RF-8G Crusader

RF-8G airplane model. The lifetime of the RF-8G proved to be much longer than even the most optimistic projections had predicted. In the late 1970s, there were substantial numbers of these planes still flying on active duty with the Navy. Beginning in February 1977, a second upgrade of reconnaissance Crusaders was carried out. Many of the J-57-P-22 engines of the RF-8Gs were replaced by more powerful J57-P-429 engines. New electrical wiring was provided and new electronic countermeasures equipment was added. These modified RF-8Gs could be identified by the presence of two large afterburner cooling air intakes mounted on their upper tailcones, a feature which had first appeared on the F8U-2 (F-8C). The modified RF-8Gs also featured a round protrusion sticking out of the rear of the upper vertical fin just above the rudder. This carried a radar warning receiver. The RF-8G was ultimately to be the longest-serving US version of the Crusader, serving long after its fighter cousins had been