The Vought F-8 Crusader is an American fighter and attack aircraft of the post-war period. The power unit in the F-8E version was provided by a single Pratt and Whitney J57-P-20A engine with a thrust of 47.6 kN without afterburner. The first flight of this machine took place in 1955. Its serial production began shortly after that. In total, more than 1,200 machines of this type were built. The length of the aircraft was 16.53 meters, the wingspan was 10.87 meters. In the F-8E version, the onboard armament consisted of four 20-mm Colt Mk.12 cannons. The machine could also carry a load of bombs, unguided and guided missiles.
The Vought F-8 Crusader was developed for the US Navy as a successor to the completely unsuccessful Vought F-7U-1 Cutlass. It was characterized by a much more conservative design, but was also much easier to pilot, control and operate. Equally important, it was also much less prone to failure than its predecessor. It also had a much better top speed (the first production supersonic carrier-based fighter!), maneuverability, and good takeoff and landing characteristics from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Overall, a very successful aircraft was created, which remained in service with the US Navy as a fighter until 1976, and with the French Naval Aviation until 1999! During serial production, many versions of this aircraft were created, including: F-8U-1 (first production version), F-8U-2N (night fighter) and F-8E (FN) [version for French sailors]. Vought F-8 Crusader aircraft took an active part in several armed conflicts, but were especially intensively used during the Vietnam War of 1964 / 1965-1975.
