when did the f105 break the closed course speed record

How fast can the F-105 fly?

The redesigned aircraft, dubbed the F-105B, proved able to achieve speeds of Mach 2.15. Also included were improvements to its electronics including the MA-8 fire control system, a K19 gun sight, and an AN/APG-31 ranging radar.

Where did the F-105 get its training during Rolling Thunder?

Most newcomers to Korat or Takhli RTAFB during Rolling Thunder arrived from the Replacement Training Unit (RTU) at McConnell AFB, where the 23rd TFW had taken over the training of F-105 crews on Jan. 1, 1966, continuing in that role until November 1970.

How many F-105s did the US get?

Intrigued by Republic's design, the US Air Force placed an initial order for 199 F-105s in September 1952, but with the Korean War winding down reduced it to 37 fighter-bombers and nine tactical reconnaissance aircraft six months later.

What happened to the F-105 in Vietnam?

The transfer of USAFE F-105 pilots to the Vietnam War increased sharply in 1966 as losses at the two Thai bases mounted. Meanwhile, Bill Hosmer was an 18th TFW pilot at Kadena AB.

Did the F-105 have a bomb bay?

The F-105 was a mid-wing monoplane with a 45° swept wing and tail surfaces. The single engine was fed by two intakes in the wing roots, leaving the nose free for a radome housing the multi-mode radar. Its fuselage provided room for 1,184 US gallons (4,480 L) of fuel and an internal bomb bay.

How many F-105s shot down in Vietnam?

27.5 killsThe F-105 was one of the primary attack aircraft of the Vietnam War; over 20,000 Thunderchief sorties were flown, with 382 aircraft lost including 62 operational (non-combat) losses (out of the 833 produced). Although less agile than smaller MiG fighters, USAF F-105s were credited with 27.5 kills.

What missiles did the F-105 use?

The F-105D was also capable of carrying 2.75-inch rocket pods, napalm canisters, as well as four AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared homing air-to-air missiles. The M61A1 Gatling-type, 20-mm cannon proved highly effective in the dual role of air-to-air combat and ground strafing.

Are there any flying F-105?

By 1970, the Air Force had withdrawn the F-105D from combat, though the Wild Weasels soldiered on until the end of the war. Ninety-six F-105s remain relatively intact in museums, on display at various Air Force bases or awaiting destruction at the Davis-Monthan boneyard in Arizona. Not a one is flyable.

How many B-52 were shot down in Vietnam?

Only one other B-52 tail gunner had scored a successful kill against a Vietnamese fighter, though more than 30 B-52s had been shot down throughout the conflict.

What was the life expectancy of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam?

“They were short of gunners on helicopters, because the life expectancy was somewhere between 13 and 30 days,” he said. “I had no experience behind a . 60 caliber machine gun.”

How many a4 Skyhawks were shot down in Vietnam?

All told, 195 carrier-based Skyhawks fell to enemy fire during the Vietnam War, among the pilots forced to eject from them and taken prisoner Medal of Honor recipient Commander (later Vice Admiral) James B. Stockdale and Lieutenant Commander (later Senator) John S. McCain, III.

How many helicopters were lost in Vietnam?

According to the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, a total of 11,846 helicopters were shot down or crashed during the war, resulting in nearly 5,000 American pilots and crew killed.

When was the F-105 retired?

February 25, 1984Republic F-105 Thunderchief / Retired

Was the f4 Phantom a good plane?

The McDonnell two-place, twinjet, all-weather F-4 Phantom II, with top speeds more than twice that of sound, was one of the most versatile fighters ever built. It served in the first line of more Western air forces than any other jet. The F-4 established 16 speed, altitude and time-to-climb records.

What replaced the f4 Phantom?

The F-4 continued to form a major part of U.S. military air power throughout the 1970s and 1980s, being gradually replaced by more modern aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon in the U.S. Air Force, the F-14 Tomcat in the U.S. Navy, and the F/A-18 Hornet in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.

What engine was in the F-105?

TurbojetRepublic F-105 Thunderchief / Engine typeThe turbojet is an airbreathing jet engine, typically used in aircraft. It consists of a gas turbine with a propelling nozzle. The gas turbine has an air inlet which includes inlet guide vanes, a compressor, a combustion chamber, and a turbine. Wikipedia

How fast is the F-105B?

Entering service with Tactical Air Command’s 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron in August of 1958 and becoming fully operational in 1959, an F-105B set a world record of 1,216.48 miles per hour (1,958 kilometers per hour).

Why did the F-105 not perform?

Initial F-105 prototypes did not perform as expected in part because of aerodynamic inefficiencies like trans-sonic drag in the fuselage design. This led to a redesign of the fuselage with an area ruled “coke bottle” profile similar to that found on the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger and the later F-106 Delta Dart, both of which experienced similar performance improvements after initial models were found to have similar trans-sonic drag issues. The performance of the F-105B was also vastly improved due to the distinctive forward-swept variable-geometry air intakes which regulated airflow to the engine at supersonic speeds and, when eventually installed, the Pratt & Whitney J75 afterburning engine.

What are the nicknames for the F-105?

Without realizing just how effective a weapon the Air Force had in the F-105 yet, derisive nicknames such as “Lead Sled”, “Squat Bomber”, “Hyper Hog”, and “Ultra Hog” were hung on the F-105. It was even said that the Thud was a triple threat in that it could bomb you, it could strafe you, or it could fall on you.

When was the last time the Republic F-105D was used?

On 25 February 1984, the Air Force Reserve’s 466 th Tactical Fighter Squadron, a part of the 508 th Tactical Fighter Wing, made the last operational fight of the Republic F-105D Thunderchief or Thud.

What aircraft did the Thunderbirds use in 1964?

For the 1964 show season, the United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Team, otherwise known as the Thunderbirds, modified F-105Bs with fuselage and wing reinforcements, added a smoke generation system.

What happened to the F-105?

One F-105 came home safely after heat-seeking missile exploded against the tailpipe, causing damage that would have been fatal to a less sturdily built aircraft. After flying a few missions in it, many a pilot came to revere the plane. F-105 with SAM damage (Wikipedia)

How did the jet gain speed?

The jet gained as much speed as it could in a dive, then pulled up in a climb to near vertical and released the bomb at the apex. The jet then continued the profile with an immelman to maneuver away from the target. The thinking was the aircraft would be miles into its escape when the bomb hit its target.

What was the fastest plane in Vietnam?

The fastest plane at low altitudes in Vietnam—it could exceed Mach 1 at sea level—the F-105 flew 75 per cent of the air strikes directed against the North. The jet was 64 feet long and had a 35 foot wingspan.

Where was the main computer in the aircraft?

The main computer was in a cavity reached from an access panel on the belly of the aircraft.

Was the F-105 supersonic?

An interesting side note, in the book titled Dirty Little Secrets of the Vietnam War, the authors claim that the F-105 was not flown supersonic in Nam. However, a pilot who Frank is in contact with says he went supersonic often, but did not realize that the jet had a VAI.

Did the Thud fly well in Vietnam?

So, for an airplane designed for a completely different mission (nuclear delivery), the Thud did really well in the Vietnam War. The pilots loved the airplane.

Who was the first person to call in a strike by F-80 pilots?

James Bryant and Frank Mitchell, on the first day of “mosquito missions” (forward air control sorties) in Korea, call in a strike by F-80 pilots who destroy a column of North Korean tanks. Aug. 5, 1950.

Who won the first USAF jets-only race?

Col. Keith Compton wins the first USAF jets-only Bendix Trophy transcontinental race, flying from Muroc Field, Calif., to Detroit in a North American F-86A Sabre with an average speed of 553.761 mph. Total flying time is three hours, 27 minutes. Sept. 14, 1951.

When was the first Douglas RB-66A?

June 28, 1954. Company test pilot George Jansen makes the first flight of the Douglas RB-66A Destroyer at Long Beach, Calif. Developed from the Navy’s A3D Skywarrior, the RB/B-66 variant is intended to provide the Air Force with a tactical light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. July 15, 1954.

When did the Air Force change to the first class?

April 1, 1952. In a further change from practices carried over from when it was part of the Army, the Air Force redesignates the grades of private first class, corporal, and buck sergeant as airman third class, airman second class, and airman first class. April 15, 1952.

When did the Air Force get its first computer?

Feb. 1, 1952. The Air Force acquires its first general-purpose computer (a Univac I). Feb. 10, 1952. Despite being outnumbered 12 to two, Maj. George A. Davis Jr. and his wingman in F-86s attack a formation of MiG-15s over the Sinuiju-Yalu River area of North Korea to protect a force of US fighter-bombers.

When did the Air Force get the ICBM?

How the Air Force Got the ICBM. April 21, 1950.

When did the ARDC become the Air Force?

In 1961 ARDC will be redesignated Air Force Systems Command. Jan. 31, 1950. President Truman announces that he has directed the Atomic Energy Commission “to continue its work on all forms of atomic-energy weapons, including the so-called hydrogen or super bomb.”. This is the first confirmation of US H-bomb work.

How fast is the F-104?

Capable of Mach 2 flight, the F-104 was the first production jet fighter to regularly fly at that speed, with a top speed of Mach 2 (1528 mph) and an altitude record of 103,389 feet, becoming the first jet powered (air breathing as opposed to rocket powered) plane to reach the 100.000 foot milestone. Armed with an internal 20mm cannon and carrying ...

Why was the F-104 built?

Not intended to be fighter bomber or a dogfighter, the F-104 was built to get to altitude as quickly as possible and fly there as fast as it could to intercept bombers. Climbing quickly and flying fast in a straight line were definitely the Starfighter’s forte, though it could not maneuver well at lower dogfighting speeds.

How many planes were built in the F-104?

An incredible plane in many ways, this little single jet engine powered interceptor went on to a production run of over 2500 planes and served with 15 different countries, until finally retired in 2004 (Italy). Designed as a Mach 2 supersonic interceptor, the F-104 was an interim design to defend the US against Soviet nuclear bombers until ...

How many sorties did the Starfighter do?

The Starfighter saw combat in service with foreign countries and with the United States Air Force in Vietnam, flying over 5000 combat sorties in that war. Later versions had enhanced capabilities for all weather use, longer range (including air to air refueling), and carrying more bombs.

How many hardpoints did the Sparrow have?

Armed with an internal 20mm cannon and carrying 2 or 4 Sidewinder (later Sparrow) air-to-air missiles, later versions were fitted with 7 hardpoints to carry external bombs and rockets, up to 4000 pounds, in the fighter-bomber role.

What was the F-104 designed for?

Designed as a Mach 2 supersonic interceptor, the F-104 was an interim design to defend the US against Soviet nuclear bombers until the Convair F-106 Delta Dart was in service. The XF-104 Starfighter prototype.

What was the first airplane to fly at the same time?

On May 18, 1958, the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter set the world speed record for an airplane by flying 1404.19 mph over a 15 mile course, at the same time becoming the first aircraft ever to hold both the world speed record and the world altitude record at the same time (91,243 feet on May 7, 1958).

When did the F-105 leave the Air Force?

The F-105 was largely retired from frontline service after the war and the last Thunderchiefs left reserve squadrons in 1984.

When did the F-105B enter service?

On May 27, 1958 , the F-105B entered service with the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron. As with many new aircraft, the Thunderchief was initially plagued by problems with its avionics systems. After these were dealt with as part of Project Optimize, the F-105B became a reliable aircraft.

What was the F-105 Thunderchief?

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was an American fighter-bomber that earned fame during the Vietnam War. Entering service in 1958, the F-105 underwent a series of mechanical issues that led to the fleet being grounded on multiple occasions. These were largely resolved and due to its high-speed and superior low-altitude performance, ...

What is the F-105D used for?

With its high-speed and superior low-altitude performance, the F-105D was ideal for hitting targets in North Vietnam and far superior to the F-100 Super Sabre then in use. US Air Force F-105 Thunderchiefs during Operation Rolling Thunder. US Air Force.

What was the mission of the F-105D?

A typical F-105D mission to North Vietnam included mid-air refueling and a high-speed, low altitude entry and exit from the target area.

Why was the F-105D called the "Thud"?

As with its predecessor, the F-105D suffered from early technological issues. These issues may have helped earn the aircraft the nickname "Thud" from the sound the F-105D made when it hit the ground though the true origins of the term are unclear. As a result of these problems, the entire F-105D fleet was grounded in December 1961, and again in June 1962, while the issues were dealt with at the factory. In 1964, the issues in existing F-105Ds were resolved as part of Project Look Alike though some engine and fuel system problems persisted for another three years.

What radar system did the F-105D have?

The last production variant of the Thunderchief, the F-105D included an R-14A radar, an AN/APN-131 navigation system, and an AN/ASG-19 Thunderstick fire-control system which gave the aircraft all-weather capability and the ability to deliver the B43 nuclear bomb.

When was the F-105 first used?

One of the first major F-105 actions in Rolling Thunder, the “Spring High” attacks on SAM sites on Jul. 26, 1965 , were flown by the 563rd TFS at altitudes as low as 20ft — below the detection envelope of all enemy radars.

How many hours did the F-105 pilots fly?

Its pilots averaged 1,500 flying hours and around two years on the F-105 at the time of deployment, making them some of the most experienced and capable pilots on that aircraft. By mid-1966, however, many of the more experienced pilots had either been lost or completed their tours of duty.

Where was the 469th TFS?

Many of the combat tactics used in Vietnam were devised and developed at the Thai bases, with the 469th TFS at Korat, as the first Thud unit to be assigned permanent change of station to Vietnam, being a leader in that process.

Who were the first two Thud pilots to complete the 100?

After Feb. 1, 1966 it did not include missions over South Vietnam or Laos, which were not considered “counters” towards the 100. Capts Don Totten and Ben Bowthorpe from the 334th TFS were the first two Thud pilots to complete their 100.

Who was the pilot that was hit by AAA?

His fellow 421st TFS pilot Maj Bernard Goss, leading a later light, was also hit near the target and ejected from F-105D 61-0048.

Was air to air combat considered a likely scenario for the Thud?

Luckily, although air-to-air combat was not considered a likely scenario for the Thud, many of the pilots who joined the first deployments to Southeast Asia had gained that experience during previous fighter tours.

Timeline

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Official Records Versus Unofficial

Other Air Speed Records

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References

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