| F105D ~ Circa
1965
In 1951, Republic Aviation began a project
to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber to replace the F-84F. The
result was the F-105 "Thunderchief," later affectionately nicknamed the "Thud."
The prototype YF-105A first flew on October 22, 1955 but the first F-105D
did not fly until June 9, 1959. F-105s were produced in the single-seat -B
and -D series, and in the two seat F-105F model. Later, some -Fs were modified
to become F-105Gs. A total of 833 Thunderchiefs of all types were built,
including 610 F-105Ds.
The F-105D could carry over 12,000 pounds of ordnance, a heavier bomb load
than a World War II B-17. Up to 8,000 pounds could be carried internally
in the bomb bay. The F-105D was used extensively in the Vietnam War. It flew
75 percent of the air strikes against North Vietnam during its first four
years. The last F-105D was withdrawn from USAF service on July 12, 1980.
The aircraft shown above is painted and marked as it was with the 357th Tactical
Fighter Squadron of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Takhli Royal
Thai Air Base in Thailand.
SPECIFICATIONS Span: 34 ft. 11 in. Length: 64 ft. 5 in. Height: 19 ft. 8
in. Weight: 52,838 lbs. max. Armament: One M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon and more
than 12,000 lbs. of ordnance Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W of
24,500 lbs thrust with afterburner Cost: $2,136,668
PERFORMANCE Maximum speed: 1,390 mph. Cruising speed: 778 mph. Range: 2206
miles Service Ceiling: 51,000 ft.
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