The Republic F-105 Thunderchief is an American fighter-bomber that served with the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1984. Capable of Mach 2, it conducted the majority of strike bombing missions during the early years of the Vietnam War; the only American aircraft to have been removed from combat due to high loss rates. [1] Description The F-105D Thunderchief is a rank VII American strike aircraft with a battle rating of 10.7 (AB), 10.0 (RB), and 9.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Winged Lions". A nickname often associated with the F-105D was "Thud".
Republic F105D Thunderchief > National Museum of the US Air Force
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was an American fighter-bomber that earned fame during the Vietnam War. Entering service in 1958, the F-105 underwent a series of mechanical issues that led to the fleet being grounded on multiple occasions. Next DAYTON, Ohio -- Exterior view of the Republic F-105D Thunderchief on display in the Southeast Asia War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken LaRock) Republic F-105D Thunderchief In 1951 Republic Aviation began a project to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber to replace the F-84F. The F-105 was designed as a supersonic, single-seat, fighter-bomber capable of carrying nuclear weapons or heavy bomb loads at supersonic speeds. The F-105D variant was an all-weather fighter-bomber version, fitted with mono-pulse and Doppler radar for night or bad weather operations. The original weapons bay, designed for nuclear stores, was. Height: 19 ft. 8 in. Max. weight: 52,838 lbs. Max. speed: Mach 1.5 Combat range: 948 nautical miles Max. bombload: 16,500 lbs. Service ceiling: 48,500 ft. Read more about the "Thud" here. This feature originally appeared in the October 2010 issue of Vietnam Magazine. Subscribe here! more by Carl O. Schuster
Republic F105D Thunderchief USA Air Force Aviation Photo
History of the F-105D Thunderchief. The F-105 all-weather, supersonic fighter-bomber, also known as the "workhorse of Vietnam," was known for its ability to penetrate enemy defense forces, strike and fly back home at supersonic speeds. The F-105D could carry up to seven tons of bombs—which included nuclear weapons. In a straight line, the F-105's low-altitude speed was limited to 810 knots (930 mph) due to the tendency of its canopy-sealer to melt. But with lives at stake, they did go faster in Vietnam, up. The F-105D variant was an all-weather fighter-bomber version, fitted with monopulse and Doppler radar for night or bad weather operations. This radar was capable of terrain avoidance commands. The original weapons bay, designed for nuclear stores, was sealed and fitted with additional fuel tanks. Originally designed to meet America's need for an exceptionally fast nuclear strike aircraft in the Cold War, the F-105D "Thunderchief" actually achieved the most fame in the Air War over the jungles of Vietnam. The largest single-engine combat aircraft at the time, the F-105 could carry 14,000 lbs of armament.
Republic F105D Thunderchief USA Air Force Aviation Photo
Republic Aircraft's F-105 Thunderchief, better known as the 'Thud,' was the Air Force's warhorse in Vietnam. by John D. Cugini 6/12/2006 The F-105 Thunderchief was the heaviest single engine aircraft the U.S. Air Force ever flew. (U.S. Air Force) The F-105 Thunderchief was originally designed as a supersonic strike fighter capable of delivering a tactical nuclear weapon deep within enemy territory. The prototype YF-105A first flew on 22 October 1955 and the first production F-105B Thunderchief entered service in 1958. The F-105B was replaced on the production line by the F-105D.
Other F-105 production series included the D, F, and G. The definitive version was the F-105D, with 610 built out of a total of 833 of all versions. The Thunderchief could fly at Mach 2.1 and had an internal bomb bay for nuclear weapons. It could also carry bombs and/or missiles externally, and it was this bomb carrying capacity that sent the. Aircraft: Republic F-105D "Thunderchief" Current Status: Static. History: The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, was a supersonic fighter-bomber used by the United States Air Force.The Mach 2 capable F-105 conducted the majority of strike bombing missions during the early years of the Vietnam War; it has the dubious distinction of being the only US aircraft to have been removed from combat due.
Republic F105D Thunderchief USA Air Force Aviation Photo
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 models, and also in two-seat F and G models. Some of the 143 F-models were modified to become electronic. This article lists all 105 known surviving Republic F-105 Thunderchief complete airframes in the world as of May 2021, along with their serial number, location, and any notes of significance about that airframe. In addition to the complete airframes listed below, there is a cockpit section from 63-8309 in Georgia and one from 62-4422 in Arkansas.
