The next production version of the Crusader was the F8U-1E, where the E suffix stood for "electronic equipment". The F8U-1E differed from the F8U-1 primarily in having an AN/APS-67 radar which replaced the F8U-1's APG-30 ranging radar. This new radar had a small scanner in a plastic nose cone and gave the F8U-1E some all-weather capability, although this capability was quite limited. The F8U-1E retained the -1's armament, including the ventral rocket pack, although most squadrons operating the F8U-1E flew with the pack unloaded and sealed. The engine was the J57-P-4A, the same engine which powered the F8U-1 and F8U-1P.
The first F8U-1E (a converted F8U-1) flew on September 3, 1958. A total of 130 F8U-1Es were built.
In September of 1962, the F8U-1E was redesignated F-8B in accordance with the Defense Department's new Tri-Service unified designation scheme.
145416/145545 Vought F8U-1E Crusader - redesignated F-8B in 1962