View source for Vought F-8 Crusader

{{short description|1955 naval fighter aircraft by Vought}}
{{Redirect|F-8||F8 (disambiguation)}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= F-8 (F8U) Crusader
 |image= File:F-8E VMF-212 CVA-34 1965 (cropped).jpg
 |caption= An F-8E from VMF(AW)-212 in 1965
 |type= [[Fighter aircraft]]
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Vought]]
 |first_flight= 25 March 1955
 |introduction= March 1957
 |retired= 1976 (fighter, U.S. Navy)<br />29 March 1987 ([[Aerial reconnaissance|photo reconnaissance]], [[U.S. Naval Reserve]])<br />1991 ([[Philippines]])<br />19 December 1999 (fighter, [[French Naval Aviation]])
 |primary_user= [[United States Navy]]
 |more_users= [[United States Marine Corps]]<br /> [[French Navy]]<br /> [[Philippine Air Force]]
 |number_built= 1,219<ref name="USNIP1219"/>
 |status=Retired from service
 |variants= [[Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader]]
 |developed_into= [[Vought XF8U-3 Crusader III]]<br /> [[LTV A-7 Corsair II]]
}}

The '''Vought F-8 Crusader''' (originally '''F8U''') was a single-engine, supersonic, [[Carrier-based aircraft|carrier-based]] [[Air superiority fighter|air superiority]] jet aircraft<ref>Michel 2007, p. 11.</ref> designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer [[Vought]]. It was the last American fighter that had [[Cannon#Aircraft use|gun]]s as the primary weapon, earning it the title "The Last of the Gunfighters".<ref name="Tillman">[[Barrett Tillman|Tillman]] 1990, {{page needed|date=June 2023}}.</ref><ref name = "weaver 63">Weaver 2018, p. 63.</ref>

Development of the F-8 commenced after release of the requirement for a new fighter by the [[United States Navy]] in September 1952. Vought's design team, led by John Russell Clark, produced the ''V-383'', a relatively unorthodox fighter that possessed an innovative high-mounted [[variable-incidence wing]], an [[area rule|area-rule]]d fuselage, all-moving [[stabilator]]s, [[Leading-edge extension#Dogtooth extension|dog-tooth notching]] at the wing folds for improved [[Aircraft principal axes#Vertical axis (yaw)|yaw]] stability, and liberal use of [[titanium]] throughout the airframe. During June 1953, Vought received an initial order to produce three ''XF8U-1'' prototypes of its design. On 25 March 1955, the first prototype performed its [[maiden flight]]. Flight testing proved the aircraft to be relatively problem-free. On 21 August 1956, U.S. Navy pilot R.W. Windsor attained a top speed of 1,015&nbsp;mph; in doing so, the F-8 became the first jet fighter in American service to reach 1,000&nbsp;mph.<ref>Bjorkman, Eileen. Gunfighters. Air & Space, November 2015, p. 61.</ref>

During March 1957, the F-8 was introduced into regular operations with the US Navy. In addition to the Navy, the type was also operated by the [[United States Marine Corps]] (replacing the [[Vought F7U Cutlass]]), the [[French Navy]], and the [[Philippine Air Force]]. Early on, the type experienced an above-average mishap rate, being somewhat difficult to pilot. American F-8s saw active combat during the [[Vietnam War]], engaging in multiple dogfights with [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17|MiG-17]]s of the [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] as well as performing ground attack missions in the theatre. The '''RF-8''' Crusader was a [[photo-reconnaissance]] model. It played a crucial role in the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]], providing essential low-level photographs of [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[medium range ballistic missile]]s (MRBMs) in Cuba that were impossible to acquire by other means at that time.<ref name="Tillman"/> Several modified F-8s were used by [[NASA]] for experimental flights, including the testing of [[Fly-by-wire|digital fly-by-wire]] technology and [[supercritical wing]] design. The RF-8 operated in U.S. service longer than any of the fighter versions; the [[United States Navy Reserve]] withdrew its remaining aircraft during 1987.

==Development==
===Background===
[[File:F8U-1 Thompson Trophy NAN10-56.jpg|thumb|F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 141435 and Commander "Duke" Windsor depart China Lake for a successful speed record attempt, 21 August 1956.]]

During September 1952, the [[United States Navy]] released a requirement calling for a new fighter. Specifics of this requirement included a maximum speed of [[Mach number|Mach 1.2]] at {{convert|30000|ft|abbr=on}} with a climb rate of {{convert|25000|ft/min|m/s|abbr=on}}, and a landing speed of no more than {{convert|100|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Goebel">{{cite web|last=Goebel |first= Greg |url= http://www.vectorsite.net/avcrus_1.html |title=The Vought F-8 Crusader |work= Air Vectors |access-date= 7 March 2006 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060517174244/http://www.vectorsite.net/avcrus_1.html |archive-date=May 17, 2006 }}</ref> Experience gained during the [[Korean War]] had demonstrated that .50&nbsp;caliber (12.7&nbsp;mm) [[machine gun]]s were no longer sufficient armament and, as a result, the new fighter was to be armed with 20&nbsp;mm (0.79&nbsp;in) cannon. The 20x110mm round had become common in the U.S. Navy prior to the Korean conflict, used on the [[McDonnell F2H Banshee]], F9F, F3D Skyknight, [[F7U Cutlass]], and the F4D, among others.

In response to the requirement, the American aircraft manufacturer [[Vought]] opted to produce a new design, internally designated as the ''V-383''. Vought's design team was led by John Russell Clark. It was relatively unorthodox for a fighter, possessing a high-mounted wing which necessitated the use of a short and lightweight [[landing gear]] in the [[fuselage]]. A major contributing factor that facilitated the use of such compact main gear, however, was the [[variable-incidence wing]] (not to be confused with a [[variable-sweep wing]], another form of [[Wing configuration|variable geometry]] wing designed for similar purposes) which reduced the amount of pitch up required while in landing configuration at low speeds, an extremely nose high attitude being a common characteristic of the highly [[swept wing|swept]] and low aspect ratio wings used on many fighters of the era. This innovative wing pivoted upwards by 7° in takeoff and landing configuration, and by doing so, increased the [[angle of attack]] of the wing without requiring the entire aircraft to pitch up, which allowed for greater forward visibility and a suitably slow landing speed.<ref name="Tillman"/><ref name="Goebel"/> The variable-incidence wing helped the F-8's development team win the [[Collier Trophy]] in 1956.<ref name="Bjorkman, Eileen 2015, p.62">Bjorkman, Eileen. Gunfighters. Air & Space, November 2015. p. 62.</ref>

Considerable competition for the requirement also emerged. This included the [[Grumman F-11 Tiger]], the upgraded twin-engine [[McDonnell F3H Demon]] (the F3H-H, which would eventually become the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]]), and the [[North American F-100 Super Sabre]] hastily adapted to carrier use and dubbed the "Super Fury".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pace |first=Steve |title=Naval Fighters Number Sixteen: Part One, Vought's F-8 Crusader, Development and Testing |publisher=Ginter Books |year=1988 |isbn=0-942612-16-7 |location=1754 Warfield Cir., Simi Valley, California |pages=3 |language=en}}</ref> In addition to the fighter-orientated V-383 proposal, Vought also presented a tactical reconnaissance version of the aircraft, internally designated as the ''V-392''.

===Into flight===
During May 1953, Vought's submission was declared to be the winner; one month later, the company received an initial order for three ''XF8U-1'' prototypes (after adoption of the [[1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system|unified designation system in September 1962]], the F8U became the F-8). On 25 March 1955, the first prototype performed its [[maiden flight]] with John Konrad at the controls; confidence was such that it was decided to exceed the speed of sound during its maiden flight.<ref name="Tillman"/> The development was relatively trouble-free, to the extent that the second prototype and the first production F8U-1 made their first flights together on the same day, 30 September 1955. On 4 April 1956, the F8U-1 performed its first catapult launch from {{USS|Forrestal|CVA-59|2}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tillman |first=Barrett |title=MiG Master: The Story Of The F-8 Crusader |publisher=Naval Institute Press |year=1990 |isbn=978-1-61251-544-1 |edition=2nd |location=291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402 |pages=27 |language=en}}</ref>

Beginning in late 1956, prototype XF8U-1s were evaluated by [[VX-3]], during which few problems were noted. Weapons development was conducted at [[Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake]] and a China Lake F8U-1 set a U.S. National speed record in August 1956. Commander "Duke" Windsor set a new Level Flight Speed Record of {{convert|1015.428|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on 21 August 1956 beating the previous record of {{convert|822|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} set by a [[United States Air Force|USAF]] F-100. (It did not break the [[Flight airspeed record|world speed record]] of {{convert|1132|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, set by the British [[Fairey Delta 2]], on 10 March 1956.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BAC 221 |url=https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/heritage/bac-221 |access-date=11 September 2024 |website=BAE Systems}}</ref>)

An early F8U-1 was modified as a photo-reconnaissance aircraft, becoming the first F8U-1P. Subsequently, the RF-8A was equipped with cameras rather than guns and missiles. On 16 July 1957, Major [[John Glenn|John H. Glenn]] Jr, [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]], completed the first supersonic transcontinental flight in a F8U-1P, flying from [[Joint Forces Training Base - Los Alamitos|NAS Los Alamitos]], California, to [[Floyd Bennett Field]], New York, in three hours, 23 minutes, and 8.3 seconds.<ref>Glenn and Taylor 2000, p. 231.</ref>

In parallel with the F8U-1s and -2s, the Crusader design team was also working on a larger aircraft with even greater performance, internally designated as the ''V-401'' and later officially designated as the [[Vought XF8U-3 Crusader III]]. It was externally similar to the Crusader and shared several design elements, as the variable incidence wing, but differed by being considerably larger while also sharing relatively few components and being capable of greater speeds amongst other abilities.<ref name="Gunston p. 245">Gunston 1981, p. 245.</ref>

==Design==
The Vought F-8 Crusader was a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority fighter. It was typically described as an all-weather fighter, yet initial production aircraft were only fitted with a ranging radar for its guns and thus was entirely reliant on external platforms to be guided towards enemies.<ref name = "weaver 67">Weaver 2018, p. 67.</ref> From the F-8B onwards, [[aircraft interception radar|air-intercept radar]] was fitted to the aircraft; increasingly capable and reliable radar sets were present on later models. Pilot training of the era did not focus much upon use of the radar, thus making it less effective operationally than it otherwise could have been.<ref name = "weaver 67-68">Weaver 2018, pp. 67-68.</ref> The addition of more advanced avionics on later models, particularly the F-8J, was often criticized as being responsible for considerable weight increases as well as having questionable effectiveness.<ref name = "weaver 68">Weaver 2018, p. 68.</ref> Pilots often claimed the later F-8 models did not turn as well as early aircraft and had greater difficulty in aborting a landing attempt; furthermore, that the radar did not work well in tropical environments.<ref name = "weaver 68-70">Weaver 2018, pp. 68-70.</ref>

A key feature of the F-8 was its [[variable-incidence wing]], which allowed for a greater [[angle of attack]] to be achieved and increased lift without compromising forward visibility by pivoting 7° out of the fuselage during takeoff and landing runs.<ref name="Tillman"/><ref name="Goebel"/> Simultaneously, the aircraft's lift was augmented by [[leading-edge]] [[Flap (aeronautics)|flaps]] drooping by 25° and inboard flaps extending to 30°. The F-8 also took advantage of contemporary aerodynamic innovations such as an [[area rule|area-rule]]d fuselage, all-moving [[stabilator]]s, [[Leading-edge extension#Dogtooth extension|dog-tooth notching]] at the wing folds for improved [[Aircraft principal axes#Vertical axis (yaw)|yaw]] stability, and liberal use of [[titanium]] throughout the airframe.<ref name="Tillman"/> The aircraft was powered by a single [[Pratt & Whitney J57]] [[turbojet]] engine, which was equipped with an [[afterburner]]. On the initial ''F8U-1'' production aircraft, this afterburner increased the engine's thrust from 10,200&nbsp;lb to 16,000&nbsp;lb, but, unlike later engines, lacked any intermediate thrust settings.

The armament of the F-8, which had been specified by the US Navy, consisted primarily of four 20&nbsp;mm (.79&nbsp;in) autocannons; the aircraft would become the final U.S. fighter to be designed with guns as its primary weapon.<ref name="Tillman"/> They were supplemented with a retractable tray with 32 unguided [[Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket]] (Mighty Mouse FFARs), and cheek pylons for four guided [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] air-to-air missiles.<ref name="Goebel"/> In practice, Sidewinder missiles were the F-8's primary weapon; the 20mm guns were considered to be "generally unreliable"; moreover, the F-8 achieved nearly all of its kills using Sidewinders.<ref name = "weaver 64-65">Weaver 2018, pp. 64-65.</ref> It has been suggested that, had the US Navy mandated more rigorous and realistic weapons testing, the reliability of the guns could have been improved considerably.<ref name = "weaver 84">Weaver 2018, p. 84.</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:USS Midway (CVA-41) launches Vought F-8 Crusaders in 1963 (NH 97634).jpg|thumb|Two Crusaders prepare to launch from {{USS|Midway|CV-41|6}}; their variable-incidence wings are in the "up" position.]]

===US Navy and US Marine Corps===
====Introduction====
VX-3 was one of the first units to receive the F8U-1 in December 1956, and was the first to operate the type in April 1957, from {{USS|Franklin D. Roosevelt|CV-42|6}}. VX-3 was the first unit to qualify for carrier operations but several aircraft were lost in accidents, several of them fatal to their pilots.

The first fleet squadron to fly the Crusader was [[VF-32]] at [[NAS Cecil Field]], Florida, in 1957, which deployed to the Mediterranean late that year on {{USS|Saratoga|CV-60|2}}. VF-32 renamed the squadron the "Swordsmen" in keeping with the Crusader theme. The Pacific Fleet received the first Crusaders at [[NAS Moffett Field]] in northern California and the [[VF-154]] "Grandslammers" (named in honor of the new 1,000-mph jets and subsequently renamed the "Black Knights") began their F-8 operations. Later in 1957, in San Diego [[VMF-122]] accepted the first Marine Corps Crusaders.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}} The first combat action of F-8s was during the [[1958 Lebanon crisis]]. F-8s of VF-32 were assigned to the USS ''Saratoga'' in support of the landing of US Marines in Lebanon.<ref>[https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/vfa32/Squadron/ navy.mil] History/#:~:text=While%20deployed%20onboard%20USS%20SARATOGA,flights%20and%20intelligence%20gathering%20missions.</ref>

In 1962, the Defense Department standardized military aircraft designations generally along Air Force lines. Consequently, the F8U became the '''F-8''', with the original F8U-1 redesignated '''F-8A'''.

[[File:F-8J Crusader of VF-194 escorting a Soviet Tu-95 over USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 25 May 1974.jpg|thumb|An F-8J of {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|2}} intercepts a [[Tupolev Tu-95|Tu-95 'Bear-B']], 1974.]]

The Crusader became a "[[day fighter]]" operating off the aircraft carriers. At the time, U.S. Navy carrier air wings had gone through a series of day and night fighter aircraft due to rapid advances in engines and avionics. Some squadrons operated aircraft for very short periods before being equipped with a newer higher performance aircraft. The Crusader was the first post-Korean War aircraft to have a relatively long tenure with the fleet.

====Cuban Missile Crisis====
The unarmed RF-8A proved good at getting low-altitude detailed photographs, leading to carrier deployments as detachments from the Navy's [[VFP-62]] and [[VFP-63]] squadrons and the Marines' [[VMAQ-2|VMCJ-2]].<ref>Cosby, Samuel. [http://www.modbee.com/2011/05/27/1708086/cuban-crisis-era-jet-at-open-cockpit.html#ixzz1TnJU39NA "Cuban crisis era jet at Open Cockpit Day in Atwater".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824084455/http://www.modbee.com/2011/05/27/1708086/cuban-crisis-era-jet-at-open-cockpit.html |date=2011-08-24 }} ''Modesto Bee,'' 27 May 2011. Retrieved: 1 August 2011.</ref> Beginning on 23 October 1962 during the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]], RF-8As flew extremely hazardous low-level photo reconnaissance missions over Cuba, the F-8's first true operational flights. Two-ship flights of RF-8As left [[Key West]] twice each day, to fly over Cuba at low level, then return to Jacksonville, where the film was offloaded and developed, to be rushed north to the Pentagon.<ref>Mersky 1986, p. 25.</ref>

These flights confirmed that the [[Soviet Union]] was setting up [[medium range ballistic missile]]s (MRBMs) in Cuba. The RF-8As also monitored the withdrawal of the Soviet missiles. After each overflight, the aircraft was given a stencil of a dead chicken. The overflights went on for about six weeks and returned a total of 160,000 images. The pilots who flew the missions received [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]es, while VFP-62 and VMCJ-2 received the prestigious U.S. [[Navy Unit Commendation]].<ref>Mersky 1986, pp. 25–26.</ref>

====Mishap rate====
[[File:Pilot ejects from RF-8A 1963.jpeg|thumb|Ejection from a [[VFP-62]] RF-8A in 1963.]]

The Crusader was not an easy aircraft to fly, and was often unforgiving in carrier landings, where it suffered poor recovery from high sink rates, and the poorly designed, [[caster]]ing nose undercarriage made it hard to steer on the deck. Safe landings required the carriers to steam at full speed to offset the relatively high landing speed of the Crusader. The stacks of the oil-burning carriers on which the Crusader served belched thick black smoke, sometimes obscuring the flight deck, forcing the Crusader's pilot to rely on the [[landing signal officer]]'s radioed instructions.<ref name="Bjorkman, Eileen 2015, p.62"/> Early on, pilots were encouraged to only keep a minimum level of fuel remaining onboard prior to landing; in the long term, the adoption of the more powerful J57-P420 engine improved the situation.<ref name = "weaver 68-69">Weaver 2018, pp. 68-69.</ref> It earned a reputation as an "[[Ensign (rank)#United States|ensign]] eliminator" during its early service introduction.<ref name="Mersky"/> The nozzle and air intake were so low when the aircraft was on the ground or the flight deck that the crews called the aircraft "the Gator". Not surprisingly, the Crusader mishap rate was relatively high compared to its contemporaries, the [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk]] and the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]]. However, the aircraft did possess a desirable capability, as proved when several Crusader pilots took off with the wings folded and were able to land the aircraft. One of these episodes took place on 23 August 1960; a Crusader with the wings folded took off from [[Naples Airport|Napoli Capodichino]] in full afterburner, climbed to {{convert|5000|ft|abbr=on}} and then returned to land successfully. The pilot reported that the control forces were higher than normal. The Crusader was capable of flying in this configuration, though the pilot would be required to reduce aircraft weight by jettisoning stores and dumping fuel before landing.<ref name="Tillman"/> 1,261 Crusaders were built. By the time it was withdrawn from the fleet, 1,106 had been involved in mishaps.<ref name=tran>[http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/76679e75-3a49-4bf5-854a-b0696e575e0a/The-U-S--Navy-s-Transition-to-Jets "U.S. Navy's transition to jets."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913112208/http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/76679e75-3a49-4bf5-854a-b0696e575e0a/The-U-S--Navy-s-Transition-to-Jets |date=2012-09-13 }} ''usnwc.edu.'' Retrieved: 23 July 2012.</ref>

====Vietnam War====
[[File:F-8E VMFAW-235 DaNang Apr1966.jpg|thumb|An F-8E of [[VMFA-235|VMF(AW)-235]] at [[Da Nang Air Base|Da Nang]], in April 1966 showing the [[Infrared Search and Track|Infrared search and track (IRST)]] sensor in front of the canopy.]]
[[File:F-8J VF-24 CVA-19.jpg|thumb|A [[VF-24]] F-8J returning to {{USS|Hancock|CV-19|2}} in the [[Gulf of Tonkin]].]]

When conflict erupted in the skies over North Vietnam, it was US Navy Crusaders from {{USS|Hancock|CV-19|6}} that first engaged with [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] (the North Vietnamese Air Force) [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17|MiG-17]]s, on 3 April 1965.<ref>Anderton 1987, p. 71.</ref><ref name = "weaver 77">Weaver 2018, p. 77.</ref> The MiGs claimed the downing of an F-8 and Lt Pham Ngoc Lan's [[gun camera]] revealed that his [[cannons]] had set an F-8 ablaze, but [[Lieutenant Commander]] Spence Thomas had managed to land his damaged F-8 at [[Da Nang Air Base]],<ref>Toperczer 2001, pp. 26, 28, 29, 88.</ref><ref>Hobson 2001, p. 17.</ref> the remaining F-8s returning safely to their carrier. The F-8 repeatedly encountered the relatively nimble North Vietnamese MiGs over the following years, yet the F-8 never made first contact via radar detection in any of these engagements.<ref name = "weaver 70">Weaver 2018, p. 70.</ref> Instead, F-8 pilots were reliant on ground control intercept controllers to find enemies and be guided towards a favorable firing position.<ref name = "weaver 71-72">Weaver 2018, pp. 71-72.</ref> A typical day mission would be performed using a pair of F-8s, one pilot concentrated on radar and navigation functions while the other searched the skies with their eyes; ground controllers would alert and direct them towards any MiGs spotted, which they'd approach at speed from behind, not relying on their own radar to detect the hostile aircraft.<ref name = "weaver 72-73">Weaver 2018, pp. 72-73.</ref> The presence of US [[surface to air missile]]s (SAMs) usually compelled MiGs to fly at lower altitudes, where the F-8 was more maneuverable and thus would have an advantage.<ref name = "weaver 73-74">Weaver 2018, pp. 73-74.</ref>

The US Navy had evolved its "night fighter" role in the air wing to an all-weather interceptor, the F-4 Phantom II, equipped to engage incoming bombers at long range with [[missile]]s such as [[AIM-7 Sparrow]] as their sole air-to-air weapons, and maneuverability was not emphasized in their design. Some experts believed that the era of the dogfight was over as air-to-air missiles would knock down adversaries well before they could get close enough to engage in dogfighting. As aerial combat ensued over North Vietnam from 1965 to 1968, it became apparent that the dogfight was not over. In one pitched air-battle between USN F-8s and VPAF MiG-21s on 1 August 1968, [[Flying ace|ace fighter pilot]] [[Nguyễn Hồng Nhị|Nguyen Hong Nhi]] fired a pair of [[K-13 (missile)|R-3S AAMs]] at a pair of F-8s, the second R-3S making a successful hit, claiming one F-8 shot-down. Following a brief dogfight with the other F-8, another pair of F-8s entered into the fray and fired two [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|Sidewinder AAMs]] at Nguyen Hong Nhi, who was hit and safely ejected from his stricken MiG-21; the downing of ace fighter pilot Nguyen is credited to F-8H pilot Lt. McCoy of [[VF-51]], [[USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31)|USS ''Bon Homme Richard'']].<ref>[http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/PROJECT/VFAP.htm VPAF Ejections during the SEA Conflict to the present in chronological order] ejection-history.org.uk, accessed 30 March 2007</ref><ref>Toperczer, 2015, pp. 133-134.</ref>

As the conflict progressed, North Vietnam received [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]]s, which proved to be a more capable opponent for the F-8, yet it still proved to be effective with good teamwork and exploiting the MiG-21's weaknesses.<ref name = "weaver 75-76">Weaver 2018, pp. 75-76.</ref> Following the end of [[Operation Rolling Thunder]] in November 1968, American aircraft stopped flying in airspace in which MiGs encounters were expected and thus there were less opportunities for aerial engagements to occur.<ref name = "weaver 79-80">Weaver 2018, pp. 79-80.</ref> Accordingly, the Crusader became increasing used as a "bomb truck", with both ship-based U.S. Navy units and land-based US Marine Corps squadrons attacking communist forces in both North and South Vietnam.<ref name="Mersky">Mersky 1998, p. back, side and table in Appendix B.</ref><ref name = "weaver 64">Weaver 2018, p. 64.</ref> US Marine Crusaders flew only in the south, where they largely performed [[close air support]] and [[interdiction]] missions.<ref name = "weaver 78">Weaver 2018, p. 78.</ref> During December 1972's [[Operation Linebacker II]], numerous Navy F-8s were assigned to fly aerial superiority missions, yet these were largely unopposed; actual combat with MiGs had become exceeding rare by this point of the conflict.<ref name = "weaver 81-82">Weaver 2018, pp. 81-82.</ref>

Navy Crusaders flew only from the small [[Essex class aircraft carrier|''Essex''-class carrier]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/f-8-crusader-vietnam-war-gunfighter/|access-date =2024-11-23|title=F-8 Crusader: The last gunfighter of Vietnam|first=Terry |last=Lloyd |date=2023-10-23}}</ref>

Despite the "last gunfighter" moniker, the F-8s achieved only four victories with their cannon; the remainder were accomplished with Sidewinder missiles,<ref name="Grossnick">Grossnick and Armstrong 1997</ref> partly due to the propensity of the 20&nbsp;mm (.79&nbsp;in) [[Colt Mk 12 cannon]]s' feeding mechanism to jam under G-loading during high-speed dogfighting maneuvers.<ref>[http://www.faqs.org/docs/air/avcrus2.html "Crusader In Action."] ''faqs.org''. Retrieved: 28 December 2009.</ref><ref name = "weaver 6566">Weaver 2018, pp. 65-66.</ref> Between June and July 1966, during 12 engagements over North Vietnam, Crusaders claimed four MiG-17s for two losses.<ref>Michel 2007, p. 51,</ref> Crusader pilots would claim the best kill ratio of any American type in the [[Vietnam War]], 19:3.<ref name="Tillman"/><ref name = "weaver 77-78">Weaver 2018, pp. 77-78.</ref>  Of the 19 aircraft claimed during aerial combat, 16 were MiG-17s and three were [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21s]].<ref name="Grossnick"/> While VPAF pilots claimed 11 F-8s shot down by MiGs, official US sources indicate that only three F-8s were lost in air combat, all of them during 1966, to cannon fire from opponents in MiG-17s.<ref>Hobson p. 271</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20040220181839/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_245.shtml "Vietnamese Air-to-Air Victories, Part 1."]}} ''Acig.org.'' Retrieved: 7 March 2011.</ref><ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20120720192830/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_246.shtml  "Vietnamese Air-to-Air Victories, Part 2."]}} ''Acig.org.'' Retrieved: 7 March 2011.</ref> A total of 170 F-8s would be lost to all causes – mostly ground fire and accidents – during the war.<ref>Hobson 2001, pp. 269–270.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crusader.gaetanmarie.com/articles/goebel/part2.htm#23|title=The Last Gunfighter|website=www.crusader.gaetanmarie.com}}</ref>

====Withdrawal from frontline operations====
[[File:RF-8Gs VFP-206 in flight 1986.JPEG|thumb|A section of VFP-206 RF-8G Crusaders in late 1986 when they were last F-8s in U.S. Naval service.]]

LTV built and delivered the 1,219th (and last) US Navy Crusader to [[VF-124]] at [[NAS Miramar]] on 3 September 1964.<ref name="USNIP1219">''United States Naval Institute Proceedings'', January 1965, p. 136.</ref> The last active duty US Navy Crusader fighter variants were retired from [[VF-191]] and [[VF-194]] aboard {{USS|Oriskany|CV-34|2}} in 1976 after almost two decades of service, setting a first for a Navy fighter.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

The photo reconnaissance variant continued to serve in the active duty Navy for yet another 11 years, with VFP-63 flying RF-8Gs up to 1982, and with the Naval Reserve flying their RF-8Gs in two squadrons (VFP-206 and VFP-306) at Naval Air Facility Washington / [[Andrews AFB]] until the disestablishment of [[VFP-306]] in 1984 and [[VFP-206]] on 29 March 1987 when the last operational Crusader was turned over to the [[National Air and Space Museum]].<ref>Baugher, Joe. [http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_fighters/f8_18.html "Crusader in Navy/Marine Corps Service."] ''F8 Crusader: US Navy Fighter Aircraft'', 6 August 2003. Retrieved: 11 June 2011.</ref>

The Crusader is the only aircraft to have used the AIM-9C, a radar-guided variant of the Sidewinder air-to-air missile. During 1969, the US Navy opted to shelve the AIM-9C due to its restrictive launch envelope, as well as its high maintenance demands and associated logistical difficulties.<ref name = "weaver 71">Weaver 2018, p. 71.</ref> When the Crusader retired, these missiles were converted to the [[AGM-122 Sidearm]] [[anti-radiation missile]]s used by United States attack helicopters against enemy radars.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

===NASA===
[[File:NASA F-8A Crusader Supercritical Wing Aircraft - GPN-2000-002001.jpg|thumb|[[NASA]] F-8A [[supercritical wing]] [[testbed]]]]

Several modified F-8s were used by [[NASA]] in the early 1970s, proving the viability of both [[Fly-by-wire|digital fly-by-wire]] technology (using data-processing equipment adapted from the [[Apollo Guidance Computer]]),<ref>{{cite magazine |last = Witt |first = Stephen |date = 24 June 2019 |title = Apollo 11: Mission Out of Control |url=https://www.wired.com/story/apollo-11-mission-out-of-control/ |magazine = Wired |location = San Francisco, California |publisher = Condé Nast Publications |access-date = 18 September 2019}}</ref> as well as [[supercritical wing]] design.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-024-DFRC.html |title = NASA F-8 |website = nasa.gov |access-date = 3 June 2010 |archive-date = 6 February 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090206020513/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-024-DFRC.html |url-status = dead }}</ref>

===French Navy===
{{main|Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader}}
[[File:F-8E(FN) catching wire on USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) 1983.JPEG|thumb|An F-8E(FN) landing aboard {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower|CVN-69|2}}, 1983.]]
During the early 1960s, the French Navy's air arm, the [[French Naval Aviation|''Aéronavale'']], required a carrier-based fighter to serve aboard the new carriers {{Ship|French aircraft carrier|Clemenceau|R98|2}} and {{Ship|French aircraft carrier|Foch|R99|2}}, the F-4 Phantom, then entering service with the United States Navy, proved to be too large for the small French ships. Following carrier trials aboard ''Clemenceau'' on 16 March 1962, by two [[VFA-32|VF-32]] F-8s from the American carrier USS ''Saratoga'', the Crusader was chosen and 42 F-8s were ordered; these would be the last Crusaders produced.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

The French Crusaders were based on the F-8E, but were modified in order to allow operations from the compact French carriers; accordingly, the maximum angle of incidence of the aircraft's wing increased from five to seven degrees and [[blown flap]]s fitted. The weapon system was modified to carry two French Matra [[Matra R530|R.530]] radar or infra-red missiles as an alternative to Sidewinders, although the ability to carry the American missile was retained.<ref name="Stijger p192">Stijger 1993, p. 192.</ref> Deliveries of these aircraft, dubbed the F-8E(FN), started in October 1964 and continued until February 1965, with the ''Aéronavale''{{'}}s first squadron, ''Flotille'' 12F reactivated on 1 October 1964.<ref name="Stijger p192"/> To replace the old Corsairs, ''Flotille'' 14.F received its Crusaders on 1 March 1965.<ref name="Stijger p192-3">Stijger 1993, pp. 192–193.</ref><ref name="Les Corsair français">Rochotte, Léon C., Ramon Josa and Alexandre Gannier. [http://www.netmarine.net/aero/aeronefs/corsair/francais.htm "Capitaine de Frégate (H): Les Corsair français".] ''NetMarine.net'', 1999. Retrieved: 14 July 2009.</ref>

During October 1974, (on ''Clemenceau'') and June 1977 (on ''Foch''), Crusaders from 14.F squadron participated in the Saphir missions over [[Djibouti]]. On 7 May 1977, two Crusaders went separately on patrol against supposedly French Air Force (4/11 Jura squadron) F-100 Super Sabres stationed at Djibouti. The leader intercepted two fighters and engaged a dogfight (supposed to be a training exercise) but quickly called his wingman for help as he had actually engaged two [[Yemeni]] MiG-21s. The two French fighters switched their master armament to "on" but, ultimately, everyone returned to their bases. This was the only combat interception to be performed by French Crusaders.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

The ''Aéronavale'' Crusaders flew combat missions over Lebanon in 1983 escorting [[Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]] strike aircraft. In October 1984, France sent ''Foch'' with 12.F squadron to conduct Operation Mirmillon off the coast of Libya, intended to deter Libyan ruler [[Muammar Gaddafi|Colonel Gaddafi]] from escalating. Regional tensions around the [[Persian Gulf]], largely related to the [[Iran-Iraq war|Iran-Iraq conflict]], triggered the deployment of a task force headed by ''Clemenceau'', which included 12.F squadron in its air way. During 1993, combat missions commenced over the skies of the former [[Yugoslavia]]; Crusaders were launched from both French carriers, which were stationed in the [[Adriatic Sea]]. These missions ceased in June 1999 with Operation Trident over [[Kosovo]].{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

The French Crusaders were subject to a series of modifications throughout their life, being fitted with new F-8J-type wings in 1969 and having modified [[afterburner]]s fitted in 1979.<ref name="Stijgers p195">Stijgers 1993, p. 195.</ref> Armament was enhanced by the addition of [[R550 Magic]] infra-red guided missiles in 1973, with the improved, [[all-aspect]] Magic 2 fitted from 1988. The obsolete R.530 was withdrawn from use in 1989, leaving the Crusaders without a radar-guided missile.<ref name="Stijgers p194">Stijgers 1993, p. 194.</ref> In 1989, when it was realized that the Crusader would not be replaced for several years due to delays in the development of the Rafale, it was decided to refurbish the Crusaders to extend their operating life. Each aircraft was rewired and had its hydraulic system refurbished, while the airframe was strengthened to extend fatigue life. Avionics were improved, with a modified navigation suite and a new radar-warning receiver.<ref name="Stijgers p195-6">Stijgers 1993, pp. 195–196.</ref><ref name="Janes upgrades p58">Michell 1993, p. 58.</ref> The 17 refurbished aircraft were redesignated as F-8P (P used for "''Prolongé''" -extended- and not to be confused with the Philippine F-8P).<ref name="WoF5 p83">Mersky ''Wings of Fame'' 1996, p. 83.</ref> Although the French Navy participated in combat operations in 1991 during [[Operation Desert Storm]] and over [[Kosovo]] in 1999, the Crusaders stayed behind and were eventually replaced by the [[Dassault Rafale|Dassault Rafale M]] in 2000 as the last of the type in military service.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

===Philippine Air Force===
[[File:F-8H Crusader of the Philippine Air Force in flight c1978.jpeg|thumb|F-8H Crusader of the [[Philippine Air Force]]. c. 1978]]
During late 1977, the Philippine government purchased 35 secondhand U.S. Navy F-8Hs that had been stored at [[Davis-Monthan AFB]] in Arizona.<ref name=f8paf>[http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/f-8/f-8_his.htm "F-8 Crusader".] ''Milavia''.</ref> 25 of them were refurbished by Vought while the remaining ten were used for spare parts.<ref name=f8paf/> As part of the deal, the U.S. would train Philippine pilots using the TF-8A.<ref name=f8paf/> The Crusaders were crewed by the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron at [[Basa Air Base]] and were mostly used for intercepting Soviet bombers and escorting presidential flights.<ref name=f8paf/> However, due to a lack of spares and the rapid deterioration of the aircraft, the remaining F-8s were grounded in 1988 and left on an open grass field at Basa Air Base. They were finally withdrawn from service three years later after they were badly damaged by the [[1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo|Mount Pinatubo eruption]], and have since been offered for sale as scrap.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.paf.mil.ph/bases/basa-air-base|title=Basa Air Base|publisher=Philippine Air Force|access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> Some of the inoperational airframes were refurbished for use as props in the 2000 movie ''[[Thirteen Days (film)|Thirteen Days]]'', a dramatization of the [[Cuban Missile Crisis]], to depict the real-life RF-8As involved in the low-level photo reconnaissance missions that obtained photos of Soviet ballistic missiles in Cuba.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://avgeekery.com/movie-props-those-thirteen-days-rf-8a-crusaders/|title=Movie Props: Those 'Thirteen Days' RF-8A Crusaders|author=Walton, B.|publisher=Avgeekery.com|date=February 21, 2020}}</ref>

==Variants==
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2024}}[[File:Vought F8U-1 VF-32 1958.jpg|thumb|A [[VFA-32|VF-32]] F8U-1 in 1958.]]
[[File:F8U-1T 6Feb62 first flight NAN4-62.jpg|thumb|The single XF8U-1T in 1962.]]
[[File:F-8C FBW.jpg|thumb|[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA]]'s F-8C [[Aircraft flight control systems#Digital fly-by-wire FCS|digital fly-by-wire]] testbed]]
[[File:Vought F-8H Crusader of VF-202 landing aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67), in 1971 (K-90599).jpg|thumb|An F-8H from [[VF-202]] landing aboard {{USS|John F. Kennedy|CV 67|2}}, in 1971.]]
[[File:Vought DF-8F 144429 China Lake DM 22.04.71 edited-2.jpg|thumb|DF-8F missile and drone director of USN [[China Lake]] in 1971.]]

* '''XF8U-1 (XF-8A)''' ('''V-383''') – the two original unarmed prototypes.
* '''F8U-1 (F-8A)''' – first production version, J57-P-12 engine replaced with more powerful J57-P-4A starting with 31st production aircraft, 318 built.
* '''YF8U-1 (YF-8A)''' – one F8U-1 fighter used for development testing.
* '''YF8U-1E (YF-8B)''' – one F8U-1 converted to serve as an F8U-1E prototype.
* '''F8U-1E (F-8B)''' – added a limited all-weather capability thanks to the AN/APS-67 radar, the unguided rocket tray was sealed shut because it was never used operationally, first flight: 3 September 1958, 130 built.
* '''XF8U-1T''' – one XF8U-2NE used for evaluation as a two-seat trainer.
* '''F8U-1T (TF-8A)''' ('''V-408''') – two-seat trainer version based on F8U-2NE, fuselage stretched 2&nbsp;ft (0.61&nbsp;m), internal armament reduced to two cannon, J57-P-20 engine, first flight 6 February 1962. The [[Royal Navy]] was initially interested in the [[Rolls-Royce Spey]]-powered version of TF-8A but chose the Phantom II instead. Only one TF-8A was built, although several retired F-8As were converted to similar two-seat trainers.
* '''YF8U-2 (YF-8C)''' – two F8U-1s used for flight testing the J57-P-16 turbojet engine.
* '''F8U-2 (F-8C)''' – J57-P-16 engine with 16,900&nbsp;lbf (75&nbsp;kN) of afterburning thrust, ventral fins added under the rear fuselage in an attempt to rectify yaw instability, Y-shaped cheek pylons allowing two Sidewinder missiles on each side of the fuselage, AN/APQ-83 radar retrofitted during later upgrades. First flight: 20 August 1957, 187 built.{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}}
* '''F8U-2N (F-8D)''' – all-weather version, unguided rocket pack replaced with an additional fuel tank, J57-P-20 engine with 18,000&nbsp;lbf (80&nbsp;kN) of afterburning thrust, landing system which automatically maintained present airspeed during approach, incorporation of AN/APQ-83 radar. First flight: 16 February 1960, 152 built.
* '''YF8U-2N (YF-8D)''' – one aircraft used in the development of the F8U-2N.
* '''YF8U-2NE''' – one F8U-1 converted to serve as an F8U-2NE prototype.
* '''F8U-2NE (F-8E)''' – J57-P-20A engine, AN/APQ-94 radar in a larger nose cone, dorsal hump between the wings containing electronics for the [[AGM-12 Bullpup]] missile, payload increased to 5,000&nbsp;lb (2,270&nbsp;kg), [[Martin-Baker]] ejection seat, AN/APQ-94 radar replaced AN/APQ-83 radar in earlier F-8D. [[IRST]] sensor blister (round ball) was added in front of the canopy.<ref>[http://www.utdallas.edu/library/specialcollections/hac/vought/history.pdf "Chance Vought/LTV History"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021055047/http://www.utdallas.edu/library/specialcollections/hac/vought/history.pdf |date=2013-10-21 }} Retrieved: 30 JULY 2013.</ref> First flight: 30 June 1961, 286 built.
* '''F-8E(FN)''' – air superiority fighter version for the [[French Navy]], significantly increased wing lift due to greater slat and flap deflection and the addition of a [[boundary layer control]] system, enlarged stabilators, incorporated AN/APQ-104 radar, an upgraded version of AN/APQ-94. A total of 42 built.
* '''F-8H''' – upgraded F-8D with strengthened airframe and landing gear, with AN/APQ-84 radar. A total of 89 rebuilt.
* '''F-8J''' – upgraded F-8E, similar to F-8D but with wing modifications and BLC like on F-8E(FN), "wet" pylons for external fuel tanks, J57-P-20A engine, with AN/APQ-124 radar. A total of 136 rebuilt.
* '''F-8K''' – upgraded F-8C with Bullpup capability and J57-P-20A engines, with AN/APQ-125 radar. A total of 87 rebuilt.
* '''F-8L''' – F-8B upgraded with underwing hardpoints, with AN/APQ-149 radar. A total of 61 rebuilt.
* '''F-8P''' – 17 F-8E(FN) of the Aéronavale underwent a significant overhaul at the end of the 1980s to stretch their service life another 10 years. They were retired in 1999.<ref name="fighters-swedish">Winchester 2006, p. 242.</ref>
* '''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.
* '''DF-8F''' – retired F-8A modified as controller aircraft for testing of missiles including at the USN facility at China Lake.
* '''F8U-1KU (QF-8A)''' – retired F-8A modified into remote-controlled target drones
* '''YF8U-1P (YRF-8A)''' – prototypes used in the development of the F8U-1P photo-reconnaissance aircraft – V-392.
* '''F8U-1P (RF-8A)''' – unarmed photo-reconnaissance version of F8U-1E, 144 built.
* '''RF-8G''' – modernized RF-8As.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Chance-Vought RF-8G Crusader |url=https://www.si.edu/object/chance-vought-rf-8g-crusader%3Anasm_A19870074000 |access-date=6 August 2024 |website=Smithsonian Institution |language=en}}</ref>
* '''LTV V-1000''' – A vastly reworked version of the F-8 designed for the USAF International Fighter Aircraft Program in 1969 in response to the widespread Soviet MiG-21. The aircraft competed with the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4E Phantom II]], [[Lockheed CL-1200]] and [[Northrop F-5|F-5A-21]] in a tender for U.S. Military Assistance Program (MAP) funding. A summary of changes are installation of the GE J79-GE-17, 3800&nbsp;lbs (1723&nbsp;kg) in weight reduction, and overall simplification of the aircraft. The V-1000 was selected as the competition winner however was not given the contract.<ref>"Low-Cost US Fighter." ''Air Pictorial,'' Volume 32, No. 3, March 1970.</ref><ref>Vought F-8 Crusader, Development of the Navy's First Supersonic Jet Fighter by William D. Spidle p. 202, 203</ref><ref>Naval Fighters Number Sixteen, Part One, Voughts F-8 Crusader by Steve Pace, p. 201</ref>
* '''[[Vought XF8U-3 Crusader III|XF8U-3 Crusader III]]''' ('''V-401''') – new design loosely based on the earlier F-8 variants, created to compete against the F-4 Phantom II; J75-P-5A engine with 29,500&nbsp;lbf (131&nbsp;kN) of afterburning thrust, first flight: 2 June 1958, attained Mach 2.39 in test flights, canceled after five aircraft were constructed because the Phantom II won the Navy contract.

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:F8E Launch-VF33-CVAN65-1964.jpg|thumb|[[VF-33]] F-8Es on {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|2}}, 1964.]]
[[File:F-8H Crusader of VF-111 in flight over California 1970.jpg|thumb|[[VF-111 (1956-1995)|VF-111]] F-8H in flight over California, 1970]]

{{unreferenced section|date=June 2022}}

'''Former operators'''
;{{FRA}}:
* [[French Navy]] ([[French Naval Aviation|''Aéronavale'']])
**[[Flottille 12F]]
**Flottille 14F
;{{Flag|Philippines|1936}}:
* [[Philippine Air Force]]
**7th Tactical Fighter Squadron<ref name=CrusaderSquadrons>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crusader.gaetanmarie.com/units.htm|title=Crusader Squadrons|publisher=The Last Gunfighter|access-date=6 October 2024}}</ref>
;{{USA}}:
* [[United States Navy]]<ref name=CrusaderSquadrons/>
** Fighter Squadrons
*** [[VFAW-3#First Squadron designated VF(AW)-3|VF(AW)-3]] Blue Nemesis (disestablished 2 May 1958)
*** [[VFA-11|VF-11]] Red Rippers (transitioned to F-4B, 1966)
*** [[VF-13 (1948–1969)|VF-13]] Night Cappers (disestablished 1 October 1969)
*** [[VF-24]] Checkertails/Fighting Renegades (transitioned to [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat|F-14A]], 9 December 1975)
*** [[VFA-32|VF-32]] Swordsmen (transitioned to F-4B, 1965)
*** [[VF-33]] Tarsiers (transitioned to F-4B, 1964)
*** [[VF-51]] Screaming Eagles (transitioned to F-4B, 1971)
*** [[VF-53]] Iron Angels (disestablished 29 January 1971)
*** [[VF-62]] Boomerangs (disestablished 1 October 1969)
*** [[VF-84 (1955-1995)|VF-84]] Vagabonds/Jolly Rogers (transitioned to F-4B, 1964)
*** [[VFA-103|VF-103]] Sluggers (transitioned to F-4B, 1964–1965)
*** [[VF-111 (1956-1995)|VF-111]] Sundowners (transitioned to F-4B, 1971)
*** [[VF-132 (1961-1962)|VF-132]] Peg Leg Petes (disestablished 1 October 1962)
*** [[VF-96|VF-142]] Fighting Falcons (redesignated VF-96 with F-4B, 1 June 1962)
*** [[VFA-154|VF-154]] Grand Slammers/Black Knights (transitioned to F-4, 1965)
*** [[VF-162]] Hunters (disestablished 29 January 1971)
*** [[VF-191]] Satan's Kittens (transitioned to F-4J, 1976)
*** [[VF-194]] Red Lightnings (transitioned to F-4J, 1976)
*** [[VFA-211|VF-211]] Fighting Checkmates (transitioned to F-14A, 1975)
*** VF-661 Firefighters (disestablished 11 October 1968)
*** VF-672 (disestablished June 1970)
*** VF-931 (disestablished 1 November 1970)
*** VF-932 (disestablished 1 November 1970)
** Reserve Squadrons
*** [[VFA-201|VF-201]] Hunters (transitioned to F-4N, 1976)
*** [[VF-202]] Superheats (transitioned to F-4N, 1976)
*** [[VF-301]] Devil's Disciples (transitioned to F-4B, 1974)
*** [[VF-302]] Stallions (transitioned to F-4B, 1974)
** Fleet Replacement Squadrons
*** [[VF-124]] Gunfighters; Pacific Fleet (transitioned to F-14A, 8 October 1972)
*** [[Second VA-174 (U.S. Navy)|VF-174]] Hellrazors; Atlantic Fleet (redesignated VA-174 with A-7, 1 July 1966)
** Composite Squadrons
*** VC-1 Unique Antiquers/Blue Alii (transitioned to TA-4, 1969)
*** VC-2 Blue Falcons (transitioned to A-4, 1970)
*** VC-4 Dragon Flyers (disestablished 30 April 1971)
*** VC-5 Checkertails
*** [[VC-7]] Tallyhoers (disestablished 30 September 1980)
*** VC-8 Redtails
*** [[VC-10 Challengers|VC-10]] Challengers (transitioned to TA-4J, 1976)
*** [[VFC-13|VC-13]] Fightin' Saints (transitioned to A-4 Skyhawk, April 1974)
** Light Photographic Squadron
*** [[VFP-62]] Fightin' Photo (disestablished 1 January 1968)
*** [[VFP-63]] Eyes of the Fleet (disestablished 30 June 1982)
*** [[VFP-206]] Hawkeyes (disestablished 29 March 1987)
*** [[VFP-306]] Peeping Toms/Photomasters (disestablished 30 September 1984)
** Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadrons
*** VSF-76 Fighting Saints (disestablished 1 September 1973)
*** VSF-86 Gators (disestablished 1 September 1973)
** Training Squadrons
*** [[VT-86]] Sabre Hawks
** Air Development Squadron, Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons
*** [[VX-3]] (disestablished 1 March 1960)
*** [[VX-4]] The Evaluators
* [[United States Marine Corps]]
* [[NASA]]
* [[Thunderbird Aviation]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thunderbird Aviation at Deer Valley, Arizona |url=http://nabe3saviation.web.fc2.com/aTBu.html |access-date=2023-12-25 |website=nabe3saviation.web.fc2.com}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==

===France===
;F-8E(FN)
* 151732 (French Navy Side Number 1) – Musee des Avions de Chasse, [[Beaune]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151750 (French Navy Side Number 19) – Musée des Ailes Anciennes, [[Toulouse]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

;F-8P
[[File:Vought F-8P Crusader (MAA).jpg|thumb|A French F-8P on display at [[Toulouse]]]]
* 151733 (French Navy Side Number 3) – Lann Bihoue Airport, Le Meneguen.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151735 (French Navy Side Number 4) – Musee Europeen de lAviation de Chasse, Montelimar-Ancone.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151738 (French Navy Side Number 7) – Aeronavale Base, Landivisau.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151741 (French Navy Side Number 10) – Musee de l air et de l Espace, (The Air and Space Museum), [[Paris, France]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151742 (French Navy Side Number 11) – Musee de l aeronautique navale, [[Rochefort, Charente-Maritime|Rochefort]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.anaman.fr/le-mus%C3%A9e/|title=Le musée|website=www.anaman.fr}}</ref>
* 151754 (French Navy Side Number 23) – Aeronavale Base, Landivisau.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151760 (French Navy Side Number 29) – Aeronavale Base, Landivisau.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151767 (French Navy Side Number 36) – Musee des Avions de Chasse, [[Beaune]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151768 (French Navy Side Number 37) – Airport in [[Cuers]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 151770 (French Navy Side Number 39) – Aeronavale Base, Landivisau.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

===Philippines===
;F-8B
* 145544/UE-12 - Ex [[United States Navy]] on display at a public park in [[Dinalupihan]] Philippines.<ref>https://www.flickr.com/photos/158583312@N02/53989183040</ref><ref>https://www.spottingmode.com/wro/location/23882/</ref>
;F-8H
[[File:VillamorMuseumjf0803 07.JPG|thumb|F-8H Crusader on display at the [[Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum]] ]]
[[File:F-8H Crusader BuNo 148696 at the Philippine Military Academy.jpg|thumb|ex-PAF F-8H Crusader on display at the [[Philippine Military Academy]] ]]
* 147056 – Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum, [[Villamor Air Base]], [[Manila]].<ref name="CrusaderBuNos">{{cite web|url=https://forgottenjets.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/F8U.html|title=Vought F-8 Crusader|publisher=Forgotten Jets}}</ref>
* 147060 - [[Basa Air Base]], [[Floridablanca, Pampanga]].<ref name="CrusaderBuNos"/>
* 148661 – [[Clark Air Base]], [[Angeles City]].<ref name="CrusaderBuNos"/>
* 148686 - 	[[Philippine Military Academy]], Fort Gen. Gregorio H. del Pilar, [[Baguio|Baguio City]]. Registration serial incorrectly marked as 148696.<ref name="CrusaderBuNos"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.paf.mil.ph/news-articles/air-power-park-and-archangel-facade-blessed-and-inaugurated|title=AIR POWER PARK AND ARCHANGEL FACADE BLESSED AND INAUGURATED|publisher=Philippine Air Force|date=February 22, 2022}}</ref>

===United States===
[[File:Vought XF8U-1 Crusader prototype at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington (USA), on 16 June 2016.png|thumb|XF8U-1 Crusader prototype on display at the Museum of Flight]]

[[File:F-8 fbw.jpg|thumb|NASA F-8C on display at [[Edwards Air Force Base]]]]

;XF8U-1 (XF-8A)
* 138899 – [[Museum of Flight]] in [[Seattle, Washington]].<ref>[http://www.museumofflight.org/aircraft/vought-xf-8a-xf8u-1-crusader "XF8U Crusader/138899."] ''Museum of Flight.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref>

;XF8U-2 (XF-8C)
* 140448 – [[McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center]] in [[Concord, New Hampshire]].<ref>[http://www.starhop.com/education-and-exploration/exhibits.aspx#jet "XF8U Crusader/140448."] ''McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref>

;F8U-1 (F-8A)
* 141351 – [[NAS Jacksonville]] Heritage Park, [[Naval Air Station Jacksonville]], [[Florida]] (relocated from former [[NAS Cecil Field]]).{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 141353 – [[Edwards AFB]], [[California]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 143703 – [[USS Hornet (CV-12)|USS Hornet Museum]], former [[Naval Air Station Alameda]], [[Alameda, California]].<ref>[http://www.uss-hornet.org/exhibits/aircraft/jet/ "F8U Crusader/143703."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029233132/http://www.uss-hornet.org/exhibits/aircraft/jet/ |date=2012-10-29 }} ''USS Hornet Museum.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref>
* 143755 – [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar]], [[California]].<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/f8-143755.html "F8U Crusader/143755."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref>
* 143806 – [[Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum]], former [[Naval Air Station Willow Grove]], [[Willow Grove, Pennsylvania]].<ref>[http://wingsoffreedommuseum.org/index.php/our-aircraft/17-aircraft/aircraft-fixed-wing/15-aircraft-f8u-1-crusader "F8U Crusader/143806."] ''Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 22 January 2015.</ref>
* 144427 – [[Pima Air and Space Museum]] adjacent to [[Davis-Monthan AFB]] in [[Tucson, Arizona]].<ref>[http://www.pimaair.org/aircraft-by-name/item/vought-ltv-df-8f-crusader "F8U Crusader/144427."] ''Pima Air and Space Museum.'' Retrieved: 23 June 2015.</ref>
* 145336 – [[Planes of Fame]] at [[Chino, California|Chino]], [[California]].<ref>[http://planesoffame.org/index.php?page=81&itemsperpage=All "F8U Crusader/145336."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806222534/http://planesoffame.org/index.php?page=81&itemsperpage=All |date=2017-08-06 }} ''Planes of Fame.'' Retrieved: 07 October 2013.</ref>
* 145347 – [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]], [[Florida]].<ref>[http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=f-8_crusader "F8U Crusader/145347."] ''National Naval Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 22 January 2015.</ref>
* 145349 – [[Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum]], [[Pueblo, Colorado]].<ref>[http://www.pwam.org/aircraftdisplay1.html "F8U Crusader/145349."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225043629/http://www.pwam.org/aircraftdisplay1.html |date=2016-12-25 }} ''Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum.'' Retrieved: 23 June 2015.</ref>
* 145397 – [[Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst]], [[Lakehurst, New Jersey]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

;F8U-2 (F-8C)
* {{Citation needed span|145546 – [[Edwards AFB]], [[California]]. After being transferred from the US Navy to NASA, it was used as a research aircraft (experimental aircraft).|date=September 2024}}
* 146973 – [[Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay]], [[Hawaii]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 147034 – (nose section only) [[USS Hornet (CV-12)|USS Hornet Museum]], former [[NAS Alameda]], [[Alameda, California]].<ref>[http://www.uss-hornet.org/exhibits/aircraft/jet/clementine.shtml "F8U Crusader/147034."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623164712/http://www.uss-hornet.org/exhibits/aircraft/jet/clementine.shtml |date=2015-06-23 }} ''USS Hornet Museum.'' Retrieved: 23 June 2015.</ref>

;F8U-2N (F-8D)
* 148693 – [[Mid-America Air Museum]] in [[Liberal, Kansas]].<ref>[http://www.kansastravel.org/airmuseum.htm "F8U Crusader/148693."] ''Mid America Air Museum.'' Retrieved: 23 June 2015.</ref>

'''F8U-2NE (F-8E)'''
* 149150 – NAS Oceana Aviation Heritage Park, [[Naval Air Station Oceana]], [[Virginia]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

'''F-8E(FN)'''
* 151765 – under restoration to airworthiness by a private owner in [[Fort Myers, Florida]]<ref>[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=3512Z "FAA Registry: N3512Z"] ''faa.gov.'' Retrieved: 27 July 2021.</ref>

;F8U-1P (RF-8G)
* 144617 – [[Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum]] at [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar]], [[California]]<ref>[http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf "F8U Crusader/144617"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185627/http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf |date=2017-10-11 }} ''Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and Historical Foundation.'' Retrieved: 22 January 2015.</ref>
* 144618 – Celebrity Row, [[Davis-Monthan AFB]] (North Side), [[Tucson, Arizona]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 145607 – [[Castle Air Museum]] (former [[Castle AFB]]), [[Atwater, California]].<ref>[http://www.castleairmuseum.org/ondisplay/ "F8U Crusader/145607."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707221836/http://www.castleairmuseum.org/ondisplay |date=2014-07-07 }} ''Castle Air Museum.'' Retrieved: 23 June 2015.</ref>
* 145608 – (nose section only) [[Pacific Coast Air Museum]], [[Santa Rosa, California]].<ref>[http://pacificcoastairmuseum.org/aircraft/RF8CrusaderCockpit.asp "F8U Crusader/145608."] ''Pacific Coast Air Museum.'' Retrieved: 23 June 2015.</ref>
* 145609 – [[National Museum of Naval Aviation]], [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]], [[Pensacola, Florida]].<ref>[http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=rf-8_crusader "F8U Crusader/145609."] ''National Naval Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 23 June 2015.</ref>
* 145645 – [[USS Alabama (BB-60)|USS Alabama]] [[Battleship Memorial Park]], [[Mobile, Alabama]].<ref>[http://www.ussalabama.com/uss-aircraft-collection/ "F8U Crusader/145645."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218083627/http://www.ussalabama.com/uss-aircraft-collection/ |date=2015-12-18 }} ''USS Battleship Alabama Memorial Park.'' Retrieved: 23 June 2015.</ref>
* 146860 – [[Smithsonian Institution]]'s [[National Air and Space Museum]] [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center|Udvar-Hazy Center]] in [[Chantilly, Virginia]], adjacent to [[Dulles International Airport]].<ref>[http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19870074000 "F8U Crusader/146860."] ''NASM.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref>
* 146858 – in storage at [[Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum]] at [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar]], [[California]]<ref name="F8U Crusader/150920"/>
* 146882 – [[Frontiers of Flight Museum]] in [[Dallas, Texas]].<ref>[http://www.flightmuseum.com/exhibits/aircraft-3/chance-vought-rf-8g-crusader/ "F8U Crusader/146882."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017011419/http://www.flightmuseum.com/exhibits/aircraft-3/chance-vought-rf-8g-crusader/ |date=2013-10-17 }} ''Frontiers of Flight Museum.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref>
* 146898 – [[Fort Worth Aviation Museum]] in [[Fort Worth, Texas]].<ref>[http://vmapaircraft.weebly.com/rf-8-crusader.html "F8U Crusader/146898."] ''Fort Worth Aviation Museum.'' Retrieved: 22 January 2015.</ref>

;F-8H
* {{Citation needed span|147909 – NAD Soroptimist Park, [[Kitsap Lake]], [[Bremerton, Washington]], about 1 mile away from Naval Hospital Bremerton. Aircraft is on loan from the [[National Naval Aviation Museum]], [[Pensacola, Florida]]. The wings are in a folded position.|date=September 2024}}

;F-8J
[[File:Air Zoo December 2019 006 (Vought F-8J Crusader).jpg|thumb|F-8J Crusader on display at the [[Air Zoo]]]]
* 150904 – [[Air Zoo]] in [[Kalamazoo, Michigan]].<ref>[http://www.airzoo.org/page.php?page_id=199 "F8U Crusader/150904."] ''Air Zoo.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref> It is currently on display indoors, with its wings folded.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 150920 – [[Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum]] at [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar]], [[California]]<ref name="F8U Crusader/150920">[http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf "F8U Crusader/150920"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185627/http://flyingleathernecks.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Aircraft_Listing.pdf |date=2017-10-11 }} ''Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and Historical Foundation.'' Retrieved: 22 January 2015.</ref> Initially commissioned as an F-8E, it was later converted to an F-8J.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

;F8U-2 (F-8K)
* 145550 – [[USS Intrepid (CV-11)|USS Intrepid Museum]] in [[New York City, New York]].<ref>[http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/AircraftCollection.aspx "F8U Crusader/145550."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219014823/http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/AircraftCollection.aspx |date=2015-12-19 }} ''USS Intrepid Museum''. Retrieved: 22 January 2015.</ref>
* 145592 - under restoration to airworthiness by a private owner in [[Seattle, Washington]],<ref>[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=19TB "FAA Registry: N19TB] ''faa.gov'' Retrieved: 27 July 2021.</ref> After being operated by the U.S. Navy, the registration number was changed to NX19TB, with the X removed from the middle. It was then transferred to the Flying Heritage Collection at Arlington Municipal Airport in Arlington, Washington, although it is believed that the wings were still able to fold at that time. It is unknown what condition it is currently in.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 146931 – [[Estrella Warbirds Museum]] in [[Paso Robles, California]].<ref>[http://www.ewarbirds.org/f8.html "F8U Crusader/146931."] ''Estrella Warbirds Museum.'' Retrieved: 20 April 2013.</ref> The operating mechanism of the wings remains.
* 146939 – [[Patriots Point]] Naval & Maritime Museum aboard ex-[[USS Yorktown (CV-10)]], [[Mount Pleasant, South Carolina]].<ref>[http://www.patriotspoint.org/explore_museum/aircraft/ "F8U Crusader/146939."] ''Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref>
* {{Citation needed span|146963 – [[Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort]], [[South Carolina]]. It was manufactured as an F-8F, but was converted into an F-8K and used until retirement. The state of preservation is such that leak prevention measures have been taken around the cockpit.|date=September 2024}}
* 146983 – [[Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay]], [[Hawaii]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 146985 – [[Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum]] at [[Space Coast Regional Airport]] in [[Titusville, Florida]]<ref>[http://www.vacwarbirds.net/about/airplane-gallery/ "F8U Crusader/146985."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113174409/http://www.vacwarbirds.net/about/airplane-gallery/ |date=2015-01-13 }} ''Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum.'' Retrieved: 22 January 2015.</ref> It is currently on display indoors, with its wings folded.
* 146995 – [[Pacific Coast Air Museum]], adjacent to the [[Sonoma County Airport]] in [[Santa Rosa, California]]<ref>[http://pacificcoastairmuseum.org/aircraft/F8UCrusader.asp "F8U Crusader/146995."] ''Pacific Coast Air Museum.'' Retrieved: 1 May 2012.</ref>
* 147030 – [[USS Midway Museum]] in [[San Diego, California]].<ref>[http://www.midway.org/Aircraft-Museum "F8U Crusader/147030."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325094835/http://www.midway.org/Aircraft-Museum |date=2013-03-25 }} ''USS Midway Museum.'' Retrieved: 26 October 2012.</ref>

;F-8L
* 145449 – [[Naval Air Station Fallon]], [[Fallon, Nevada]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
* 145527 - under restoration to airworthiness by a private owner in [[Seattle, Washington]],<ref>[https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=37TB "FAA Registry: N37TB] ''faa.gov'' Retrieved: 27 July 2021.</ref> Originally operated as an F-8A, it was converted to an F-8L and used until retirement. Afterwards, it was given a new registration number N37TB and taken over by Thunderbird Airlines. In 2002, ownership changed to the Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum and it was restored, but the wings are still folded.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

;F8U Cockpit

* 145399 – Under restoration at [https://www.moffettfieldmuseum.org/ Moffett Historical Museum], [[Moffett Federal Airfield|Moffett Federal Airfield, California]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

==Specifications (F-8E)==
[[File:Chance Vought F8E.svg|thumb|3-side view of the F-8E.]]
[[File:Sidewinder 1A+1C.jpg|thumb|Side-view of two Sidewinder AAMs mounted on the unique Y-pylon]]
[[File:F-8D armament NAN9-63.jpg|thumb|Weapons loadout of an F-8 Crusader]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''The Great Book of Fighters'',<ref name="green 2001">Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. ''The Great Book of Fighters''. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing. 2001. {{ISBN|0-7603-1194-3}}.</ref> ''Quest for Performance'',<ref>Loftin, L.K. Jr. [http://www.hq.nasa.gov/pao/History/SP-468/cover.htm "Quest for Performance: The Evolution of Modern Aircraft, NASA SP-468."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060613210139/http://www.hq.nasa.gov/pao/History/SP-468/cover.htm |date=2006-06-13 }} ''NASA''. Retrieved: 22 April 2006.</ref> ''Combat Aircraft Since 1945'',<ref>Wilson 2000,  p.&nbsp;141.</ref> ''Joseph F. Baugher''<ref>{{cite web|last1=Baugher|first1=Joe|title=Vought F8U-2NE (F-8E) Crusader|url=http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_fighters/f8_7.html|website=joebaugher.com|access-date=20 September 2015}}</ref><ref>NAVAIR 01-45HHD-1 NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model F-8D, F-8E Aircraft p. 3, p. 11, p. 48A, p. 98</ref><ref>NAVAIR 01-45HHD-1 NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model F-8D, F-8E Aircraft p. 104A.</ref>
|prime units?= kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew= 1
|length ft= 55
|length in= 11.6
|length sigfig=4
|length note= <ref name=NavairP3>NAVAIR 01-45HHD-1 NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model F-8D, F-8E Aircraft p. 3</ref>
|span ft= 35
|span in= 8
|span note=<ref name=NavairP3/>
|height ft= 15
|height in= 9.1
|height sigfig=3
|height note=<ref name=NavairP3/>
|wing area sqft= 375
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio= 3.4
|airfoil='''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 65A006 mod]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA 65A005 mod]]
* '''[[Zero-lift drag coefficient]]:''' C<sub>D</sub>0.0133
* '''[[zero-lift drag coefficient|Drag area:]]''' {{cvt|5.0|sqft|2}}
|empty weight lb= 18,800
|empty weight note=<ref name=NavairP3/>
|gross weight lb= 29,000
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb= 34,000
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity= {{cvt|1,348|USgal|impgal L|1}} or {{convert|8762|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 1
|eng1 name= [[Pratt & Whitney J57-P-20A]]
|eng1 type= [[afterburning turbojet]] engine
|eng1 lbf= 11,400
|eng1 note= <ref>NAVAIR 01-45HHD-1 NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model F-8D, F-8E Aircraft. p. 11.</ref>
|eng1 lbf-ab= 18,000

<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts= 1,066
|max speed note= at {{cvt|36000|ft}}
|max speed mach= 1.8
|cruise speed kts= 268
|cruise speed note= <ref>NAVAIR 01-45HHD-1A NATOPS Supplemental Flight Manual Navy Model F-8D, F-8E Aircraft. p. 75.</ref>
|stall speed kts= 135
|stall speed note= <ref>NAVAIR 01-45HHD-1 NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model F-8D, F-8E Aircraft. p. 98.</ref>
|never exceed speed kts= 775
|never exceed speed note= <ref>NAVAIR 01-45HHD-1A NATOPS Supplemental Flight Manual Navy Model F-8D, F-8E Aircraft. p. 5.</ref>
|range nmi=
|range note=
|combat range nmi= 394
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi= 1,507
|ferry range note= with external fuel
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft= 58,000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|lift to drag= 12.8
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading lb/sqft= 77.3
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight= 0.62

|more performance=<!-- 
        Armament
-->
|guns= 4× [[20 mm caliber|20 mm (0.79 in)]] [[Colt Mk 12 cannon]]s in lower fuselage, 125 rpg
|hardpoints= 2× side fuselage mounted Y-pylons (for mounting AIM-9 Sidewinders and Zuni rockets) and 2× underwing pylon stations 
|hardpoint capacity= 4,000 lb (2,000 kg)

|hardpoint missiles=<br />
*** 4× [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] ''or'' [[R550 Magic|Matra Magic]] (French Navy only) air-to-air missiles
*** 2× [[AGM-12 Bullpup]] air-to-surface missiles
|hardpoint rockets= 2× LAU-10 rocket pods (each with 4× [[Zuni (rocket)|5 inch (127mm) Zuni rockets]])
|hardpoint bombs=<br />
*** 8× 250 lb (113 kg) [[Mark 81 bomb]]s ''or''
*** 8× 500 lb (227 kg) [[Mark 82 bomb]]s ''or''
*** 2× 1,000 lb (454 kg) [[Mark 83 bomb]]s ''or''
*** 2× 2,000 lb (907 kg) [[Mark 84 bomb]]s
|avionics= [[Magnavox]] [[List of radars#AN/APQ Series|AN/APQ-84 ''or'' AN/APQ-94]] [[Fire-control radar]]
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[LTV A-7 Corsair II]]
* [[Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader]]
* [[Vought XF8U-3 Crusader III]]
* [[Vought YA-7F]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Grumman F-11 Tiger]]
* [[North American F-100 Super Sabre]]
|lists=
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
|see also=
}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last = Anderton |first = David A. |title = North American F-100 Super Sabre |location = London, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing |date = 1987 |isbn = 0-85045-662-2}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Glenn |first1 = John |first2 = Nick |last2 = Taylor |title = John Glenn: A Memoir |location = New York, US |publisher = Bantam |date = 2000 |isbn = 0-553-58157-0}}
* {{cite book |last = Grant |first = Zalin |title = Over the Beach: The Air War in Vietnam |location = New York, US |publisher = Pocket Books |date = 1988 |isbn = 978-0-393-32727-4}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Grossnick |first1 = Roy A |first2 = William J. |last2 = Armstrong |title = United States Naval Aviation, 1910–1995 |location = Annapolis, Maryland |publisher = Naval Historical Center |date = 1997 |isbn = 0-16-049124-X}}
* {{cite book |last = Gunston |first = Bill |author-link = Bill Gunston |title = Early Supersonic Fighters of the West |publisher = Littlehampton Book Services |date = 1976 |isbn = 0-7110-0636-9}}
* {{cite book |last = Hobson |first = Chris |title = Vietnam Air Losses, USAF, USN, USMC, Fixed-Wing Aircraft Losses In Southeast Asia 1961–1973 |location = North Branch, Minnesota |publisher = Specialty Press |date = 2001 |isbn = 1-85780-115-6}}
* {{cite book |last = McCarthy |first = Donald J. Jr. |title = MiG Killers, A Chronology of U.S. Air Victories in Vietnam 1965–1973 |location = North Branch, Minnesota |publisher = Specialty Press |date = 2009 |isbn = 978-1-58007-136-9}}
* {{cite book |last = Mersky |first = Peter |title = F-8 Crusader Units of the Vietnam War (Osprey Combat Aircraft #7) |location = Oxford, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing |date = 1998 |isbn = 978-1-85532-724-5}}
* {{cite book |last = Mersky |first = Peter |title = RF-8 Crusader Units over Cuba and Vietnam (Osprey Combat Aircraft #12) |location = Oxford, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing |date = 1999 |isbn = 978-1-85532-782-5}}
* {{cite book |last = Mersky |first = Peter |title = Vought F-8 Crusader (Osprey Air Combat) |location = Oxford, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing |date = 1986 |isbn = 0-85045-905-2}}
* {{cite book |last = Mersky |first = Peter |title = Vought F-8 Crusader: MiG-Master. ''Wings of Fame'' |volume = 5 |date = 1996 |pages = 32–95 |location = London, UK |publisher = Aerospace Publishing |isbn = 1-874023-90-5 |issn = 1361-2034}}
* {{cite book |last = Michel III |first = Marshall L. |title = Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965–1972 |location = Annapolis, Maryland |publisher = Naval Institute Press |date = 2007 |edition = first |orig-date = 1997 |isbn = 978-1-59114-519-6}}
* {{cite book |last = Moise |first = Edwin E. |title = Tonkin Gulf and the Escalation of the Vietnam War |location = Chapel Hill, North Carolina |publisher = The University of North Carolina Press |date = 1996 |isbn = 0-8078-2300-7}}
* {{cite journal |last = Stijger |first = Eric |title = Aéronavale Crusaders |journal = [[Air International]] |volume = 45 |number = 4 |date = October 1993 |pages = 192–196 |issn = 0306-5634}}
* {{cite book |last = Tillman |first = Barrett |author-link = Barrett Tillman |title = MiG Master: Story of the F-8 Crusader |edition = second |location = Annapolis, Maryland |publisher = Naval Institute Press |date = 1990 |isbn = 0-87021-585-X}}
* {{cite book |last = Toperczer |first = István |title = MiG-17 And MiG-19 Units of the Vietnam War (Osprey Combat Aircraft #25) |location = Oxford, UK |publisher = Osprey Publishing Limited |date = 2001 |isbn = 1-84176-162-1}}
* {{cite book |title = MiG Aces of the Vietnam War |last = Toperczer |first = Istvan |year = 2015 |publisher = Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. |location = USA |isbn = 978-0-7643-4895-2}}
* {{cite journal |last = Weaver |first = Michael E. |title = An Examination of the F-8 Crusader through Archival Sources |journal = Journal of Aeronautical History |date = 2018 |url = https://www.aerosociety.com/media/8037/an-examination-of-the-f-8-crusader-through-archival-sources.pdf |pages = 63–85}}
* {{cite book |last = Wilson |first = Stewart |title = Combat Aircraft since 1945 |location = Fyshwick, Australia |publisher = Aerospace Publications |date = 2000 |isbn = 1-875671-50-1}}
* {{cite book |editor-last = Winchester |editor-first = Jim |title = Vought F-8 Crusader ''Military Aircraft of the Cold War'' (The Aviation Factfile) |location = London, UK |publisher = Grange Books plc |date = 2006 |isbn = 1-84013-929-3}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Vought F-8 Crusader}}
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-8.htm F-8 Crusader factsheet on GlobalSecurity.org]
* {{YouTube| qRhohT1eaAs | "Aircraft Familiarization – F8U-2N (1961)"}}

{{Vought aircraft}}
{{USN fighters}}
{{US fighters}}
{{US reconnaissance aircraft}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Vought aircraft|F-008 Crusader]]
[[Category:1950s United States fighter aircraft|Vought F-08 Crusader]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Variable-incidence-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1955]]
[[Category:Second-generation jet fighters]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]