Radial velocities have been determined for a sample of B8-F2 type stars obs
erved by the Hipparcos satellite. Observations were obtained within the fra
mework of an ESO key-program. Radial velocities have been measured using a
cross-correlation method, the templates being a grid of synthetic spectra.
The obtained precision depends on effective temperature and projected rotat
ional velocity of the star as well as on a possible asymmetry of the correl
ation peak generally due to secondary components. New spectroscopic binarie
s have been detected from these asymmetries and the variability of the meas
ured radial velocity. Simulations of binary and triple systems have been pe
rformed. For binaries our results have been compared with Hipparcos binary
data. Adding the variable radial velocities, the minimum binary fraction ha
s been found 60% for physical systems. Radial velocities have been determin
ed for 581 B8-F2 stars, 159 being new. Taking into account published radial
velocities, 39% south A-type stars with V magnitude lower than 7.5 have a
radial velocity.