USS Intrepid
Vought F-8K Crusader
Pilot: Lt. Anthony Nargi
The Crusader was the first supersonic fighter designed for carrier use. Hinged at the trailing edge, its variable pitch wing could be hydraulically tilted seven degrees at the leading edge to increase the angle of attack, enabling the plane to land and take off at slower speeds.
On March 25, 1955, the Crusader became the first single-seat aircraft to break the sound barrier on its maiden flight. It was the fastest aircraft to fly from the Intrepid, able to reach top speeds of 1,322 mph (2,128 kph) and zoom to 52,350 feet (15,956 meters). Flown by Navy and Marine Corps squadrons, the Crusader saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War (1964–75).
On September 19, 1968, Intrepid pilot Anthony G. Nargi of squadron VF-111 fired a Sidewinder missile from his Crusader, shooting down a North Vietnamese MiG-21.
USS Intrepid
Vought F-8K Crusader
Pilot: Lt. Anthony Nargi
The Crusader was the first supersonic fighter designed for carrier use. Hinged at the trailing edge, its variable pitch wing could be hydraulically tilted seven degrees at the leading edge to increase the angle of attack, enabling the plane to land and take off at slower speeds.
On March 25, 1955, the Crusader became the first single-seat aircraft to break the sound barrier on its maiden flight. It was the fastest aircraft to fly from the Intrepid, able to reach top speeds of 1,322 mph (2,128 kph) and zoom to 52,350 feet (15,956 meters). Flown by Navy and Marine Corps squadrons, the Crusader saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War (1964–75).
On September 19, 1968, Intrepid pilot Anthony G. Nargi of squadron VF-111 fired a Sidewinder missile from his Crusader, shooting down a North Vietnamese MiG-21.