F-105 “Thunderchief”

Aircraft Type: F-105D, S/N 61-069

Mission: Supersonic Tactical Fighter-Bomber

Powerplant: One Pratt & Whitney J75 jet engine with 26,500 lbs. of thrust.

Weight: 54,580 lbs.

Dimensions: Wingspan 34’ 11”, Length 67’, Height 20’2”.

Performance: Maximum speed 831 MPH, Cruising speed 596 MPH, Service ceiling 50,000 feet.

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. Affectionately known as “the Thud,” this single-engine combat jet 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 Air Force 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 U.S. aircraft, and also suffered more losses. During the war, the versatile Thud was also credited with 25 MiG kills.

Our “Thud,” ‘069, is credited with downing a MiG-17 during operations over Vietnam in 1967.

About Our F-105, S/N 61-069

The Museum’s F-105 was manufactured by Republic Aviation, Farmingdale, NY, and gained by the USAF on 5 Jan. 1962.

November, 1962 - To 355th Tactical Fighter Wing (Tactical Air Command), George AFB, CA

October, 1965 - To 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), McConnell AFB

April, 1966 - To 388th Tactical Fighter Wing (Pacific Air Command), Korat RTAFB Thailand

July, 1967 - To Sacramento Air Logistics Area, McClellan AFB, CA

May, 1969 - To 4525th Fighter Weapons Wing (TAC), Nellis AFB, NV

April, 1970 - To 57th Fighter Weapons Wing (TAC), Nellis AFB

July, 1972 - To 507th Tactical Fighter Group (US Air Force Reserves), Tinker AFB

October, 1977 - To 465th Tactical Fighter Squadron (AFRES), Tinker AFB

March, 1982 - To 466th Tactical Fighter Squadron (AFRES), Hill AFB, UT, and dropped from inventory by transfer to museum status