F-8 Crusader vs MiG-17: Vietnam 1965-72

Osprey Duel #61

by Peter B. Mersky, Jim Laurier (Illustrator), Gareth Hector (Illustrator)

Revered by Naval Aviators as the 'last of the gunfighters' due to its quartet of Colt-Browning Mk 12 20 mm cannon, the F-8 Crusader enjoyed great success against VPAF MiG-17s during the Rolling Thunder campaign of 1966–68. But, the MiG-17's unequalled low-speed manoeuvrability, small size and powerful cannon armament meant that the American forces didn't have it all their own way. This fully illustrated book, featuring photographs, maps and battlescene artwork, reveals the tactics that were developed by pilots on both sides to give themselves the edge in air-to-air dogfights, allowing the reader to understand how the differing design and development doctrines played a part in combat.

Genres: Aircraft, Nonfiction

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2014

Reviews

[Sleepy Boy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good snap shot look at the last of the US Gunfighters against the quick and nimble MiG-17 over Vietnam.

[Dave Baranek · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are even thinking about this book, I encourage you to get it. As a long-time aviation and F-8 fan I was familiar with some of the information, but enjoyed the re-telling, and I found that author Peter Mersky dug up new details to garnish those familiar facts -- such as the fate of VF-211 pilot "BEAR," whose callsign adorns a well-known photo of an F-8J. But more importantly, he has added a great deal of information that was new to me, based on his research, interviews, and access to (North) Vietnamese sources, as well as many photos I've not seen. As a former F-14 RIO, I also enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the engagements and technical descriptions of both combatants. Finally, Jim Laurier's artwork is truly incredible, it really adds to the book. A much-appreciated addition to the Crusader's legacy and to Mersky's body of work.