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| 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 Oct. 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 more than 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 The last F-105D was withdrawn from USAF service on July 12, 1980. sSPECIFICATIONS: Span: 34 ft. 11 in. Length: 64 ft. 5 in. Height: 19 ft. 8 in. Weight: 52,838 lbs. maximum Armament: One M61A1 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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