Было построено два прототипа F8U, первый (заводской № 138899) поднялся в воздух 25 марта 1955 года. Конструкция не требовала серьезной доработки, и вскоре после первого полета машина пошла в серию.

The Vought F8U Crusader was a radical departure in naval fighter design. It introduced numerous innovative features including its ingenious two-position variable-incidence hinged high-set wing, seen here on the first production F8U-1, in its open position with the wing canted 7° upwards. This increased lift for take-off and drag for landing, and enabled the fuselage to remain horizontal while the aircraft was at high angles of attack during landing.

CHANCE-VOUGHT XF8U-1. Latest machine from the Chance Vought stable is the XFBU-1, which differs considerably from its predecessor, the Cutlass. The XFBU-1 has been designed to meet a naval specification calling for a supersonic interceptor with high rate of climb and especially good performance at high altitudes. i.e. above 50.000 ft. Wing area is more generous than on most of the current crop of U.S. fighters. The armament consists of four fuselage-mounted cannon and a rocket tray. Guided missiles may also be carried under the wings.
Salient features: The long fuselage of the XFBU-1 has little taper, and the intake of the chin type with small scanner above it is particularly noticeable. The cockpit with clamshell hood is completely faired into the fuselage top-line. The iet pipe for the J57 is large, and armament blisters on the fuselage sides are to be discerned. Wings have sharp sweepback on the leading edge and square-cut tips, while a "saw-tooth" is incorporated in the wing leading edge. The all-moving tailplane has sharp sweepback and is set on the fuselage centre-line, while the tall fin is reminiscent of the Super Sabre. Main undercarriage legs retract into the fuselage sides, and the nosewheel backwards.

Cutlass went through considerable development, it paved the way for the superb Crusader. Late series F7U-3M with an F8U-1.

The XF8U-1 with its family forebear, the F7U-3 Cutlass.

The Crusader has already clocked over 1,200 m.p.h. in trials over the Mojave Desert. Illustrated is the second XFBU-1 with a new colour scheme. The first prototype broke up on 1st February of this year, over the Mojave Desert killing test pilot Harry Brackett. Production for U.S. Navy carrier interceptor squadrons is proceeding at Dallas, Texas. The Crusader is the world's fastest (and one of the heaviest) carrier-borne single-seaters, with a max. a.u.w. in excess of 23,000 lb. - only some 2,000 lb. less than the a.u.w. of a Dakota. Power is a 14,000-lb. "plus" Pratt & Whitney J57-P-4 fitted with afterburner device. Note how the "all-flying" tailplane has been depressed in order to permit the XFBU-1 to maintain a near-stall speed and attitude so as not to overshoot the photographic 'plane. This new view also shows the bulged gun packs to the rear of the knife-edge sharp nose intake.

Первый прототип (бортовой N 138899) "Крусейдера" в одном из испытательных полетов. Авиабаза Эдвардс, весна 1955г.

Now called the Crusader, the Chance Vought XF8U-1 single-seat interceptor designed for speeds in excess of Mach unity in level flight. To be built for the U.S. Navy, the Crusader has an after-burner P. & W. JS7-P-4, and "saw-cut" wing leading-edge like the Swift F.R.Mk.5.

XF8U-1 138900 landing at Edwards, California. The function of the VI wing is apparent.

One of two CHANCE VOUGHT F8U-1 CRUSADER prototypes. Clearly shown for the first time is the two-position incidence wing which permits the Crusader to operate effectively over a very wide speed range . The Crusader is the first production aircraft to employ this device. Two-position incidence has several advantages including (a) virtual horizontal attitude for the fuselage for take-off and landing while the wing is at a high angle of attack; and (b) adoption of short undercarriage . As the photo reveals, the wing is hinged at the rear and works in conjunction with the slab tailplane and the "droop snoot" wing leading edge.

The prototype XF8U-1 138900 showing the variable incidence wing.

Prototype F8U-2 Crusader 2

VMF 122 is the first U S Marine Corps fighter squadron to receive the 1,000-m.p.h "plus" Chance Vought F8U-1 Crusader

A test version of the F-8E at Patuxent River demonstrates the ground attack capabilities of the Crusader, mounting Snakeye bombs on triple ejector racks. The F-8E is able to carry up to 4,000 pounds of bombs on wing hardpoints.

Head-on view of the F-8E. The "E" incorporated numerous modifications, including detachable wing pylons and additional avionics, which allowed the Crusader to employ the AGM-12 Bullpup missiles shown in this view. Note the geometry of the "Y" racks, in this case mounting Zuni air-to-ground missiles. The nose mounted boom was used for test programs only.

Появление специальной всепогодной модификации F8U-2N также не сняло всех ограничений в применении "Крусейдеров", хотя и серьезно повысило боевые возможности истребителя.

16 февраля 1960г. С аэродрома в Далласе (штат Техас) совершил первый полет всепогодный истребитель Vought F8U-2N (F-8D), оснащенный усовершенствованным радаром и реактивными снарядами класса "воздух - воздух".

F-8D incorporated numerous changes from the "C" model, one of which was the "Y" rack that enabled the Crusader to carry four Sidewinder AAMs, instead of the original complement of two.

YF-8A at NAS Johnsonville, Pa. in 1965.

В резервных частях "Крусейдеры" иногда несли одновременно маркировку и флота и Корпуса Морской Пехоты.

F-8E of the Commanding Officer, VF-211, at Danang.

An F-8E of Bon Homme Richard's air wing, shown during a Danang interlude in the mid-sixties.

Обозначения всех побед эскадрильи VF-211 на нижнем киле одного из ее "Крусейдеров", авианосец "Хэнкок", лето 1967г.

F8U-1 of VF-103, at Langley AFB in 1961.

F-8E at Patuxent River, 1969. The small window on the underside of the nose cone is the gun camera aperture.

The business end of an F-8E loaded for the air superiority role.

F-8E of VMF(AW)-235 ready for action at Danang, 1967.

The F-8C also benefitted from the remanufacture program, 82 of the older models becoming F-8Ks

An F-8A of VF-32 aboard the Saratoga for an Atlantic cruise in the early sixties. Early Crusaders were equipped with 2.75 in. "Mighty Mouse" rocket packs mounted in the fuselage speed brake.

F-8 в экспозиции одного из многочисленных американских авиамузеев.

An F-8E of VF-194 taxies to the active runway at Danang.

An immaculate F-8D. one of 152 "D" models manufactured. A total of 89 were remanufactured and redesignated F-8H.

Во время аэрошоу на авиабазе "Эндрюс" можно было увидеть и F8U-2 из состава VF-84. Но возможности и этой модификации, получившей новый двигатель и дополнительную пару пилонов для "Сайдуиндеров", не удовлетворили адмиралов.

F-8E из состава эскадрильи VMF(AW)-235 Корпуса Морской Пехоты на авиабазе в Да Нанге. На самолете подвешена дюжина 227-кг осколочно-фугасных авиабомб Mk.82, а также четыре направляющих для 127-мм НУРСов "Зуни". Верхние фюзеляжные пилоны оставлены для подвески УР AIM-9 "Сайдуиндер". Лето 1968г.

An F-8L (remanufactured F-8B) taxies out for a flight test at LTV's Dallas plant. 63 F-8Bs received a new lease on life through the remanufacture program.

Chance Vought F8U-1 Crusader carrier-borne local air superiority fighter is the first U.S. aircraft to employ a two-position incidence wing.

An F-8E taxies to the runway prior to a mission against enemy units in the I Corps area of South Vietnam. A testament to the Crusader's all-weather ability is evident in this picture as the hill tops in the distance are obscured by low hanging clouds. Marine Crusaders played an important role in the around the clock bombing campaign that eventually led to lifting the siege of the Marine garrison at Khe Sahn.

Обратите внимание на поднятое гидросистемой крыло F8U-1.

An F-8E of VF-162. Marking details are: black rudder with yellow stars, yellow stripe outlined in black at top of vertical stabilizer, black bands with yellow stars on wing tips and under nose.

The unsuccessful half of Project Bullet. F-8A flown by Lt. Charles Demmler was unable to complete the coast to coast speed run, due to damage incurred during in-flight refueling. The other Crusader, an RF-8A flown by John Glenn, completed the supersonic crossing of the United States.

A Marine F8U-2 at an air show in 1960.

An F-8C, also from "Bonnie Dick". Danang was a primary divert airfield for carrier based aircraft, making it a tri-service installation.

The Crusader chalked up a notable first as Cmdr. George Talley, CAG Air Group One, made the first landing on the nuclear carrier USS Enterprise.

О размерах ангаров американских авианосцев наглядное представление дает этот снимок. Самолетов много, но и свободного места тоже достаточно.

The USS Ticonderoga departs Hawaii for its WestPac on October 9, 1965. Ranged forward are Douglas Skyraiders, A-4 Skyhawks and Vought F-8 Crusaders, with Douglas A-3 Skywarriors and a sole Grumman E-1B Tracer of VAW-11 ranged aft. It was on this tour that Lt (jg) Doug Webster was lost along with Skyhawk “472”.

«Крусейдеры» F-8E из эскадрильи VA-31 ВМФ США на палубе авианосца «Бон Омм Ричард». Побережье Вьетнама, вторая половина 1960-х гг.

Crusaders of VF-62, the first aircraft to launch and recover on the new "Big E".

32-я истребительная эскадрилья первой в ВМС США получила F8U-1 в марте 1957 года. Crusader по своим летным данным и боевой эффективности значительно превосходил McDonnell F3H Demon (на снимке) и Douglas F4D Skyray. Эскадрилья "Swordsmen" в 1965 году сменила Crusader на F-4B.

VMF-235 was one of the first Marine Corps fighter squadrons to operate the Crusader. The F8U-1 is seen here during carrier quals.

This Crusader of VF-124 has just recovered, and is being directed to a parking spot as a Phantom turns onto a final approach.

An F-8J aboard Oriskany, during a 1971 call in Japanese port.

F-8E undergoing carrier suitability tests by the Naval Air Test Center. The F-8E was the final growth version of the design and numerous improvements gave the Crusader all-weather intercept and ground attack capability. Note the "Mad Bomber" motif on the fuselage side.

«Крусейдер» F-8F из эскадрильи VF-211 на палубе авианосца «Бон Омм Ричард». Тонкинский залив, 1967 г.

На фотографии: F8U-1 очень раннего выпуска из испытательной эскадрильи ВМС США VX-3. Уникальной особенностью самолета являлось переставляемое крыло, позволявшее изменять его угол атаки без изменения пространственного положения самолета в целом.

Ordnance specialists are loading Sidewinder missiles on an F-8E of VF-52, aboard USS Ticonderoga. The Crusader is also armed with four 20mm cannon with 144 rounds per gun. Sidewinders have proven to be the more effective air-to-air weapon, as the guns tend to jam under the high G loads imposed during dog fighting. Crusader pilots are still fond of referring to their mount as "The last of the gunfighters."

Mounting an AIM-9C Sidewinder on an F-8 Crusader fighter

Подвеска управляемой ракеты AIM-9 «Сайдвиндер» на истребитель «Крусейдер». Авианосец «Тикондерога», 1965 г.

The completion of the Sidewinder loading sequence. Note the movable control surfaces of the Sidewinders.

На начальном этапе войны, не считая 20-мм пушек, 70-мм НУРСы "Майти Маус" и 127-мм "Зуни" были единственным видом оружия, который пилоты "Крусейдеров" могли использовать при атаках наземных целей.

F-8E «Крусейдер» на палубе авианосца «Бон Омм Ричард», Тонкинский залив, 1968 г.

F8U-1, with Cdr. R. W.Windsor at the controls, during carrier qualifications aboard USS Forrestal, in April of 1956. Cdr. Windsor also won the Thompson Trophy in 1956, setting a new national speed record of 1,015 mph in the Crusader.

F8U-2NE из состава этой же эскадрильи не катапульте авианосца типа "Орискани" в предстартовой готовности.

An F-8E (FN) aboard USS Shangri-La for suitability tests. The French (via George Letztzer) bought 42 F-8Es for use on carriers Clemenceau and Foch. French Crusaders incorporated boundry layer air and double droop wing leading edges for even better low speed handling.

A Crusader of VMF(AW)-235 on the flight line at Danang as the pilot and crew chief go through pre-flight procedures. The F-8E is armed with Zuni air-to-ground rockets and 2,000 lb. bombs.

Истребитель F-8E из VF-53 стартует с авианосца Hancock, май 1968г.

A telephoto lens creates an impressive if somewhat distorted portrait of this F-8D about to launch from USS Constellation. The Crusader is from VF-124 a west coast training squadron.

Launch sequence. At left F-8s of VF-174 run through various operations leading to catapult launch. Catapult crew attaches launch bridle and hold-back cable, (top) Final check of cables is made while pilot completes his check list, (middle) Crusader roars down the flight deck under the combined thrust of J-57 engine and steam catapult.

F-8 "Крусейдер"

An F-8J of VF-194 launches from USS Oriskany, during 1969 air operations off North Vietnam.

Ten thousand pounds of J-57 thrust plus the steam catapult of USS Forrestal sling an F8U-2 into the air. Though Marine fighter squadrons did not (until recently) operate regularly from carriers, all Marine pilots are required to maintain carrier qualification.

Бомбардировщик A-5A взлетает с палубы "Энтерпрайза" вместе с истребителем F-8. Восточная Атлантика, Карибский кризис, октябрь 1962 г.

The F-8D also had improved avionics, including a push-button autopilot. The "Mighty Mouse" rocket pack was deleted in favor of increased fuel capacity.

A VF-53 'Iron Angels' F-8 in flight off the coast of Vietnam with its wings in the 'conventional' configuration.

An F-8J of VF-24 in flight over North Vietnam during 1971 cruise to Westpac. F-8J is definitive version of the Crusader, being a remanufactured "E", with the latest avionics installed.

LTV F-8A Crusader 145322 of VF-103 "Sluggers", Air Wing 10

Новый истребитель для ВМС. Март-ноябрь 1957г.: 25 марта на вооружение 32-й истребительной эскадрильи из состава корабельного авиакрыла авианосца "Саратога" стали поступать первые серийные сверхзвуковые истребители палубного базирования Chance Vought F8U-1 Crusader.

F-8E из состава эскадрильи VF-53 с авианосца "Тикондерога". Самолет несет на ракетных пилонах 127-мм НУРСы "Зуни".

An F-8D undergoing flight tests. The scoops atop the tailpipe are for afterburner cooling.

One of 130 F-8Bs to be built. The "B" model had improved electronics, which gave it a limited all-weather capability.

A standard F8U-1 fighter. The bulge for the refuelling probe shown in the picture is deleted on current production planes in favour of a flush door as on the F8U-1P.

F8U-2NE капитана Джима Хигби из состава эскадрильи VMF(AW)-235 "Ангелы смерти" (Death angels). На подкрыльевом пилоне подвешена 454-кг авиабомба.

Late production Chance Vought F-8E Crusader with bulged top fuselage

An F-8E of VMF-122. Colors are: Blue rudder and circle, white shield and sword, red cross, black fin tip. This is an early F-8E, sans avionics later added to enable Crusaders to carry Bullpup missiles.

This underside view of an F-8E shows the position of the fully retractable tail hook.

A VF-51 Crusader over the Gulf of Tonkin. The depth of the refueling probe bulge on the port side is evident in this photo.

В полете над Южно-Китайским морем пара F-8E из эскадрильи VF-53 ВМС США, весна-лето 1968 г.

Ударные самолеты сопровождали истребители F-8 Crusader, вооруженные четырьмя встроенными пушками и УР "воздух-воздух" Sidewinder с тепловыми ГСН. На снимке: два истребителя F-8 Crusader из 211-й эскадрильи авиакрыла авианосца "Хэнкок".

A VFP-63 RF-8G being escorted over Vietnam by an F-8J of VF-24, circa 1971.

F-8Es of VMF(AW)-312 pose against the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains. Marking details are: Dark brown fin tip above yellow and red stripes, black and white checkerboard with red outline, black ventral fins with yellow and red border.

Vought F-8D Crusaders.

F-8Es of VF-162 over the California desert on a training mission.

An F-8C (F-8D ???) of VF-111 from the carrier USS Midway fires a Zuni rocket during a ground support mission in South Vietnam.

Dick Bellinger firing Zuni air-to-ground rockets at a Viet Cong stronghold in the Delta of South Vietnam. This action occurred during a tune-up cruise on Dixie Station in 1966.

F-8D «Крусейдер» авиации ВМФ США атакует наземную цель в Южном Вьетнаме. Не ранее 1964 г.

F-8E из эскадрильи VMF(AW)235 КМП США наносят удары по объектам на территории ДРВ, конец 1965 г.

Американский F-8 сбрасывает напалмовые баки на Хюэ, во время последних боев за этот город. Март 1968 г.

F-8 из состава авиагруппы авианосца "Тикондерога" над горящим вьетнамским торпедным катером. 2 августа 1964г.

"Хани" - как называли в американском флоте авианосец "Хэнкок" - идет на Ближний Восток. На борту авианосца находится "горячий" резерв для израильских ВВС - "Крусейдеры" эскадрилий VF-24 и VF-211.

An F-8J of VF-53 in the landing pattern over "Bonnie Dick" during operations in the Gulf of Tonkin, circa 1970.

Снимок с борта советского разведчика - "Крусейдер" над авианосцем

U.S.S. "John F. Kennedy" (CV-67). 87,000 tons, "Kitty Hawk" class, moored in the Solent. Types visible on her packed flight deck include F-14A Tomcats, A-6 Intruders, A-7 Corsair IIs, S-3A Vikings, SH-3 Sea Kings, E-2C Hawkeyes and three F-8 Crusaders

USS Oriskany steaming in the Gulf of Tonkin during the bombing campaign against North Vietnam in the mid-sixties.

Авианосец «Тикондерога» принимает топливо во время третьего боевого похода к берегам Вьетнама (15 октября 1966 г. - 29 мая 1967 г.). На палубе видны истребители F-8 «Крусейдер» и штурмовики A-4 «Скайхок»

До конца холодной войны почти все фотографии Ту-95 были сделаны в воздухе во время перехватов советских самолетов западными истребителями. Перехваты Ту-95 выполняли самые разные самолеты - от старых Crusader до современных Raptor и Typhoon.

СССР использовал возможности, возникающие во время арабо-израильских войн 1960-х и 1970-х годов для сбора разведданных по шестому флоту США. Этот Ту-16РМ перехвачен истребителем F-8 Crusader ВМФ США. На Ту-16 нанесены египетские опознавательные знаки, но считается, что на самом деле это фоторазведчик с советским экипажем.

Ту-16 опекают "Крусейдер" и "Фантом"

Палубные истребители F-4 «Фантом» и F-8 «Крусейдер» «зажимают» пару Ту-16

Совместное маневрирование истребителей МиГ-21 и F-8 "Крусейдер" (кадр из кинохроники)

МиГ-17Ф в США. Фото из отчета по испытаниям

Возможность дозаправки в воздухе в конструкцию Crusader закладывалась с самого начала. На снимке: один из первых серийных F8U-1 принимает топливо от самолета-заправщика North American AJ-2 Savage.

North American AJ-2 tanker refuelling an F8U-1 Crusader.

An F-8J of VX-4 refueling from an EKA-3B. The F-8J is a remanufactured F-8E.

Танкер KC-130F передает топливо истребителям F-8 и F-4

A Marine Corps KC-130 extending the range of a pair of Marine Crusaders. Maximum unrefueled range of the F-8 is 1,400 miles.

Дозаправка истребителя F-8J от A-7E из эскадрильи VA-155 с авианосца «Орискани». Вьетнам, 1972 г.

A colorful F-8E. Tail colors are, from top to bottom: light blue, lemon yellow, green, orange, red. The lightning bolt is red. The aircraft belongs to CAG, CVW-19.

There were several other instances of pilots taking off with the wings folded, including two within VMF(AW)-235 'Death Angels' in less than a year. This photograph was taken in Da Nang.

An F-8E of VMF(AW)-235 on approach for landing. Markings colors as follows: Red nose flash, tail stripe, and ventral fins with white stars.

An F-8E of VF-53. Tail colors are, front to rear: Red, light blue, lemon yellow, green, scarlet. The aircraft belongs to CAG, CVW-5.

The moment of truth during the recovery of an F-8 aboard Bon Homme Richard. The Crusader, streaming condensation trails from its wingtips, swoops over the ramp as the LSO looks on. The advantage of the variable incidence wing is evident here, as the angle of attack necessary to maintain approach speed would severely limit pilot visibility without this unique design feature.

An F-8D about to touch down. The F-8D was the first Crusader to mount the infra-red scanner above the nose cone. It also carried the then-new approach power compensator.

An F-8H of a Naval Reserve squadron swoops onto the deck of the USS John F. Kennedy. The remanufacture program for Crusaders guarantees the LTV fighter operational life well into the seventies. Note the deployed emergency generator in this view, (under fuselage pylon)

A VF-32 Crusader about to catch a wire aboard the Saratoga. The lights of the mirror landing system are visible in the foreground.

В ближнем бою, в сравнении с "Фантомом", "Крусейдер" имел ряд несомненных достоинств: F-8 был заметно легче в управлении, имел более высокую угловую скорость крена и самое главное - 20-мм автоматические пушки, позволявшие ему успешно сражаться с вьетнамскими "МиГами" на коротких дистанциях и при значительных перегрузках, когда ни "Сайдуиндеры", ни тем более дальнобойные "Спэрроу" никакой практической ценностью уже не обладали.

Летный состав эскадрильи VF-211 с авианосца «Бон Омм Ричардс». Стоят в центре коммандер П. Спир и капитан-лейтенант Д. Ши. Фото 1967 г.

Several Crusaders were modified for special duties, such as target tugs. F-8A, on the photo, in the eye-catching colors of VC-7, (dark blue-gray fuselage, orange vertical fin, wings and stabilators) are example.

Several Crusaders were modified for special duties, such as target tugs. F-8L of VC-7, on the photo, are example.

Катапульта французского авианосца начинает разгон "Крусейдера".

Crusader ВМС Франции и ВВС Филиппин первоначально были окрашены согласно схеме, принятой в ВМС США. Позднее самолеты PAF получили двухтоновый серый камуфляж. На снимке хорошо заметно крыло Crusader в поднятом положении.

With the ACM still some 10 years away from IOC, however, replacement of the Chance Vought F-8N Crusaders may call for the purchase of interim equipment from abroad.

Обратите внимание на этот снимок, где запечатлен момент торможения истребителя, на мгновение повисшего на двух точках: носовой стойке и гаке, за который машину удерживает трос аэрофинишера.

Дольше всех "крестоносцы" продержались на вооружении у французов. Пережив несколько модернизаций, они тем не менее после торжественной церемонии были сняты с вооружения 4 декабря 1999г. Куда раньше от них избавились филиппинцы, которым "за пазухой" у дяди Сэма в сущности было некого опасаться.

F-8P No 31 of Flat 12F was one of the first Crusaders to undergo updating. The modified aircraft can only be distinguished externally by the fin-mounted RWR housing.

The French Navy Crusader is fast approaching retirement

Matra R.530 air-to-air missile on fuselage launcher of a French Navy F-8E(FN) Crusader

Ling-Temco-Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader in French Navy insignia

This LTV F-8E(FN) Crusader, No. 31, is operated for the CEP on weapons test missions by the French Navy

An F-8H Crusader of the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the HHP's 5th Fighter Wing based at Basa in Northern Luzon.

Единственный построенный по заказу американского флота учебно-боевой F8U-1T.

Компания "Vought" доработала 74-й построенный F-8A в двухместный вариант F8U-1T (TF-8A). Самолет получился очень удачным, после эксплуатации в ВМС США (на снимке) машину использовали в качестве самолета сопровождения при проведении летных испытаний на базе Эдвардс. TF-8A разбился во время тренировочного полета 28 июля 1978 года.

View of the sole example of the TF-8A Crusader dual control trainer. The TF-8A is a remanufactured F-8A. It is now in permanent residence at the Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River.

Chance Vought TF-8A Crusader two-seat trainer (Pratt & Whitney J57-P-20 turbojet engine)

LTV F-8 Crusader modified under NASA’s Digital Fly-By-Wire programme

Этот F-8A использовался НАСА в исследованиях по сверхкритическому профилю.

Comparison of two F-8A Crusaders: with NASA’s supercritical wing (left) and in standard configuration (right)