Difference between revisions of "F-8E(FN) (France)"

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{{About
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| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = the other version
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| link = F-8E
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f-8e_fn
 
|code=f-8e_fn
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].
+
After failing to design a suitable replacement for the Sud-Est Aquilon, the French looked towards the U.S. for a naval fighter. The French Navy would later select the Vought F-8 Crusader, a single-seat fighter that could serve aboard the smaller French carrier vessels. This required a few airframe modifications, like a larger tailplane and more responsive control surfaces. The F-8E(FN) would keep the four 20 mm cannons and the ability to fire AIM-9Bs; however, it was modified to also launch the Matra R530. France ordered 42 Crusaders and used them for over 30 years until they were replaced by the Dassault Rafale.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' represents the first entry of the French carrier-based air force into the supersonic era. The Crusader is a relatively difficult aircraft to master, especially when considering the opponents at its battle rating. It has excellent flight performance, being a reasonably fast but extremely agile aircraft, allowing it to easily train its powerful suite of 20 mm cannons on targets or utilise one of its two R550 Magic 1s to take out more evasive opponents. However, with only two missiles at its disposal (or four significantly less effective AIM-9Bs), as well as a lack of defensive features such as countermeasures or RWR, the F-8E(FN) may struggle when facing common opponents armed with all-aspect IR- or SARH-guided missiles.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
The French Crusader is a very agile aircraft, propelled by a powerful afterburning jet engine. When equipped with its new boosters and G-suit, it is not uncommon to engage enemy aircraft with double-digit load factors. The complement of missiles is installed on horizontal hardpoints, affixed to the fuselage, and the wings are thus free of load, allowing for extremely aggressive manoeuvres. Its enormous tailplanes also give the Crusader high angles of attack capabilities.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft does not compress at high speeds but will tend to consume its energy relatively quickly while dogfighting, when compared to the extremely light F-5 or the strong-engined MiG-21. This means that aggressive manoeuvres should be reserved for clean kills, whereas speed is the Crusader's ally in furballs, constantly harassing enemies engaged elsewhere or unaware of its presence. Speed-wise, the airframe struggles to accelerate past Mach 1.0 close to sea level, though its acceleration is on par with contemporaries.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,133 || 2,110 || 28.6 || 29.0 || 158.3 || 132.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The Crusader is a heavy carrier-borne fighter. Because of its weight, it is constructed with a variable angle of attack wingplane. This means that the wings can change position to act as a single, giant, take-off flap (see picture). This feature is considered the landing position of the flaps.
 +
[[File:WT wiki F8E(FN) 1.png|alt=Demonstration of the two flaps position and the associated wing movement on the F-8E(FN). |thumb|Demonstration of the two flaps position and the associated wing movement on the F-8E(FN).]]
 +
 +
It is possible to use this feature to its advantage in a low-speed dogfight, using the higher angle of attack to turn into the opponent's circle, sacrificing your own speed in the process, to attack with a missile or gun fire. Note that whether the manoeuvre succeeds or fails, the Crusader will be left in an extremely vulnerable position until it regains speed.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,555 <!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,070 || N/A || 583 || ~10 || ~4
+
| 1,555 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,070 || - || 583 || ~10 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 1,000 || < 590 || < 500 || N/A
+
| < 1,000 || < 590 || < 500 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
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''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
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The F-8E(FN) possesses no armour plating on any part of the aircraft. It has a 25 mm thick bulletproof glass front canopy reclined at 70°, and self-sealing fuel tanks. These protection devices are of very little help, because such a thickness of bulletproof glass will virtually never stop Cold War-era jet guns, ranging from 20 to 30 mm in diameter, and the self-sealing tanks are incapable of sealing even a single hole of such a diameter. Overall, the Crusader has little chance of surviving a missile hit, but can sometimes be seen surviving a 20 mm volley; just enough to get its pilot back to base, although this remains a minority of occurrences.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
As with any fighter of its battle rating, the missile complement is an absolute priority, multiplying the aircraft's capabilities tenfold. The components associated with the airflow dynamics of the aircraft are also important.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, cheek-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total)
+
* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, cheek-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)
 +
 
 +
The 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons are stacked in the centre of the aircraft, on each side of the air intake. It is to be noted that unlike the French 30 mm DEFA guns, these guns carry a much smaller explosive charge per round but at a substantially higher velocity, allowing them to be aimed with less lead. These cannons can and will overheat extremely quickly after a salvo of approximately 1.2 - 1.4 seconds. Short bursts are advised, as they are often sufficient and conserve ammunition.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
Line 136: Line 154:
 
* 1 x Matra R530 missile + 1 x Matra R530E missile
 
* 1 x Matra R530 missile + 1 x Matra R530E missile
 
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
 
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
 +
 +
The whole range of suspended armament available to the French F-8E(FN) is exclusively air-to-air missiles.
 +
 +
The AIM-9B Sidewinder are of poor performance at this tier and are only effective against players that are unaware of the Crusader's presence. Note that these missiles are the only ones that can be carried in a cluster of four.
 +
 +
The Matra R530 is a good upgrade from the AIM-9B Sidewinder. The radar-guided R530 gives the Crusader BVR and all-aspect capabilities, which are superior in range (albeit less agile) to the radar-guided AIM-9C carried by the American counterpart of the F-8E. However, the usage of a radar-guided missile with a flare-less aircraft can be dangerous because the optimal altitudes of the missile will not allow the F-8E to evade any incoming enemy threats if they also carry radar missiles.
 +
 +
The Matra R530E is a viable alternative to the R530 if the player has not mastered the radar guidance, or simply doesn't like the radar-guided version.
 +
 +
With its 30G overload, and Mach 3 max speed, the Matra R550 Magic 1 is a revolution in the arsenal of the Crusader, giving it the capability to fire a missile in dogfight, as a snap-fire, or off-boresight. The Magic 1 can also be slaved to the radar, widening the variety of launch solutions and the versatility of the missile in various situations.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The entirety of the tactics available to the F-8E(FN) are limited by its lack of flares. The French Crusader will not be able to survive a missile exchange and is vulnerable to all-aspect IR missiles, which are available to some aircraft that it may face. In the same concept, the French Crusader cannot be played at high altitude like its American counterpart because it will be quickly picked off by a radar-guided missile like an early AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9C, or R-3R that it will not be able to evade.
 +
 
 +
Taking these two factors into account, the F-8E(FN) should be played as a harasser. The missiles it can carry emphasize this, as they are either not very manoeuvrable or have a short range.
 +
 
 +
If a French F-8E arrives onto an already engaged enemy group, it can wreak havoc with its high manoeuvrability and engage basically any target with great effect. As long as attention is not drawn to the Crusader, it can re-engage at will, always keeping up its speed and picking off enemies.
 +
 
 +
If despite that, a missile is fired upon the French Crusader, its speed protects it from most IR missiles like the AIM-9B/E or the R-60 and will outrun them. This is not the case for later generation AIM-9Ls and equivalents.
 +
 
 +
As with its neighbours in the French tech tree, the [[Mirage IIIC]] and the [[Mirage 5F]] (and the [[Milan]], to some extent), the aircraft has to remain close to supersonic as much as possible.
 +
 
 +
Overall, the F-8E(FN) is a quite difficult aircraft to master, especially selecting when and where to strike and where not to, but the skills developed while playing it are very useful for the entirety of the other French supersonic jets.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
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''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Powerful air-to-air missiles
+
* Powerful air-to-air missiles available
−
** R550 Magic 1s have high manoeuverability
+
** R550 Magic 1s have high manoeuvrability
 
** R530E missiles have long range and can catch opponents by surprise
 
** R530E missiles have long range and can catch opponents by surprise
 
* Landing flaps activate its variable-incidence wings, which provides a lot of lift
 
* Landing flaps activate its variable-incidence wings, which provides a lot of lift
 
* Very good sustained turn rate
 
* Very good sustained turn rate
 
* Good acceleration and climb rate
 
* Good acceleration and climb rate
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Although it has powerful air-to-air missiles, it can only take two of them at once
 
* Although it has powerful air-to-air missiles, it can only take two of them at once
−
* Fragile wings which can easily rip at high speeds and in high-G turns
+
* Fragile wings, easy to rip at high speeds and in high-G turns
−
* Very likely to set on fire because of the fuel tank placement
+
* Fuel tank placement on aircraft makes it very likely to be set on fire
−
* Slow low level top speed compared to other supersonic competitors; can barely break Mach 1 at low altitude
+
* Slow low level top speed compared to other supersonic competitors; can barely get past Mach 1 at low altitude
 
* No flare/chaff countermeasures
 
* No flare/chaff countermeasures
−
* No ground attack payload options whatsoever  
+
* No ground attack payload options whatsoever
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
To replace the aging Sud-Est Aquilon, a variant of the Sea Venom, France was looking for a new aircraft that could serve aboard the new French carrier vessels. After many failed designs were submitted by the native French air industry, the French Navy looked towards foreign aircraft for a replacement. The Vought F-8 Crusader was selected and an order of 40 single F-8E and six TF-8E (two-seaters) was placed. Unfortunately, the two-seat variant of the Crusader never came to fruition and the order was changed to 42 single-seat F-8Es. The French F-8E would later be designated the F-8E(FN), the "FN" signifying the French Navy.
 +
 
 +
The first deliveries of the French Crusaders began in the mid-1960s and were sent to two squadrons, Flotille 12F and Flotille 14F. The F-8E(FN) had the standard armament of four 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose and the ability to utilise AIM-9B Sidewinders. In addition, the F-8E(FN) was modified to launch and carry both the infrared and radar variants of the Matra 530 missile. There was also an upgrade program in the early 1990s that introduced IFF, ILS, a radar altimeter, and more. It took roughly three years for the program to be completed. In 2000, the F-8E(FN) was finally replaced by the Dassault Rafale.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==

Latest revision as of 11:35, 27 July 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the jet fighter F-8E(FN) (France). For the other version, see F-8E.
▄F-8E(FN)
f-8e_fn.png
GarageImage F-8E(FN) (France).jpg
▄F-8E(FN)
France flag.png France
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.0 10.0 10.0
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

After failing to design a suitable replacement for the Sud-Est Aquilon, the French looked towards the U.S. for a naval fighter. The French Navy would later select the Vought F-8 Crusader, a single-seat fighter that could serve aboard the smaller French carrier vessels. This required a few airframe modifications, like a larger tailplane and more responsive control surfaces. The F-8E(FN) would keep the four 20 mm cannons and the ability to fire AIM-9Bs; however, it was modified to also launch the Matra R530. France ordered 42 Crusaders and used them for over 30 years until they were replaced by the Dassault Rafale.

Introduced in Update "Direct Hit", the ▄F-8E(FN) Crusader II represents the first entry of the French carrier-based air force into the supersonic era. The Crusader is a relatively difficult aircraft to master, especially when considering the opponents at its battle rating. It has excellent flight performance, being a reasonably fast but extremely agile aircraft, allowing it to easily train its powerful suite of 20 mm cannons on targets or utilise one of its two R550 Magic 1s to take out more evasive opponents. However, with only two missiles at its disposal (or four significantly less effective AIM-9Bs), as well as a lack of defensive features such as countermeasures or RWR, the F-8E(FN) may struggle when facing common opponents armed with all-aspect IR- or SARH-guided missiles.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 10 668 m2 110 km/h
Turn time29 s
Max altitude16 310 m
EnginePratt & Whitney J57-P-20A
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight15 t

The French Crusader is a very agile aircraft, propelled by a powerful afterburning jet engine. When equipped with its new boosters and G-suit, it is not uncommon to engage enemy aircraft with double-digit load factors. The complement of missiles is installed on horizontal hardpoints, affixed to the fuselage, and the wings are thus free of load, allowing for extremely aggressive manoeuvres. Its enormous tailplanes also give the Crusader high angles of attack capabilities.

The aircraft does not compress at high speeds but will tend to consume its energy relatively quickly while dogfighting, when compared to the extremely light F-5 or the strong-engined MiG-21. This means that aggressive manoeuvres should be reserved for clean kills, whereas speed is the Crusader's ally in furballs, constantly harassing enemies engaged elsewhere or unaware of its presence. Speed-wise, the airframe struggles to accelerate past Mach 1.0 close to sea level, though its acceleration is on par with contemporaries.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 10,668 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,094 2,087 16310 29.4 30.6 108.8 98.4 1,828
Upgraded 2,133 2,110 28.6 29.0 158.3 132.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ X ✓ ✓ ✓ X

The Crusader is a heavy carrier-borne fighter. Because of its weight, it is constructed with a variable angle of attack wingplane. This means that the wings can change position to act as a single, giant, take-off flap (see picture). This feature is considered the landing position of the flaps.

Demonstration of the two flaps position and the associated wing movement on the F-8E(FN).
Demonstration of the two flaps position and the associated wing movement on the F-8E(FN).

It is possible to use this feature to its advantage in a low-speed dogfight, using the higher angle of attack to turn into the opponent's circle, sacrificing your own speed in the process, to attack with a missile or gun fire. Note that whether the manoeuvre succeeds or fails, the Crusader will be left in an extremely vulnerable position until it regains speed.

Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,555 428 1,070 - 583 ~10 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 1,000 < 590 < 500 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Pratt & Whitney J57-P-20A 1 9,084 kg 380 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 52m fuel
1,592 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 10,331 kg 10,681 kg 11,479 kg 12,676 kg 13,240 kg 15,468 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 52m fuel MTOW
Stationary 4,562 kgf 8,520 kgf 0.83 0.80 0.74 0.67 0.64 0.55
Optimal 4,804 kgf
(1,000 km/h) 		9,543 kgf
(1,200 km/h) 		0.92 0.89 0.83 0.75 0.72 0.62

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear428 km/h

The F-8E(FN) possesses no armour plating on any part of the aircraft. It has a 25 mm thick bulletproof glass front canopy reclined at 70°, and self-sealing fuel tanks. These protection devices are of very little help, because such a thickness of bulletproof glass will virtually never stop Cold War-era jet guns, ranging from 20 to 30 mm in diameter, and the self-sealing tanks are incapable of sealing even a single hole of such a diameter. Overall, the Crusader has little chance of surviving a missile hit, but can sometimes be seen surviving a 20 mm volley; just enough to get its pilot back to base, although this remains a minority of occurrences.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 199 → 4 286 Sl icon.png
RB10 134 → 13 579 Sl icon.png
SB10 418 → 13 960 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications226 000 Rp icon.png
354 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 340 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
27 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
690 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
27 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
690 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mk_12_mod3_belt_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
Matra R530
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
27 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mk_12_mod3_new_gun
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
Matra R530E
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
Matra R550 Magic 1
Research:
25 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
39 000 Sl icon.png
690 Ge icon.png

As with any fighter of its battle rating, the missile complement is an absolute priority, multiplying the aircraft's capabilities tenfold. The components associated with the airflow dynamics of the aircraft are also important.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannon
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate996 shots/min
Main article: Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)

The F-8E(FN) (France) is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, cheek-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)

The 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons are stacked in the centre of the aircraft, on each side of the air intake. It is to be noted that unlike the French 30 mm DEFA guns, these guns carry a much smaller explosive charge per round but at a substantially higher velocity, allowing them to be aimed with less lead. These cannons can and will overheat extremely quickly after a salvo of approximately 1.2 - 1.4 seconds. Short bursts are advised, as they are often sufficient and conserve ammunition.

Suspended armament

List of setups (6)
Setup 12 x AIM-9B Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
Setup 24 x AIM-9B Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
Setup 32 x Matra R530E air-to-air missiles
Setup 42 x Matra R530 air-to-air missiles
Setup 51 x Matra R530E air-to-air missiles
1 x Matra R530 air-to-air missiles
Setup 62 x Matra R550 Magic 1 air-to-air missiles
Main articles: AIM-9B Sidewinder, Matra R530, Matra R530E, Matra R550 Magic 1

The F-8E(FN) (France) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x Matra R530E missiles
  • 2 x Matra R530 missiles
  • 1 x Matra R530 missile + 1 x Matra R530E missile
  • 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles

The whole range of suspended armament available to the French F-8E(FN) is exclusively air-to-air missiles.

The AIM-9B Sidewinder are of poor performance at this tier and are only effective against players that are unaware of the Crusader's presence. Note that these missiles are the only ones that can be carried in a cluster of four.

The Matra R530 is a good upgrade from the AIM-9B Sidewinder. The radar-guided R530 gives the Crusader BVR and all-aspect capabilities, which are superior in range (albeit less agile) to the radar-guided AIM-9C carried by the American counterpart of the F-8E. However, the usage of a radar-guided missile with a flare-less aircraft can be dangerous because the optimal altitudes of the missile will not allow the F-8E to evade any incoming enemy threats if they also carry radar missiles.

The Matra R530E is a viable alternative to the R530 if the player has not mastered the radar guidance, or simply doesn't like the radar-guided version.

With its 30G overload, and Mach 3 max speed, the Matra R550 Magic 1 is a revolution in the arsenal of the Crusader, giving it the capability to fire a missile in dogfight, as a snap-fire, or off-boresight. The Magic 1 can also be slaved to the radar, widening the variety of launch solutions and the versatility of the missile in various situations.

Usage in battles

The entirety of the tactics available to the F-8E(FN) are limited by its lack of flares. The French Crusader will not be able to survive a missile exchange and is vulnerable to all-aspect IR missiles, which are available to some aircraft that it may face. In the same concept, the French Crusader cannot be played at high altitude like its American counterpart because it will be quickly picked off by a radar-guided missile like an early AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9C, or R-3R that it will not be able to evade.

Taking these two factors into account, the F-8E(FN) should be played as a harasser. The missiles it can carry emphasize this, as they are either not very manoeuvrable or have a short range.

If a French F-8E arrives onto an already engaged enemy group, it can wreak havoc with its high manoeuvrability and engage basically any target with great effect. As long as attention is not drawn to the Crusader, it can re-engage at will, always keeping up its speed and picking off enemies.

If despite that, a missile is fired upon the French Crusader, its speed protects it from most IR missiles like the AIM-9B/E or the R-60 and will outrun them. This is not the case for later generation AIM-9Ls and equivalents.

As with its neighbours in the French tech tree, the Mirage IIIC and the Mirage 5F (and the Milan, to some extent), the aircraft has to remain close to supersonic as much as possible.

Overall, the F-8E(FN) is a quite difficult aircraft to master, especially selecting when and where to strike and where not to, but the skills developed while playing it are very useful for the entirety of the other French supersonic jets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful air-to-air missiles available
    • R550 Magic 1s have high manoeuvrability
    • R530E missiles have long range and can catch opponents by surprise
  • Landing flaps activate its variable-incidence wings, which provides a lot of lift
  • Very good sustained turn rate
  • Good acceleration and climb rate

Cons:

  • Although it has powerful air-to-air missiles, it can only take two of them at once
  • Fragile wings, easy to rip at high speeds and in high-G turns
  • Fuel tank placement on aircraft makes it very likely to be set on fire
  • Slow low level top speed compared to other supersonic competitors; can barely get past Mach 1 at low altitude
  • No flare/chaff countermeasures
  • No ground attack payload options whatsoever

History

To replace the aging Sud-Est Aquilon, a variant of the Sea Venom, France was looking for a new aircraft that could serve aboard the new French carrier vessels. After many failed designs were submitted by the native French air industry, the French Navy looked towards foreign aircraft for a replacement. The Vought F-8 Crusader was selected and an order of 40 single F-8E and six TF-8E (two-seaters) was placed. Unfortunately, the two-seat variant of the Crusader never came to fruition and the order was changed to 42 single-seat F-8Es. The French F-8E would later be designated the F-8E(FN), the "FN" signifying the French Navy.

The first deliveries of the French Crusaders began in the mid-1960s and were sent to two squadrons, Flotille 12F and Flotille 14F. The F-8E(FN) had the standard armament of four 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose and the ability to utilise AIM-9B Sidewinders. In addition, the F-8E(FN) was modified to launch and carry both the infrared and radar variants of the Matra 530 missile. There was also an upgrade program in the early 1990s that introduced IFF, ILS, a radar altimeter, and more. It took roughly three years for the program to be completed. In 2000, the F-8E(FN) was finally replaced by the Dassault Rafale.

Media

Skins
Videos
F-8E(FN): A Quick Review - Tims Variety

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Chance Vought Aircraft
Fighters 
Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1C · F4U-1D · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214
Float planes  O3U-1 · OS2U-1 · OS2U-3
Attackers  AU-1
Bombers  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3
Jet aircraft 
Corsair II  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
Crusader  F8U-2 · F-8E
Export  V-156-B1 · V-156-F · ▄Corsair F Mk II · F4U-7 · ▄F-8E(FN)
Captured  ▅F4U-1A

France jet aircraft
Fighters  M.D.450B Ouragan · M.D.450B Barougan · M.D.452 IIA · M.D.452 IIC · Mystere IVA · Super Mystere B2
  ▄F-86K · ▄F-100D · ▄F-8E(FN)
  Mirage IIIC · Mirage IIIE · Milan · Mirage 5F · Mirage 2000C-S4 · Mirage 2000C-S5 · Mirage 2000-5F · Mirage 4000
  Mirage F1C · Mirage F1C-200 · Mirage F1CT
Strike aircraft  ▄F-84F · F-84F IAF · ▄F-84G-26-RE
  Etendard IVM · Super Etendard · Alpha Jet E
  Jaguar A · Jaguar E · Mirage 2000D-R1
Bombers  S.O.4050 Vautour IIA · Vautour IIA IDF/AF · S.O.4050 Vautour IIB · S.O.4050 Vautour IIN · S.O.4050 Vautour IIN (late)
Belgium  ▄Meteor F Mk.8 · ▄Mirage 5BA · ▄F-104G · ▄F-16A · ▄F-16AM
Netherlands  ▄Sea Hawk Mk.50 · ◘Hunter F.6

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