Vought F8U-1 (F-8A) Crusader for SF2 1.1

The first production model of the Crusader was the F8U-1,which was later redesignated the F-8A. It first flew on September 20, 1955, and 318 were built between 1956 and 1958. The initial order had been for 448 aircraft, but the last 130 were delivered as F8U-1Es (F-8Bs). The first thirty aircraft were fitted with the Pratt & Whitney J57-P-12 engine, but this was replaced with the more powerful -4 version and in all subsequent F-8As. The original thirty were then retrofitted with the -4 as well. This made the F-8A a Mach 1.5 aircraft. Other improvements added during the production run included the addition of a retractable in-flight refueling probe in a blister on the forward left side of the fuselage. This was begun with the fiftieth production aircraft, and retrofitted to the earlier airframes. The original Vought ejection seat was replaced with the Martin Baker F5 seat.

The F-8A was armed with four 20mm canon, thirty-two 2.75-inch rockets in a drawer in the lower fuselage, and two Sidewinder missiles could be carried on fuselage stations. The AN/APG-30 gunsight radar and fire control system was installed for weapons delivery. The first aircraft was accepted for service in December 1956, just four years and three months after the issue of the original requirement by the Navy. It was delivered to VF-32 in March, 1957, with VMF-122 being the first Marine squadron to receive the Crusader. The first carrier deployment was with VF-32 on board the USS Saratoga, (CVA-60).

After being replaced with later versions of the Crusader, the F-8As were relegated to training roles, serving as advanced single-seat trainers. The designation TF-8A was often applied to these aircraft.

Your F-8A has early markings for either VA-32 or VF-122. The rocket armament IS INCLUDED but you will not see the drawer open and close.

This mod has been extensively tested in SF2V.
A read-me file with installation steps and CREDITS included.