F-8E(FN) [F-8P]

Courtesy Roy Shilham

The Last Flight of the Crusader took place 4 Dec. 1999 at Landivisau, home of Flotille 12F, the world's last active F-8 squadron. The French Crusader men put on a wonderful celebration, inviting every F-8 driver in the world. A U.S. contigent of about 180 attended. Go to The Last Flight of the Crusader for notes on the last cruise, the last trap & cat, the last airshow, and what was reported to be the grandest Last Crusader Ball.




An F-8E(FN) of Flotille 12F traps aboard Clemenceau; note the double-hinged leading edge droops on the outer wing panels.


(from  http://www.iaehv.nl/users/dirkx/images/f8p.jpg)









The F-8E(FN)'s differed from U.S. Echoes, with 2 deg. more incidence (wing up), double-hinged leading edge droops, and BLC.  Landing speeds are somewhere in the range of 90-115 kts., compared with 140+/- kts. for U.S. versions.  These remained in service through 4 Dec. 1999.


The F-8J was an F-8E remanufactured to similar specs.




PUBLICATION : JANE'S CIVIL AND MILITARY AIRCRAFT UPGRADES
PUBLICATION DATE : DECEMBER 13, 1994
EDITION : 1994-95
EQUIPMENT : AIRCRAFT - FIXED WING - MILITARY
AIRCRAFT - TURBOJET
COUNTRY : FRANCE
PAGE : 58
COMPANY NAME : DASSAULT
MODEL : DASSAULT (VOUGHT) F-8 CRUSADER UPGRADE
TYPE : Carrier-based combat aircraft upgrade.


PROGRAMME : Originally due to have been retired on 30 June 1993, the
French Navy's Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader carrier-based interceptors will
be updated for up to five more years of service before their operating
squadron, 12 Flottille at Landivisiau, has completed conversion to
Rafale Ms. In 1989, Dassault was contracted to determine the required
changes, although work will be performed by the navy's own workshops
at Atelier d'Aviation de Cuers, on 16 of the 20 Crusaders remaining
from 42 delivered. Apart from a radar warning receiver, modifications
are expected to concentrate on alleviation of airframe fatigue,
replacement of wiring and ejection seats, and a navigation equipment
update. Re-deliveries began in June 1992 and should be completed by
December 1994.
Photo courtesy Michael Klaver--- Visit his site

Link to the French Fleet Air Arm website: http://frenchnavy.free.fr/

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