Introduction
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief, first flown in 1955 and often known as
"Thud" by its pilots, was a rugged and reliable multi-role fighter with an
emphasis on low-altitude, high-speed penetration strikes with a single
nuclear bomb. At the time of its construction it was the largest fighter in
the world and set several world speed records. The F-105D was the
definitive variation, featuring an all-weather capability and modern
avionics (for the time) with 610 units of this type being built.
In Vietnam, the F-105s were used as bombers, the usual load exceeded
by fifty percent the amount carried by a World War II B-17. An extra fuel
tank was fitted into the spacious bomb bay while up to 12,000 lbs of
bombs were suspended from five hardpoints. Though primarily used as
a bomber, the Thunderchief still scored its share of downed Migs, 29 of
which felt the bite of the Thud. The F-105D's wing measures 34 feet 11
inches, tip to tip. Length is 64 feet 3 inches and height is 19 feet 8
inches. Wing area is 385 square feet. With its afterburning J75-P-9V, the
F-105D has a maximum speed of 1,390 mph at 50,000 feet. Empty
weight is 27,500 pounds, normal weight is 38,034 pounds, gross weight
is 52,546 pounds. The built-in armament of the F-105D consists of one
20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon with 1,029 rounds. A great variety of
missiles can be suspended from the Thunderchief's hardpoints, the
actual distribution would be determined by the particular mission at
hand.
