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Colours & Markings: F-8E(FN) Crusader Please note that these notes on the Crusader's colours & markings are based on a limited number of documents, and therefore are not authoritative. Mistakes or omissions have probably made their way in the text. If so, please excuse me for it and help me improve these series by mailing me your suggestions and/or corrections. The first F-8 Crusader received by the French Navy in November 1964 were quite similar to those operated by the US Navy: Light Gull Grey overall with Insignia White undersurfaces and mobile parts. A large French roundel with an anchor and a yellow border was located between the wings and tail assembly on both sides of the fuselage. This Aéronavale insignia was also carried on the port wing uppersurface and the starboard wing undersurface. The unit's badge was generally painted on both sides of the cockpit. The aircraft's tactical number was painted in black on the fin and on both fuselage sides behind the cockpit. The number is also repeated on the starboard wing uppersurface. The radome and forward canopy are also painted black. The fin's leading edge is painted dark grey. Stenciling is identical to that of USN aircraft. * * * A variation of this initial camouflage was later introduced, probably in the early 1980s: the F-8 Crusaders were painted entirely grey, in a lighter tone than Light Gull Grey. The word “MARINE” (NAVY) was painted black above the horizontal stabilizer. Stenciling was now written in French, while the numbers and roundels remained unchanged. * * * The last paint scheme worn by the French Crusaders appeared in the early 1990s. They were painted in a dark grey-blue colour reminiscent of the PRU Blue used on World War II RAF reconnaissance aircraft. The tactical numbers and « MARINE » word were painted light grey. The roundel lost its yellow border and its size was significantly reduced. Stenciling also evolved substantially and was more present than previously was the case.
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