F8E Crusader for Poser 3D model

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The Vought F-8 Crusader, a supersonic carrier-based jet, served as a US Navy and Marine Corps air superiority fighter, replacing the Cutlass. First flight in February 1955, it participated principally in the Vietnam War. The last gunfighter aircraft, it was initially believed that dogfighting would be replaced by missiles; however, its importance in aerial combat was proven during North Vietnamese conflicts from 1965 to 1968. Despite being known for its cannons, the majority of victories were achieved with Sidewinder missiles due to cannon feeding issues under high-speed maneuvers. It had the best kill ratio in the Vietnam War (19:3) against MiG-17 and MiG-21s, although NVAF claimed more F-8 losses. The last active US Navy Crusader variant retired in 1976 after two decades of service, while RF-8 photo-reconnaissance versions remained in use until the early '80s, playing a crucial role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and other operations.