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Vought DF-8F Crusader 143703
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Vought DF-8F Crusader 143703
United States Navy - Vought DF-8F Crusader 143703 (call-sign 103 ), target tug, of the Pacific Missile Centre, at Point Mugu Naval Air station, on 15 May 1965. At least forty-five F-8As were modified to serve as target-director aircraft; designated DF-8F. In practice the DF-8F pilot spooled out a target on a cable from the port wing, which was towed at a safe distance behind. While in tow, fighters would practice gun-and missile-firing exercises, shooting at the target in tow. After the practice, the pilot retrieved the target, or empty cable. 143703 is currently aboard the USS Hornet Museum, Alameda, CA, on loan from National Naval Aviation Museum. Date: 1965
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Media ID 21133695
© The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans A The Peter Butt Aviation Collection / Mary Evans
1965 Aboard After Alameda Behind Cable Call Sign Crusader Designated Distance Empty Exercises Fighters Hornet Loan Missile Modified Mugu Pacific Pilot Point Practice Retrieved Safe Serve Shooting Target Towed Vought While Wing Forty Five
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This photograph showcases Vought DF-8F Crusader 143703 (call sign 103) of the United States Navy, serving as a target tug for the Pacific Missile Centre at Point Mugu Naval Air Station on May 15, 1965. Forty-five F-8As were modified to become target director aircraft, designated as DF-8F Crusaders. In practice, the DF-8F pilot would spool out a target on a cable from the port wing, which was towed at a safe distance behind. Fighters would then engage in gun-and missile-firing exercises, shooting at the target in tow. After the practice, the pilot would retrieve the target or empty cable. This historic Crusader, with its distinctive markings and role in naval aviation history, is now on loan to the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, California from the National Naval Aviation Museum.
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