The Gunfighter's Site
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Ball Updated 23 April 2007 The F-8 Crusader was the last U.S. fighter designed with guns
as its primary weapon. U. S. fighter aircraft are once again being
fitted with guns,
largely due to the Vietnam airwar experience. Missile-only aircraft
were at a distinct
disadvantage in the environment many thought passé --- the dogfight.
The Crusader
with its guns, and Crusader drivers well versed in dogfighting, led to
a resurgence in
gun-equipped aircraft, and a renewed emphasis in ACM -- Air Combat
Maneuvering.
We had the choice of guns or missiles. Note open
gun vent doors as the guns fire.
Jerry Pearson, VF-24 (USS Hancock, Gulf of Tonkin, circa 1969) courtesy
Chip Harris
Dedicated to all
F-8 pilots - "The Last of the Gunfighters"
In
Memory of
those who took their Final Flight in an F-8
Honoring those
who earned the F-8's nickname, "the MiG Master".
Updated 23 April 2007
Dedicated to all
F-8 pilots - "The Last of the Gunfighters"
