Vought F8U-3 Crusader III: Super Crusader Paperback – January 1, 2010

Tommy Thomason is the best aviation author I've read. He has the background of a flight engineer and the talent to write about aircraft in an extremely interesting and yet technically accurate style. The photos he chooses are simply outstanding. When a graph or chart will explain something better than text, Tommy will provide it. I have noticed this in all of his aviation books, which currently reside in my library.The Crusader III book is no exception. It is an incredibly thorough evaluation and explanation of this little-known aircraft. I'm so glad I bought it.

I was Vought's number 2 test pilot on the F8U-3 program, and am very appreciative of Tommy H. Thomason's research in developing the Chance Vought F8U-3 Monograph. His coverage of the entire program is well beyond my knowledge and truely appreciated. The opening description of design, competitive considerations and military requirements set the stage for what turned out to be the military's last competitive fly-off program, the Vought F8U-3 and the McDonnell F4H-1. Flight characteristics of the -3 are accurately covered in great detail, and both aircraft's performance in the fly-off is well covered. Suit-up and enjoy a wonderful Monograph.Sincerely, Joe Angelone

As a young engineer, was first design effort through flight test. Responsible for all ground and flight test of the airframe mounted exhaust ejector. In flight pressure measurements confirmed last wind tunnel test at NASA Langley. I actually learned info about flight test of the fighter that I was not privy to as a young engineer.Those of us that worked on the F8U-3 always believed that the McDonnel two man/two engine F4H would win the contract.

Very well done and documented. I was the engine test engineer for Chance Vought. I was involved in the rocket motor explosion at RMI. Here is the motor that exploded...

This is a simple review, other than a article done in Wings/Airpower magazine about 40 years ago,this is the best volume extant (To my knowledge.) on the -3. If you're a Crusader fan, this is a must have.

I've been waiting for quite some time for a truly first rate book on Vought's F8U-3 fighter. In a time when it seems the most obscure German sketch on a napkin is considered worthy of a 200 page hardcover it is somewhat puzzling this aircraft has been mostly neglected.My wait is over. This book is really outstanding. Physically, it is a 8-1/2" x 11", 92 page card cover. Color is restricted to the front and rear covers. It is number 87 in publisher Steve Ginter's Naval Fighters series.The author is Tommy H. Thomason which guarantees that the book will be well researched. Thomason's text is outstanding following the story of the F8U-3 from beginning to end. The aircraft is grounded in the context of the Navy of the 1950s and the threats it faced and which the aircraft was designed to deal with. It is also compared throughout with its competitors, the Grumman D118 and the eventual winner of the competition, the McDonnell F4H-1. Thomason maintains a strictly neutral tone throughout. The F8U-3's strengths and weaknesses are dispassionately described.Just about everyone will learn something new. Examples for me were the rocket boosted F8U-3F and the projected J58 powered models.The text is amply supported by black and white photographs and contemporary drawings and diagrams. The only color photos are on the front and rear covers.The book is probably the definitive account of the F8U-3. The book might have been improved with the commissioning of some modern line drawings and color profiles but Ginter rarely if ever does such. More color photos would have been nice but again that is not a feature of Ginter's books.Highly recommended.

Cheap copy of the original book. Poor quality paper.

性能的には素晴らしかったものの、時代に翻弄されて、(開発当時)少し劣っていたファントムに主力戦闘機の座を奪われた試作機。資料も少ない中で、このスーパークルセイダーだけでまとめてくれたのはありがたい。貴重な一冊。

Dieses Flugzeug hätte, wenn es in Serie ginge, Luftfahrtgeschichte geschrieben.Soviel Potential für eine Entwicklung ist und sieviel Kurzsichtigkeit bei den Verantwortlichen ist schon phänomenal.