Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader

The Vought F-8E(FN) Crusader was a variant of the Vought F-8 Crusader built solely for the French Navy's air arm, the Aeronavale, as a fleet air defence fighter. France needed a modern interceptor for the new carriers Clemenceau and Foch, and after deck trials in 1962 the Crusader was chosen over the larger McDonnell F-4 Phantom. The order was for 42 single-seat aircraft, the last Crusaders ever built. To fly from the smaller French decks the F-8E was modified to land about 15 knots slower: the incidence of the variable-incidence wing was reduced from 7 to 5 degrees, boundary layer control was added, and the tail area and leading edge slats were enlarged. French aircraft could carry the R.530 missile as well as the Sidewinder, and used an improved radar, the AN/APQ-104. The type entered service in 1964, was upgraded in the late 1980s and was withdrawn in December 1999.