RF-8G CrusaderRF 8G airplane model. The lifetime of the RF 8G proved to be much longer than even the most optimistic projections had predicted. In the late 1970s, there were substantial numbers of these planes still flying on active duty with the Navy. Beginning in February 1977, a second upgrade of reconnaissance Crusaders was carried out. Many of the J 57 P 22 engines of the RF 8Gs were replaced by more powerful J57 P 429 engines. New electrical wiring was