Republic F-105D Thunderchief, 61-0086 / D-281, Pima Air & Space Museum
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 61-0086
Construction Number: D-281
Code Number: 61086
Model Republic F-105D Thunderchief
Operator: Pima Air & Space Museum
Airport: Tucson - Pima Air and Space Museum, USA - Arizona
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 13/05/1993
Date Submitted: 13/07/2009
The F-105, affectionately known as the 'Thud', was a Mach 2 capable fighter-bomber which bore the brunt of strike bombing against North Vietnamese targets during the Vietnam War. First flown in 1955, the Thunderchief entered service in 1958 and was the largest single-engined fighter ever used by the United States Air Force. Amazing for a fighter, the F-105 was able to deliver a greater bomb load than the four engined strategic bombers of World War II like the B-17 and B-24. Over 20,000 F-105 sorties were flown during the Vietnam War and they were credited with the downing of 27.5 enemy aircraft. The F-105D was the definitive production model and featured advanced avionics giving an all-weather capability, 610 of this variant were built. This particular Thud was last assigned to the 149th TFS, 192nd TFG, Virginia Air National Guard based at Byrd ANGB (Richmond International Airport). This unit operated F-105D and Fs from 1971 until 1982. The type was officially retired from USAF service on 25 February 1984. When this photograph was taken she was still wearing the rather faded markings of her old unit. However, she now wears the markings of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, circa 1969 and is coded 'RE'. She is displayed at Pima courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson, AFB, Ohio.
Picture ID:1182510