The Gunfighter's Site
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Ball Updated 18 Oct. 2012 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 18 Oct. 2012
Dedicated
to all F-8 pilots - "The Last of the Gunfighters"
