Bringing ‘The Last of the Gunfighters’ Home: Vietnam War Flight Museum’s Mission to Preserve the Final F-8 Crusader

The Vietnam War Flight Museum has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support its mission of preserving the final F-8 Crusader and "Bringing 'The Last of the Gunfighters' Home."

The F-8E(FN) had to be modified so that it could operate safely aboard French aircraft carriers, which were somewhat smaller than their American counterparts. In order to reduce the approach speed, the maximum angle of incidence of the variable-incidence wing was increased from five to seven degrees.. Photo via Alex Staruszkiewicz via AirFighters
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The Vietnam War Flight Museum recently announced plans to acquire the last operational F-8 Crusader, an aircraft that holds a unique place in aviation history as “The Last of the Gunfighters.” A GoFund Me campaign was recently started (Click HERE). This particular aircraft, Bureau Number 151765, Tail #34, was one of 42 Crusaders acquired by the French Navy in 1962 and has remained abroad since its retirement from French service. The museum is seeking public support to bring this historic jet back to American soil, where it can honor its legacy and serve as an educational exhibit. The Crusader is currently in France, and the museum aims to raise $100,000 to cover transportation and restoration costs to bring this significant piece of military history to the United States.

F8EFN Crusader 34 Cambrai in 1989
One of the the last Marine’s Gunfighter, BuNo 151765 #34. The French Navy retired its F-8 Crusaders from service on December 19, 1999, replacing them with the Dassault Rafale M. Photo via Cocardes de France et d’ailleurs
French F 8 Crusader 151739
In this photo F-8 Crusader #39 which is not the airplane sought by the museum. The French Crusader was designated F-8E(FN), where the FN stood for “French Navy”. The Marine Nationale originally planned to order 40 single-seat F-8E(FN) fighters, plus six TF-8E(FN) two-seaters. However, when plans for the development of the two-seat Crusader were abandoned, the order was changed to 42 F-8E(FN) single-seaters. The 42 F-8E(FN) aircraft were assigned the Bureau of Aeronautics serial numbers 151732/151773 for administrative purposes. Source www.joebaugher.com – Photo via Aéronavale Archives

The Significance of the F-8 Crusader

A highly capable fighter from the post-World War II era, the F-8 Crusader was known for its sleek design, featuring a prominent jet intake and a unique variable-incidence wing that allowed for improved pilot visibility during takeoff and landing. Unlike other fighters of its time, which increasingly relied on missiles, the Crusader retained 20mm cannons as its primary weapons, earning it the title “The Last of the Gunfighters.”

A section of VFP 206 RF 8G Crusaders in late 1986 when they were last F 8s in U.S. Naval service
A section of VFP-206 RF-8G Crusaders in late 1986, marking the last F-8s in U.S. Naval service. Photo via US NAVY

The Crusader quickly proved itself a groundbreaking aircraft. On August 21, 1956, Commander Robert W. Windsor set a national speed record of 1,015.428 mph in the F-8, marking it as the first operationally equipped jet to exceed 1,000 mph. On July 16, 1957, future astronaut Major John H. Glenn, Jr., flew a photo reconnaissance version of the F-8 on a record-setting transcontinental flight, covering the distance from Los Alamitos, California, to Floyd Bennett Field, New York, in just over three hours.\

Vought F8U 1 Crusader Bu. No. 141345 Thompson Trophy 1956 frame
Commander Robert W. “Duke” Windsor, Jr., U.S. Navy, flying Chance Vought F8U-1 Crusader, Bu. No. 141345. (University of Texas)

The F-8 Crusader’s operational record includes historic missions such as photo reconnaissance flights during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and extensive combat operations during the Vietnam War, where Crusader pilots were credited with downing 18 enemy MiGs.

F 8E VMFAW 235 DaNang Apr1966
An F-8E of VMF(AW)-235 at Da Nang, in April 1966 showed the Infrared search and track (IRST) sensor in front of the canopy. Image via Wikipedia

The French Navy selected the F-8 Crusader in the early 1960s to equip its carriers, Clemenceau and Foch, because the newer F-4 Phantom was too large for their decks. Designated the F-8E(FN), the French Crusaders remained in service until December 19, 1999, when they were retired in favor of the Dassault Rafale M.

F 8 crusader buno 151765 34
BuNo 151765 $34 on the ramp of Ghedi AB, Italy parked next to a Turkish F-4 Phantom. Photo via Alex Staruszkiewicz via AirFighters
 
French F 8 Crusader 151739 Aeronavale
Again tail #39 ( not the airplane sought by the Vietnam War Flight Museum). The F-8E(FN) had to be modified so that it could operate safely aboard French aircraft carriers, which were somewhat smaller than their American counterparts. To reduce the approach speed, the maximum angle of incidence of the variable-incidence wing was increased from five to seven degrees. Source www.joebaugher.com Photo via Aéronavale Airchives

A New Chapter at the Vietnam War Flight Museum

Bringing this final flying F-8 Crusader to the Vietnam War Flight Museum would allow the aircraft to fulfill a new purpose as a tribute to the service members and pilots of the Vietnam War. As an airworthy exhibit, it will give visitors an opportunity to connect with a significant chapter of American aviation history.

The Vietnam War Flight Museum has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the costs of transporting and restoring the Crusader. Every dollar donated will go directly towards bringing the jet to the U.S. and preserving it for future generations. The museum encourages supporters to contribute and help spread the word about this effort to bring the Crusader back home, where it can continue to inspire and honor those who served. Each contribution brings the museum one step closer to preserving this unique piece of history, ensuring the legacy of the F-8 Crusader and the heroes who flew it live on. To support this effort by the Vietnam War Flight Museum, click on the GoFund Me campaign link.

Moreno-Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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About Moreno Aguiari 3371 Articles
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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