adamstrzemienski
F-8 Crusader
The Vought F-8E Crusader and the F-4 Phantom were a few of many aircraft used in the Vietnam War. The U.S. Navy used the carrier-based Crusader aircraft extensively on missions protecting bombers over Vietnam from MiG jets. The F-4 Phantom fighter-bomber primarily supported ground troops and engaged enemy aircraft. The Crusader was small enough to operate from small aircraft carriers and agile enough to down many MiG-17’s and MiG-21’s by use of the new Sidewinder AAM missiles and 20-mm cannon. The Vietnam War ushered in a new era of dogfights between jet fighters on a large scale. The Crusader was known for its capabilities as a fighter against the Soviet built MiGs. Together, the Crusader and the F-4 Phantom were equal no one but the MiG-21’s the Soviet Union supplied to the North Vietnamese. The days fighting a 200-300 mile per hour were replaced by aircraft fighting traveling at the speed of sound. These fighter-bomber aircraft were versatile in the Vietnam War. Through more advanced communication, these aircraft were able to provide air support for troops on the ground. If needed, these aircraft could arrive for assistance within just several minutes upon request.
Donald, David (1998) The Military Jets Aircraft Guide. New Jersey, Chartwell Books.
Photo from www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org
F-8 Crusader
The Vought F-8E Crusader and the F-4 Phantom were a few of many aircraft used in the Vietnam War. The U.S. Navy used the carrier-based Crusader aircraft extensively on missions protecting bombers over Vietnam from MiG jets. The F-4 Phantom fighter-bomber primarily supported ground troops and engaged enemy aircraft. The Crusader was small enough to operate from small aircraft carriers and agile enough to down many MiG-17’s and MiG-21’s by use of the new Sidewinder AAM missiles and 20-mm cannon. The Vietnam War ushered in a new era of dogfights between jet fighters on a large scale. The Crusader was known for its capabilities as a fighter against the Soviet built MiGs. Together, the Crusader and the F-4 Phantom were equal no one but the MiG-21’s the Soviet Union supplied to the North Vietnamese. The days fighting a 200-300 mile per hour were replaced by aircraft fighting traveling at the speed of sound. These fighter-bomber aircraft were versatile in the Vietnam War. Through more advanced communication, these aircraft were able to provide air support for troops on the ground. If needed, these aircraft could arrive for assistance within just several minutes upon request.
Donald, David (1998) The Military Jets Aircraft Guide. New Jersey, Chartwell Books.
Photo from www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org