I flew all models of the Crusader, except the photo bird. I also have a little time in the Phantom. A good Crusader pilot could take an equally good Phantom pilot most of the time in a true dogfight. Anyone that thinks that either one is the equal to the F15 is dreaming. The Crusader was a great bird with some killer (to the pilot) problems. I believe I am correct in stating that of the approximately 1200 built, at least 900 were destroyed, mostly by the guy flying it (I`m guilty on that point). A better flying machine was the Grumman F11F. It was worthless for a carrier plane . Had the J79 been available as was planned, that would have been a different story. A J65 was substituted, and it was short of fuel.Most were sent to the training command and to the Blue Angels. I flew them as a 22 year old cadet.