Vought QF-8L Crusader
Ling-Temco-Vought · United States · first flew 1956 · reconnaissance aircraft
The QF-8L was a drone conversion of the Vought F-8 Crusader used as a full-scale aerial target for missile testing by the U.S. Navy.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.61 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Drone-converted F-8 Crusader for aerial target use
- Variable-incidence wing is the Crusader's defining feature
- QF prefix denotes unmanned target drone conversion
Identical externally to a standard F-8 Crusader — the variable-incidence wing, oval intake, and tall fin are the key recognition features — distinguished only by drone markings.
Specifications
- The Vought QF-8L Crusader has a length of 16.61 m (54 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.87 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1975 km/h (1227 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The U.S. Navy converted surplus F-8 Crusaders into QF-8 target drones during the 1970s and 1980s as part of ongoing full-scale aerial target programmes; the QF-8L was a sub-variant of this conversion series.
Variants
Several QF-8 variants existed, including QF-8A and QF-8L; all retained the F-8's variable-incidence wing but were stripped of armament and fitted with remote control systems.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the U.S. Navy at Pacific Missile Test Center and related test ranges; used until the drone supply was exhausted.
Related aircraft
- A-7 Corsair II
- Vought RF-8G Crusader
- Fiat G.91R/1
- Beechcraft MQM-61 Cardinal
- English Electric Canberra PR.9
- Lockheed QT-33A
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