The Chance-Vought RF-8G “Crusader” is a supersonic US Navy jet, the reconnaissance version of the F-8 “Crusader” Navy fighter. Originally known as the F8U until 1962 when the Defense Department standardized military aircraft designations, the F-8’s wings pivoted by 7° out of the fuselage on takeoff and landing. As the last fighter jet to be armed with cannons as their primary weapon, the F-8 earned the nickname “Last of the Gunfighters.”
Designed simultaneously with the F8U at the Vought plant in Dallas, Texas, the F8U-1P photo-reconnaissance version had a redesigned nose and forward section for camera stations. The first F8U-1P “Photo” Crusader, later known as the RF-8A, made its initial flight in December 1957, with five cameras in place of the four 22mm Colt cannons. In 1965-66, the RF-8G replaced the RF-8As with strengthened wings, ventral fins, fuselage reinforcement, a new navigation system, and improved camera station installations. The photo reconnaissance versions of the Crusader served long after the fighter version retired.
Designed simultaneously with the F8U at the Vought plant in Dallas, Texas, the F8U-1P photo-reconnaissance version had a redesigned nose and forward section for camera stations. The first F8U-1P “Photo” Crusader, later known as the RF-8A, made its initial flight in December 1957, with five cameras in place of the four 22mm Colt cannons. In 1965-66, the RF-8G replaced the RF-8As with strengthened wings, ventral fins, fuselage reinforcement, a new navigation system, and improved camera station installations. The photo reconnaissance versions of the Crusader served long after the fighter version retired.