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Tailhook Navy F8 Vought Crusader - Last Of The Gunfighters! - $14,000 (Alexandria)
Madison St near West St
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Own an authentic piece of Naval Aviation history. This tailhook was used on an operational tactical jet to make arrested landings or catch "the wire" to land on an aircraft carrier.
How do I know these things? Because I am a long since retired Naval Aviator.
F8 Crusaders were introduced in 1957, had a remarkable record in Vietnam as a nimble and FAST dogfighter (with a 20mm canon as its primary weapon), and notably used in reconnaissance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. F8s were retired from the US Navy in 1976, but continued to serve in the Philippine Air Force thru 1991 and the French Navy thru 1999!
I don't know of any other complete tailhooks like this out there, except for those attached to aircraft in museums. Technically, Navy supply regulations require the complete destruction of these tailhooks upon retirement. I was fortunate to get this tailhook.
I will pay for shipping of this 35lb monster to USA locations. 39 inches long, 6.5 inch wide "catcher" - a beautiful piece of American Naval Engineering!