Chance Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader, 29 / 29, French Navy / Aeronautique Navale
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 29
Construction Number: 29
Military Unit: 12F
Model Chance Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader
Operator: French Navy / Aeronautique Navale
Airport: Boscombe Down (EGD / EGDM), UK - England
Airshow: Boscombe Down - Air Tournament International - 1992
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 13/06/1992
Date Submitted: 27/02/2010
The last of the Gunfighters. Photographed in the static display during Air Tournament International 92 at Boscombe, this Crusader is from 12F based at Landivisiau. The F-8E (FN)s were the last Crusader variant produced, they differed from the US Navy's 'E' model to enable the French aircraft to operate safely from their smaller carriers. To reduce the approach speed the maximum angle of the variable-incidence wing was increased from 5 to 7 degrees and the tailplane was given a larger surface area. They also featured greater slat and flap deflection and the addition of a boundary layer control system. Consequently, landing speeds were reduced to somewhere in the range of 90-115kts, campared with 140kts for the USN versions. Also, the French Crusaders were armed with the Matra 8530 or 8550 air-to-air missile and later the Magic II. Forty-two aircraft were ordered by the Aéronavale for use aboard the carriers Foch and Clemenceau. The first production F-8E(FN) flew in June 1964 and was delivered to the French Navy in October of that year. New wings from the F-8J were installed on the French Crusaders in 1969, and in 1979 the engines were fitted with new afterburners. Flotille 12F was the first Aeronavale Crusader squadron, and the last, re-equipping with the Rafale M in 2000. This particular Crusader is now displayed on the gate at Landivisiau.
Picture ID:1217645