For similar reasons , the Phantom would replace the Navy 's F - 8 Crusader as the primary daylight air superiority fighter in the Vietnam War .
Phantom was originally introduced as a missile - armed interceptor to complement day fighters like the F - 8 Crusader .
For similar reasons , the Phantom would replace the Navy 's F - 8 Crusader as the primary daylight air superiority fighter in the Vietnam War , although it was originally introduced as a missile - armed interceptor to complement day fighters like the Crusader .