REPUBLIC F-105
"Thunderchief"
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was the first supersonic tactical
fighter-bomber developed from scratch. Apart from being the biggest
single-seat, single-engine combat aircraft in history, the F-105
was notable for its large internal bomb bay and unique
swept-forward engine inlets in the wing roots. The wing was highly
swept and incorporated low-speed ailerons and high-speed spoilers
for lateral control, and a droop-snoot leading edge.
Known as "the Thud", this greatest of all single-engine combat jets
bore a huge burden throughout the Vietnam War, and was a deadly and
effective tactical fighter-bomber. A supersonic jet, the Thud is
characterized by two unique systems: it is the only jet fighter to
refuel from a side-fuselage boom, and was the first jet fighter to
employ a Vulcan 20mm "Gatling Gun" cannon. The D-model made more
air strikes against North Vietnam than any other US aircraft, and
also suffered more losses. During the war, the versatile Thud was
also credited with 25 MiG kills.
The F-105 evolved from a project begun in 1951 by Republic Aviation
at Farmingdale NY to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber
to replace the F-84F. The massive F-105 was intended primarily for
nuclear strike missions. The prototype first flew on October 22,
1955, but the first production aircraft, an F-105B, was not
delivered to the USAF until 1958. With the designation F-105B came
an engine change to a Pratt & Whitney J75-P-3. Other changes
were made in this model too, including the use of a unique type of
swept-forward air intake to control the shock-wave and introduction
of area rule on the fuselage. A total of 75 F-105Bs were
built.
The F-105D all-weather strike fighter and the two-place F-105F
dual-purpose trainer-fighter were also built before F-105
production (833 aircraft) ended in 1964. No "C" or "E" series were
produced and "Gs" were modified "Fs" outfitted with extensive
electronic countermeasure equipment. F-105G aircraft were nicknamed
"Wild Weasels" and specialized in jamming enemy radar and
destroying surface-to-air missile sites.
Enjoy.
