Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the air superiority fighters category.
01 / Overview
F8U-2 Crusader
Category
Country
Production
1957–1962
Quantity
187
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS · EARLY COLD WAR
6
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the air superiority fighters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Flight1957
- Service Entry Year1957
- Crew1
- Primary Roleair superiority fighter
- Generationfirst-generation jet fighter
- In ServiceNo
◈Powerplant7MOD.7
- Engine Typeturbojet
- Engine ModelPratt & Whitney J57-P-16
- Number of Engines1
- Thrust (afterburner, each)75
- AfterburnerYes
- SupercruiseNo
- Thrust VectoringNo
▣Performance7MOD.7
- Top Speed1,610 km/h
- Top Speed (Mach)1.7 Mach
- Service Ceiling18,000 m
- Ferry Range2,600 km
- Combat Radius740 km
- Rate of Climb127 m/s
- G-Limit7.5
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
- Length17.4 m
- Wingspan9.93 m
- Height4.9 m
- Wing Area28.5
- Empty Weight9,800 kg
- Loaded Weight13,000 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight14,500 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
- Hardpoints4
- Weapons Payload2,270 kg
- Internal Gunfour 20 mm Colt Mk 12 cannon
- Internal Weapons BayNo
- Air-to-Air MissilesYes
- Air-to-Ground MissilesYes
- Anti-Ship MissilesNo
- Nuclear CapableNo
▤Avionics & Stealth4MOD.4
- RadarAN/APQ-83
- AESA RadarNo
- Stealth / Low ObservableNo
- IRSTYes
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built187
- Operators2
- Variants3
▲Service History4MOD.4
- Retirement Year1976
- Production Start1957
- Production End1962
- Operational Statusretired
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
- 1957Production started
- 1962Production ended
69
years in service
5
years in production
187
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ 3 countries retired it.
05 / MASS Score
AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS RANKING Air Superiority Fighters · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
69AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS6EARLY COLD WAR · AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS1165UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS101PERFORMANCE/PRICE · AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS
ⓘ Rankings are within theAir Superiority Fighterscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
An afterburner is a device that injects fuel into a jet engine's hot exhaust gases, generating additional thrust through combustion.
Air-to-air missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to engage other aircraft. They are used for self-defense and to gain air superiority.
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
Infrared Search and Track (IRST) is a passive sensor system that detects and tracks airborne targets by their heat signatures without emitting radiation.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources