F-8 Crusader

The F-8 Crusader was originally built by LTV Aerospace, which was based in 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.

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

• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet
• Wingspan: 35 ft 2 in (350 ft²)
• Length: 54 ft 6 in
• Height: 15 ft 9 in
• Main other versions: RF-8G (Reconnaissance), F-8E (mainly French)