total of 1,261 all versions of the Crusaders were produced.
F8U-1 (F-8A)
After successful tests, a slightly modified prototype Crusader was introduced in 1955 into the US Navy. The first of the serial aircraft took off from the production line at the Chance Vought Aircraft factory in Dallas on September 30, 1955. The F8U-1 was equipped with a more powerful J57-P-12 engine with a thrust of 10,900 lb. (48.49 kN) and with additional combustion reached a thrust of up to 16,600 lb (73.84 kN). This allowed the Crusader to reach speeds of up to Mach 1.5 and access of 50,000 ft (15,240 m).
The armament of four 20mm cannons was supplemented by two launchers for anti-aircraft missiles Sidewinder (one on each side of the fuselage behind the cabin). The original ejection seat was replaced, modern for its time, Martin-Baker F5, with parameters 0/0. An extension for in-flight refueling has also been added to the F8U-1.
The first operational deployment on the aircraft carrier took place in April 1956. It was a VF-32 unit serving on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal.
In 1962, the last F-8A (renamed F8U-1) was moved to the reserve units of the Navy VF-701/VF-703 and Marine Corps VMF-111/VMF-112.
F8U-1E (F-8B)
After 315 pieces of F8U-1 (F-8A) were produced, production of F8U-1E (F-8B) began. The main modification was the installation of radar AN/APS-67, which replaced the original APG-30 shooting system. The installation of the radar allowed the Crusader to operate in any weather.The first F8U-1E aircraft modified in this way (BuNo: 145318) was manufactured on September 3, 1958. A total of 130 F8U-1Es were produced. In 1962, the F8U-1E was redesignated the F-8B.
F8U-1P (RF-8A)
As the Navy urgently needed a fast and high-flying reconnaissance aircraft, the choice fell on Crusader. The photographic version was marked F8U-1P. The prototype was rebuilt from F8U-1 (BuNo: 141363). The armament and the shooting computer were removed, instead of which three cameras, two vertical and one pointing obliquely forward, were placed in a vacant place in the fuselage. For these reasons, it was necessary to partially reconstruct the front of the fuselage.
A total of 144 pieces of the F8U-1P version were produced from December 17, 1957 to the beginning of 1960.
In June 1957, pilot and cosmonaut Maj. John Glenn reached an average speed of 726 mph (1,168 km/h) on a F8U-1P (BuNo: 144608) on a transcontinental flight from Los Angeles to New York. The record flight lasted three hours and twenty-three minutes.
In 1962, the F8U-1P was redesignated the RF-8A.
During the "Cuban Missile Crisis" in 1962, pilots VFP-62 and VMCJ-2 flew the RF-8A on photo reconnaissance missions over Cuba, in order to locate the newly built missile forces.
F8U-1T (TF-8A)
The seventy-seventh production F-8A (BuNo: 143710) was converted to a training two-seat Crusader. Two 20 mm cannons were removed, a parachute was added and a second, instructor's cockpit was added. The first prototype took off February 6, 1962. But budget cuts prevented its further development and remained with only one prototype. TF-8A was handed over to NASA. It was later lent to the Philippine Air Force, where future pilots of F-8P machines learned.
F8U-2 (F-8C)
On August 20, 1957, the first prototype F8U-2 was produced (it was rebuilt from F8U-1, BuNo: 140477). The main change was the installation of a more powerful P&W J-57-P-16 engine with a thrust of 13,000 lb. (57.83 kN) and with additional combustion reached a thrust of up to 17,500 lb (77.84 kN). Another modification was the installation of two hangers on the fuselage, which allowed to carry up to four missiles AIM-9 Sidewinder. The F8U-2 took off for a record flight on August 20, 1958, piloted by Jim Omvig, who reached Mach 1.7.
The first operational deployment took place in mid-1958. During the Lebanese crisis, the Crusaders operated from the decks of aircraft carriers USS Saratoga and [url = https : //forum.valka.cz/topic/view/12931/] USS Essex[/url]. The second combat deployment took place over Vietnam, where the F-8C achieved five victories MiG-17 and one MiG-21 (there is also can be found with the number of 4 shot down Mig-17 and one Mig-21).
F8U-2N (F-8D)
It was created on the basis of a request for a night fighter. A total of 152 F8U-2N were produced between 1960 and 1962. Apart from partial modifications to the electronics, the most significant change was the installation of an infrared sensor AN/AAS-15 on the bow in front of the cabin and the installation of a more powerful radar AN/APQ-83, which required an increase in the radome. Another change was the installation of a more powerful P&W J-57-P-20 engine with a thrust of up to 18,000 lb (80.07 kN) with additional combustion. With this engine, the Crusader reached speeds of up to Mach 1.9. The F-8D also had increased range. The first F8U-2N was included on June 1, 1960 in the unit VF-111. The F8U-2N was redesignated the F-8D in 1962.
F8U-2NE (F-8E)
A total of 286 pieces of the F8U-2NE version were produced for the US Navy. The first prototype took off on June 30, 1961. It was equipped with a new radar AN/APQ-94, which allowed in addition to missile guidance AIM-9 Sidewinder and aiming firing 20 mm cannons, also guidance of new missiles Bullpup. The wings were modified to carry two hangers, on which it was possible to hang a load of armament, fuel or means of electronic warfare up to a weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg). The first operational deployment took place in the second half of 1962 on board USS Forrestal.
The F-8E gained the most fame and popularity over Vietnam, reaching a total of 12 confirmed victories over the Vietnamese MiGs. They shot down eleven MiG-17 and one MiG-21 (in the literature is sometimes mentioned one shot down Mig-17 under the version of the F-8J).
F-8E (FN)
The last Crusaders produced were modified F-8Es, designed for the French Navy. As the landing speed of 113 kn (209 km/h) was too high to land on French aircraft carriers, Vought designers rebuilt the wing, flaps and ailerons and used the wing blowing system for the first time. These modifications managed to reduce the landing speed to 90 kn (167 km/h). The missile armament was modified for the use of French Matra missiles R.550, which was similar to the American Sidewinderů, a R.530. As the flame from the Matra rocket engine damaged the floating elevators, it was necessary to make them from much more durable titanium.
The first F-8E (FN) was rebuilt from the F-8D (BuNo: 147036), unfortunately in April 1964 crashed during tests of the modified wing. Flight tests took place first on board USS Shangri-La and from December 1964 on board the French aircraft carrier Clemenceau. By early 1965, the French had received a total of 42 F-8E (FN). Crusaders replaced in the French Navy obsozní AU-1 and /15684/] F4U Corsair.
DF-8F
In 1969, it was planned to rebuild 40 F8U-1 (F-8A) to F-8M, but this did not happen due to the flight of aircraft kites. Therefore, several Crusaders, which began modification, were converted to a control station for unmanned aerial vehicles and redesignated the DF-8F.
RF-8G
In 1965, the photo-reconnaissance RF-8A was modified to RF-8G. The first 53 Crusaders were rebuilt in 1965-67, and another 20 in 1968-70. The most important modification was the addition of a new navigation system, new cameras, modification of the wing and Crusader equipment by means of electronic warfare (REB).
F-8H
In July 1967, began a program of modernization and conversion of the F-8D to the F-8H. A total of 89 F-8Ds underwent this conversion in twenty months. Two hangers were added under the wing, a "hump" was added to the wing, which hid the electronics for controlling anti-ground missiles AGM-12 Bullpup. With this modification, approximately an additional 4,000 flight hours were added to each kite. other modifications concerned the chassis, radar and shooting system.
The first F-8H took off on July 17, 1967, the pilot was John Konrad.
During the Vietnam War, two F-8Hs (BuNo: 147916 and 148710) from VF-51 shot down one by one MiGu-21.
F-8P (F-8H)
In 1977, Vought received an order for 25 F-8Hs designed for the Philippine Air Force. All 25 Crusaders were reactivated from the Davis-Monthan AFB repository in the Arizona desert.
F-8J
In January 1968, the modernization of 136 F-8Es began to the highest standard, which was designated the F-8J. The first of such modified machines took off on January 31, 1968. The most important modification was the modification of the wing by adding a system for blowing it. The chassis and electronics underwent further partial modifications (addition of REB systems). The armament of the F-8J remained unchanged. The modernization was completed in the second half of 1969, a total of 136 F-8Es were modified.
F-8K
In December 1968, Vought began modifying the 87 F-8C. The modernized Crusader was designated the F-8K.Two hangers were added under the wing and the cockpit was modified to the F-8E standard.
F-8L
In December 1968, Vought began modifying 61 F-8B aircraft. Modified Crusaders were redesignated the F-8L. The wing for carrying two hangers was modified, the front landing gear leg was strengthened and the cockpit and electronics for night flights were redesigned.
XF8U-3 Crusader III
In the second half of 1955, at the same time as the development and production of the F8U-1, Vought developed a new generation fighter project. Experience from the construction of the F8U-1 was used in its construction. The project was designated XF8U-3 Crusader III.
A total of three prototypes were produced, which took a total of 190 flights. Crusader III was equipped with a jet engine J75-P-4 and an additional rocket engine, which was to allow the aircraft to reach speeds of up to Mach 3. However, the rocket engine was never used.
The first flight of the XF8U-3 took place on June 2, 1958 and was piloted by John Konrad. During the tests, Mach reached a maximum speed of 2.8. Although the performances of Crusader III. excellent, the project was canceled in favor of F-4 Phantom II. A total of five XF8U-3s were produced (BuNo: 146340, 146341, 147085, 147086 and 147087). Shortly after the cancellation of the project, all XF8U-3s were handed over to NASA for altitude and speed tests.