How did the F-8 Crusader earn its reputation as a ''last of the gunfighters''?

The F-8 Crusader is an American single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft. It was designed and built by Chance Vought (now part of Lockheed Martin) and was introduced in 1957. The F-8 was in service for over two decades and played a key role in the Vietnam War. The F-8 Crusader earned its reputation as the 'Last of the Gunfighters' due to its unique design and armament.

The F-8 Crusader was equipped with four 20 mm Colt Mk 12 cannons, each with 125 rounds, making it the last US fighter designed with guns as its primary weapon. While other fighters were switching to missiles, the F-8 retained its guns and was thus able to engage in dogfighting, where its guns proved to be a formidable weapon. The F-8 was also equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for air-to-air combat, but the guns were the F-8's primary weapon.

The F-8's design also included a variable incidence wing, which could be raised or lowered depending on the flight conditions. This allowed the F-8 to make slower, safer landings on aircraft carriers, where space was at a premium.