Republic F-105D-10-RE Thunderchief "Thud"

Most versions of the F-105 were fighter/bombers and many served as "Wild Weasels" for SAM Missile suppression in North Vietnam during that conflict. These aircraft had several nicknames: Thud, Super Hog, Ultra Hog, and Lead Sled. It was said that "Thud" is the sound that it makes when it crashes. 397 out of 833 were lost in combat or operational accidents in the Vietnam conflict.

This particular aircraft was converted to be an all-weather/night bomber. The AN/ASC-19 "Thunderstick II" fire control system is housed on the spine of the fuselage in the added compartments you see behind the cockpit. Its last mission assignment was with Air Force Reserve Unit, 457th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 301st Tactical Fighter Wing, at Carswell AFB, Texas in late 1970's until 1984.

This aircraft (number 60-0500) is on loan from the US Air Force Museum, Dayton, Ohio.

Specifications

Crew:

One or two, depending upon model

Engine:

One Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W; 26,500 lbs of thrust

Wingspan:

34 ft 11 in

Length:

67 ft

Height:

20 ft 2 in

Maximum takeoff weight:

52,546 lbs (empty 27,500 lbs)

Operational Max Speed:

848 mph at sea level (An F-105B set a world speed record of 1216.48 mph on Dec 11, 1959), 1.4 Mach at sea level, and 2.15 Mach at altitude

Service Ceiling:

50,000 ft

Range (w/external tanks):

1,500 miles

Armament:

M-61 20mm Vulcan cannon (4-6,000 rounds per minute) and four sidewinder missiles

Ordnance load capability:

8,000 lbs internally and 6,000 lbs externally

Typical tactical load:

Up to eight 750 lb or five 1000 lb bombs with 350 or 450 gallons of fuel in fuel bladder in internal bomb bay

Atomic Bomb Capability:

One Mark 43 nuclear weapon

Internal Fuel Load:

1160 gallons, in seven tanks

External Fuel Load:

Two 450 gallon (375 Imperial gallons) drop tanks

Total F-105's (A thru G) built:

833