Synopses & Reviews
Although the Crusader was built first and foremost as a Navy interceptor, as has often been the tradition with US fighters, a photo-reconnaissance variant was also produced by Vought. The photo-bird's first operational test came in the autumn of 1962 when its overflights of Cuba alerted the world to the likely presence of medium-range ballistic missiles on the Caribbean island. The recce Crusader's next action came during the long years of the Vietnam War (1955-1975). This volume is the second of two in the Combat Aircraft series devoted to the Crusader, the first title (again by Peter Mersky) having covered the F-8 fighter variants, and their MiG-killing exploits, during the Vietnam War.
Synopsis
Built first and foremost as Navy fighter, the F-8 Crusader was effectively adapted for use as a photo-reconnaissance aircraft in 1957. With a number of cameras replacing the aircraft's trademark 20mm cannon below the cockpit, the RF-8's first test came in 1962, when overflights of Cuba alerted the world to the likely presence of ballistic missiles on the island. In Vietnam, the RF-8 assumed the role as the U.S. military's primary photographic platform through nine years of conflict.
About the Author
Retired US Navy officer Peter Mersky is a full time editor of the US Navys aircraft safety magazine, and author of Combat Aircraft 7 F-8 Crusader Units of the Vietnam War.