Aeronavale Crusaders

[Tom Docherty]

I am hoping to get responses from Crusader pilots who flew exchange tours with the French Aeronavale or trained French pilots on the type about:

The flying characteristics of the F-8.
Was it an easy aircraft to fly?
What were the dangers of flying the type - could you get into trouble easily on the edge of its flight envelope?
Was the cockpit ergonomically easy to work in or was it a bit like being a one-armed paper hanger?
What was its strongest virtue?
What was its greatest vice?

I would also appreciate stories of combat operations, exercises, close calls in training and/or poor weather. Also any photos, particularly air-to-air shots you may have. Tales of high pressure operations as well as anything liked or disliked about the F-8.


I look forward to hearing from you.

 

[Tom Docherty]

No responses yet. Where have all of the Crusader pilots gone?

 

[wink]

Not ignoring you. I am just not aware of any Crusader dudes on this forum. Sorry no one can help you out.

 

[Tom Docherty]

No problem wink, just hoping the bump might find someone.

Tom

 

[Malo83]

Try here
http://users.cloudnet.com/djohnson/index.html

 

[Tom Docherty]

Thank you Malo83 I will try it.

Tom

 

[BusyBee604]

No problem wink, just hoping the bump might find someone.

Tom, I'm not a 'Sader driver, but made two deployments with an F-8 squadron in my Airwing (CVW-9 w/ VF-91 on RANGER jn 1960; and CVW-5 w/ VF-51 on TICONDEROGA in 1961). I am in e-mail touch with a long-time Buddy & flight training classmate Nick, a retired NorthWest A/L B-747 Captain, who flew Crusaders and has compiled many tales about the F-8 and occasionally shares them in e-mails. He may also be able to put you in touch with other ex-"Last Of The Gunfighters" Pilots from the 'good ol' days' at Miramar.

E-mail Nick at cavutothemoon@comcast.net and let him know what you are looking for. Tell Nick that "Mr. Swine" sends his regards!.
BzB

 

[Tom Docherty]

Hi BusyBee604, thanks for the contact details for Nick. I have emailed him and passed on your message. Hopefully he will help with Crusader contacts.

Yours aye

Tom

 

[BusyBee604]

Hi BusyBee604, thanks for the contact details for Nick. I have emailed him and passed on your message. Hopefully he will help with Crusader contacts.

Tom, I just received an e-mail with a link toa video/audio of an F-8 Crusader ejection & rescue on a strike mission over No. Vietnam back in the mid-'60s. If you PM me your e-mail address, I'll forward the e-mail/link to you ASAP.

Did Nick ever respond to your message?

*Couple of photos of Nick "back in the day" below.
BzB

 

[Tom Docherty]

Tom, I just received an e-mail with a link toa video/audio of an F-8 Crusader ejection & rescue on a strike mission over No. Vietnam back in the mid-'60s. If you PM me your e-mail address, I'll forward the e-mail/link to you ASAP.

Did Nick ever respond to your message?

*Couple of photos of Nick "back in the day" below.
BzB

Hi BzB,
Will do. Nick did reply but only to send me an email address for another chap. I will Pm my email address.

Yours aye

Tom