Vought RF-8G Crusader
Ling-Temco-Vought · United States · first flew 1965 · fighter
The RF-8G Crusader is the definitive photo-reconnaissance conversion of the Vought F-8 Crusader, carrying multiple cameras in place of cannon armament and serving as the US Navy's primary tactical photo platform for over two decades.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| 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:
- Variable-incidence swept wing unique to type
- Four camera windows in nose replacing gun bay
- Single J57 turbojet with lateral intakes
Identified by the camera port fairing under the nose, absence of cannon blisters, and the signature variable-incidence wing that pivots upward for landing approach.
Specifications
- The Vought RF-8G Crusader has a length of 16.61 m (54 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.87 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1800 km/h (1118 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originally converted from F8U-1P airframes in the late 1950s, the RF-8A fleet was remanufactured to RF-8G standard beginning in 1965 with structural reinforcement, updated avionics, and underwing hardpoints. RF-8Gs flew critical reconnaissance missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 (as RF-8As) and throughout the Vietnam War. The type remained in US Navy Reserve service until 1987.
Variants
The RF-8G was the final major reconnaissance Crusader variant, upgraded from RF-8A; no further reconnaissance sub-types were produced as the RF-8G proved sufficient.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with the US Navy and Marine Corps; its low-level high-speed photo runs over Cuba and Vietnam made it operationally irreplaceable until replaced by the F-14 with TARPS pods.
Related aircraft
- A-7 Corsair II
- Vought QF-8L Crusader
- Dassault Mirage IIIV
- MiG-21S
- North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco
- SOKO J-21 Jastreb
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