Starting in 1967, 89 F-8Ds were remanufactured as F-8Hs. They were equipped with the more-powerful J57-P-20A engine. These F-8Hs were equipped with F-8E-type underwing pylons and the Bullpup fire-control systems (identifiable by a distinct hump over the wing). The first F-8H flew on July 17, 1967.
F-8Hs were issued to the Naval Air Reserve squadrons VF-201 and VF-202, both based at Dallas, Texas, and to VF-301 and VF-301, both based at NAS Miramar. VC-13, a composite squadrons based at New Orleans received F-8Hs in 1973, but exchanged them for A-4Ls in 1974.
Serials were 174042/147044, 147046/147051, 147054, 147058, 147060, 147062/147063, 147065, 147067/147072, 147897, 147901, 147902, 147904/147906, 147908,1247909, 147914, 147916, 147918, 147919, 147922/147925, 148628, 148630/148632, 148634,148636, 148638/148640, 148643, 148647/148652, 148655,148662, 148664/148666, 14148677, 148678, 148680/148682, 148684, 148686/148689, 148697/148700, 148703, 148705, 148707, and 148710.
Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J57-P-20A turbojet, 10,700 lb.s.t. dry, 18,000 lb.s.t with afterburning. Maximum speed: 1020 mph (Mach 1.55) at 35,000 feet, Combat radius 396 miles, Internal fuel capacity 1273 US gallons. Dimensions: wingspan 35 feet 8 inches, length 54 feet 3 inches, height 15 feet 9 inches, wing area 375 square feet. Weights: 18,700 pounds empty, 29,200 pounds gross. Armed with four 20-mm cannon in the fuselage. Four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles could be carried on rails attached to the side of the fuselage.