Dawn F-8

Open Edition Print
S/N by the Artist
Image Size: 18"x 24"
Paper Size: 19"x 25"

Plane Type: Vought F-8 Crusader

In the early 1950's the arrival of the supersonic jet age came to the US Navy in the form of the Chance Vought F-8 Crusader. The first flight of the F-8 occurred in March of 1955 and it became the first shipboard aircraft to exceed the speed of sound in level flight. In 1956 the Crusader set a world speed record with an average speed of 1,015 mph. The most unique feature of the F-8 is the variable incidence wing allowing the entire wing to act as a flap for carrier take offs and landings. By the time production ended 1,261 F-8s would be produced by Vought.

The Crusader was armed with four 20mm cannons and was referred to as "the last gunfighter" because it was the last American fighter to be designed with guns as its primary weapon. Despite the nickname, the F-8 achieved most of its aerial victories over the Communist Migs in Vietnam with Sidewinder missiles.