F-8E CRUSADER MODEL

The F-8 Crusader is a single-engine aircraft carrier-based fighter aircraft built by Chance-Vought and was a replacement for the Vought F-7 Cutlass.

The first prototype of F-8 Crusader flew on March 25, 1995, manned by John Konrad. During its maiden flight, the F-8 exceeded the speed of sound. The F-8E was the last Crusader variant produced. The F-8E is an air superiority fighter version for the French Navy. There were 42 orders by the French Navy for use aboard new carriers Clemenceau and Foch.

The F-8E has a crew of 1. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.86 and a ferry range of 1,735 mi. It has four 20 mm Colt Mk 12 cannons in its lower fuselage and 125 rounds/gun. It has eight Zuni rockets in four twin pods. It has four AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and two AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-ground guided missiles. It has an increased wing lift and an added boundary layer control system and enlarged stabilators.

The primary users and operators of the F-8s are the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, French Navy and the Philippines.