Vought XF8U-1 Crusader

The Vought XF8U-1 Crusader was the prototype for the F-8 Crusader series. In 1952, the Navy requested a supersonic carrier fighter. Vought designed the aircraft with a variable-incidence wing that tilted upward seven degrees for carrier operations, allowing the fuselage to remain level for better pilot visibility during landing. The XF8U-1 first flew on March 25, 1955, and achieved supersonic speed on its inaugural flight. Two prototypes were built, winning the Navy competition.

The XF8U-1 was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J57-P-11 turbojet, producing 14,800 pounds of thrust. Its maximum speed was Mach 1.8. The aircraft measured 54 feet in length and had a 35-foot wingspan. It was equipped with four 20mm cannons in the fuselage. The prototype led to the F-8 Crusader series, which served as the Navy's primary day fighter from the 1960s to the 1970s. The variable-incidence wing addressed carrier landing challenges and influenced later naval fighters. F-8s participated in Vietnam and remained in service until the 1980s.