The prototype Crusader single-seat carrier-based fighter flew for the first time on 25 March 1955. The first production F-8A flew on 20 September of the same year and this version began reaching US Navy operational squadrons in March 1957. It was produced as a day fighter powered initially by a 7290kg Pratt & Whitney J57-P-12 turbojet and on later aircraft a 7370kg P-4A engine. A photo-reconnaissance version was also produced as the RF-8A.
Several other versions of the Crusader were produced. The F-8B had a J57-P-4A engine and improved radar; the F-8C a 7700kg J57-P-16 engine; the F-8D with limited all-weather capability and an 8190kg J57-P-20 engine; the F-8E with improved all-weather capability and an enlarged nose radome; the F-8E (FN) export version of the F-8E for the French Navy (provision for Matra R.530 missiles in addition to Sidewinders) with blown flaps; the RF-8G (modernised RF-8A with updated equipment); and the F-8H/J/K/L modernised versions of the F-8D/E/C/B respectively, with updated equipment and attack capability. The F-8H also served with the air force of the Philippines.
Have 500 hours in the "F8H" in the reserves. (VC-13 Nas New Orleans, La.) Hassled against F8Ks, Js, F-100s, F-104s, F4s, F-106s, etc. A wonderful machine that had to be flown correctly to win. The "H" was the best F8 with the P-420 engine. In the specs above, don't believe range is 2423 NM. If you got a thousand NM, IFR reserve, no wind, you were good. As a former USAF pilot, the F8 with the same engine as it's AF counterparts performed twice as well. A FUN airplane, but only the very best could fly it well.
My unit had six "saders" and five pilots, how much fun was that?
Over 1,000 hours with 150 combat missions. Great airplane and will always be my favorite; however, she required your full attention. Tended to be a hydraulic nightmare for the maintainers. Hard burner light got you moving quickly. On test flights have seen 1.92 mach. s /f beaver
I flew the "gator" from the F-8U 1, to the K and 2NE and everyone of them was a wonderful air to air top notch machine. Ramp to tail clearance left something to be desired.
This ole bird provided me with a couple of hundred combat missions in 1966-1967 with squadrons 312, 235. and 232. Same number of take-off and landings.
