Fact Sheets : Republic F-105G Thunderchief : Republic F-105G Thunderchief (original) (raw)

REPUBLIC F-105G THUNDERCHIEF

The F-105 (affectionately nicknamed "Thud") evolved from a project begun in 1951 by Republic Aviation to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber to replace the F-84F. The prototype first flew on Oct. 22, 1955, but the first production aircraft, an F-105B, was not delivered to the USAF until 1958. The F-105D all-weather strike fighter and the two-place F-105F dual-purpose trainer-fighter also were built before F-105 production (833 aircraft) ended in 1964. No C or E series were produced, and the Gs were modified from F-105Fs.

The Thunderchief on display began operational service in 1964 as a standard F-105F. In 1967 it joined the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing in Thailand and for nearly three years flew combat missions over Vietnam where it became one of a select few claiming three MiG kills. In 1970 it was fitted with electronic counter-measure equipment and joined the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing for "Wild Weasel" duty, attacking enemy surface-to-air missile sites. In 1972 the aircraft was modified to the improved F-105G "Wild Weasel" configuration.

After another year in Thailand, it was assigned to the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing at George Air Force Base, Calif. It remained there until February 1980 when it was flown to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It is marked as it was when assigned to the 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron based at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, in 1972-1973.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Span: 34 ft. 11 in.
Length: 67 ft.
Height: 20 ft. 2 in.
Weight: 54,580 lbs. maximum
Armament: One M61 20mm Vulcan cannon plus 14,000 pounds of ordnance -- conventional bombs, rocket packs, missiles and special weapons
Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W of 26,500 lbs. thrust (with afterburner)
Cost: $2,237,000
Serial number: 63-8320

PERFORMANCE:
Maximum speed: 1,386 mph
Cruising speed: 596 mph
Range: 1,500 miles
Service ceiling: 50,000 ft.

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