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F-8 Crusader
Statistics for F-8 Crusader
type
Single-seat, Carrier-capable fighter and fighter-bomber
bureau number
146939
nmna id
2005.072.001
manufacturer
Vought
powerplant
One 80.07-‐kN (18,016-‐lb-‐thrust) Pratt & Whitney J57-‐P-‐20A after-burning turbojet engine
maximum speed
1802 km/h (1120 mph) at 12,192 m (40,000 ft)
climb rate
6 min 30 sec to 17,375 m (57,000 ft)
range
1660 km (1031 miles)
service ceiling
17,983 m (59,000 ft)
Armament
Four 20-‐mm Mk 12 cannon with 144 rounds per gun Up to four AIM-‐9 Sidewinder AAMs; or eight 113-‐kg (250-‐lb) Mk 81 or 227-‐kg (500lb) Mk 82 bombs; or eight Zuni rockets; or two AGM-‐12A or AGM-‐12B Bullpup attack missiles
weights
Empty 9038 kg (19,925 lb) Maximum take-‐off 12,474 kg (27,500 lb)
dimensions
Span 10.87 m (35 ft 8 in) Length 16.61 m (54 ft 6 in) Height 4.80 m (15 ft 9 in) Wing Area 34.84 m2 (375 sq ft)
Distinctive in appearance, the F-8 Crusader, known as the "Last of the Gunfighters," was one of the US Navy's first supersonic, carrier-based fighter aircraft. Entering service in 1957, the F-8 was the last US fighter designed with guns as a primary weapon. Eventually equipped with Sidewinder missiles, Crusader excelled in dogfights with Vietnamese MIGs and was referred to as the "MIG Master."
