FSX US Navy Vought F-8E Crusader Of VF-33

Experience a carefully crafted repaint that showcases Bu. No. 149170, an F-8E flown by VF-33 aboard USS Enterprise during the early 1960s. This visual upgrade is specifically tailored for the payware Alphasim/Virtavia Vought F-8 Crusader, and all texture files come in DDS format for use in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. The repaint itself does not include the original aircraft model, which requires a separate purchase from a recognized payware outlet such as SimShack. Developed by Dave Quincey, this package highlights key aesthetic details of the F-8E variant, emphasizing the distinctive US Navy markings from that era.

Historic Context and Aircraft Highlights

The Vought F-8 Crusader was recognized as America’s high-performance, carrier-based supersonic day fighter and was often dubbed the “Last of the Gunfighters.” It achieved notable fame by reaching Mach 1 soon after its maiden flight and setting several significant speed milestones in the 1950s. The F-8 saw extensive service with Navy squadrons, including VF-33, playing a major role in naval aviation history. Beyond its impressive Vietnam conflict record, this air superiority fighter excelled at close combat engagements—helping it secure an enviable kill ratio against adversary jets. Vought’s legacy with the Crusader series extended well beyond its initial production run, and remanufactured variants remained in service through the 1980s in US Navy reserve units, with the French naval arm operating Crusaders until the late 20th century.

Visual Preview

Installation Procedure for the Repaint

• Begin by extracting the downloaded zip archive to any local folder of your choice.
• Within the main “Alpha F8 Crusader” directory, place the “texture.VF-33” folder.
• Open an existing texture folder (one that already contains all necessary shared files) found in the same directory. Copy all files from that folder, then paste them into the newly added “texture.VF-33” folder. When prompted, do not overwrite any files.
• Next, modify the aircraft configuration file by inserting the code snippet shown below at the end of the [fltsim] listings. Replace “xx” with the next consecutive fltsim index number. Be sure to save your changes.

[fltsim.xx]
title=ALPHA F-8 Crusader VF-33
sim=ALPHA_F-8
model=F8-E
panel=
sound=
texture=VF-33
KB_checklists=f8_check
kb_reference=
ui_manufacturer=ALPHA
ui_type=F-8 Crusader
ui_variation=F-8E VF-33 USS Enterprise 1965
description=ALPHA Simulations 2005\n\nIn 1953 the F8U-1 Crusader won the Navy competition for the new carrier-based day fighter. It flew supersonic on its maiden flight in 1955. A Crusader set a national speed record in 1956 by flying over 1000 mph, for which it won the Thompson Trophy. In 1957 Major John Glenn flew an F8U non-stop from Los Angeles to New York, setting a transcontinental speed record. In 1958 Vought received the first Certificate of merit ever awarded an aircraft manufacturer by the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics for the design, development and production of a US Navy aircraft. In the Vietnam conflict the Crusader had the highest kill ratio over communist jets of any Navy aircraft. The F8U series enjoyed a long service life which was extended in the 1960s by remanufacturing and updating existing aircraft. Crusaders flew in Navy reserve units until 1987, and the French navy flew its Crusaders well into the 1990's.
atc_id_color=0x00000000
atc_heavy=0
atc_id_font=Verdana,-11,1,600,0
atc_id_color=0x00000000
atc_heavy=0
atc_id_font=Verdana,-11,1,600,0

Once done, you will have a fully operational repaint reflecting the distinctive VF-33 markings. This UC-coded Crusader, stationed on USS Enterprise, now stands ready to enhance your simulation flights in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.