Two F-8 Crusaders on the Civil Registry

airnutz · **Posted:** Sun Jul 16, 2006 1:12 am

Thanks Tulio! Shexxxy Birds! Collings gotta get'em one in Houston. What a
Hot Rod.... www.vmf235.com/db19.gif

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

Airntz:

There is a famous photo of a Crusader IIRC, shot right before the catpult fired; the long lenses distorted the image a little, and the Crusader looks ominous, all loaded up for bear.

Although impressive by any standards, my preferences go to the A-7s, I guess I am more of a mud-mover type than a fighter-type.

Yup, one taking off from Hobby Airport, would be a sight to behold!

Saludos,

Tulio

RickH · **Posted:** Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:05 am

Tulio,Tulio, you prefer the A-7 ? The aesthetics of the F-8 are much better ! They didn't call the A-7 the SLUF (Short,Little, Ugly, err..Fellow ) for nothing !! :lol:

However the A-7 is more desirable for civilian use for one reason,... there is a two place variant available. Biggest problem with getting one to fly is the fatigue cracks that were found in the wings, (both USAF and Navy variants) that caused their qick retirement.

mrhenniger · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 7:58 am

airnutz wrote:

Mike are there pics of the F-8's in your photos of the trip?

I am afraid not. The FHC does not allow pictures to be published on the net. I could try it, but then I would never be welcomed back.

Mike

RickH · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:11 am

They were probably on bail from the Navy and went back when the contract was done.

Chad Veich · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 9:03 am

Col. Rohr wrote:

Okay Guys,

Question when Thunderbirds went under they had alot of F-8s and A-3 but they also had three A-7 what happen to the Whales and A-7s.

RER

I don't recall the A-7s but, last I heard, the Whales were at Van Nuys.

wendovertom · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 4:11 pm

Regarding the SLUF - the Greek Air Force is STILL flying the A-7! I think it would be really cool to get one in the air as part of the collins group!

Tom P.

RickH · **Posted:** Mon Jul 17, 2006 4:58 pm

CollinGs

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

Well, for me aesthetics have nothing to do with it; yes, the F-8 is sleek looking and a good fighting plane; as for me, however, I would rather see SLUFFs flying all day long.

Portugal was also a user of the A-7, and so was IIRC the Thai Navy.

As for me ever owning such an airplane, that would be a definite no, not only due to financial reasons, but also due to lack of qualifications to fly one.

Saludos,

Tulio

airnutz · **Posted:** Sat Jul 22, 2006 6:11 pm

To each their own Tulio, personally I liked them both as well as the XC-142.
LTV/Navy-Dallas/Hensley was a hopping place in those days for a kid in a
candy factory. The F8U was an awe-inspiring flying knifeblade in the hands
of eager Navy pilots...a blistering skyripper! Gives me goosebumps thinking
about it! The A-7 came along and the family resemblance was undeniable,
the F8U's pudgy little sister was quite attractive and menacing at the same
instant, with it's impressive stores capabilities. Sort of like the difference
in a Vargas girl versus a Bode' girl. Both well rendered but possessing completely
different natures in action.

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

I never saw either one in flight; I can just imagine!

As for ugly, remember that I am one of those who find the A-10, beautiful : )

Saludos!

Tulio

Randy Haskin · **Posted:** Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:48 am

The A-7 is one of those airplanes that makes the A-10 look good.

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

Randy Haskin wrote:

The A-7 is one of those airplanes that makes the A-10 look good.

Et Tu, Randy? : )

Saludos,

Tulio

Crusaderlmh · **Joined:** Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:05 am **Posts:** 1

I am Larry Higgins, I owned and operated the F-8s, yes they were at Deer valley and yes 19Tb flew up to 1998 the aircraft were sold to Air Capital Warbirds , unfortunately it may never fly again. They did not have a qualified mechanic and when they tried to take the wing b off they destroyed the aircraft. It wss my father's dream to fly it but unfortunately he was killed in 1986
He never got to see it fly. You in cancheck you tube there is a video of it at Edwards Afb in 1997

StangStung · **Posted:** Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:23 am

Crusaderlmh wrote:

I am Larry Higgins, I owned and operated the F-8s, yes they were at Deer valley and yes 19Tb flew up to 1998 the aircraft were sold to Air Capital Warbirds , unfortunately it may never fly again. They did not have a qualified mechanic and when they tried to take the wing b off they destroyed the aircraft. It wss my father's dream to fly it but unfortunately he was killed in 1986
He never got to see it fly. You in cancheck you tube there is a video of it at Edwards Afb in 1997

Thanks for sharing this info. Always great to have people with first hand knowledge posting here.

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Two F-8 Crusaders on the Civil Registry

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