The U.S. Naval Air Training Command prompted an interest by Vought in a two-seated version of the Crusader as an advanced pilot trainer.  An extensive design effort was required to retain as much “commonality” as possible, and still incorporate all of the customer’s requirements into the aircraft with a minimum loss of performance or increase in weight.  The 77th production F8U-1, BuNo 143710, which had previously been modified to the F8U-2NE configuration, became the prototype and made its first flight on 6 February 1962 after an extensive modification program.

A bold decision was made at the onset of design, that of maintaining the same length as the basic F-8 single place airplane. This required raising the upper profile by 15 inches. Two of the ammunition cans were deleted from the ammunition compartment aft of the cockpit.  The weight and balance consideration also dictated that two of the 20-mm cannons be removed from the gun bays...These were the upper guns on each side.  The rear (instructor) pilot’s eye position was raised 15 inches above that of the forward (student) pilot to provide adequate visibility, particularly in the takeoff and landing configurations.  Both cockpits were equipped with a complete set of flight controls and instruments.  A glass blast shield was installed behind the forward Martin Baker ejection seat to protect the instructor pilot in case of canopy loss or high-speed ejection.  The standard Crusader canopy was replaced with a large canopy that covered both cockpits and was powered open and closed by an electrical actuator.   

To facilitate operation of the aircraft at small auxiliary airfields, a landing parabrake (parachute) was installed in a domed housing at the base of the rudder.  When use of the parabrake was required to stop the rollout on one of these small fields, the pilot could actuate the system.  When actuated the spring-loaded door on the aft end of the parabrake housing opened and the triple-canopied parachute deployed, significantly shortening the rollout.

The F8U-1Ts  first flight was on 6 February 1962. Extensive demonstrations were conducted for several years, but no buyers were found for a new jet trainer.

F8U:

XF8U-1 Innovative Systems
XF8U-1 In The Cockpit
A New Aircraft and a New Coporation
F8U-1 and F8U-1E production Aircraft Changes
Life Extension
Loss of F8U-3 and a New Challenge
Last flight of the F8 (1999)