McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo, 56-0214 / 230, Pima Air & Space Museum
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 56-0214
Construction Number: 230
Code Number: 56214
Model McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo
Operator: Pima Air & Space Museum
Airport: Tucson - Pima Air and Space Museum, USA - Arizona
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 10/1992
Date Submitted: 14/07/2009
Originally conceived as a long-range bomber escort fighter (known as a penetration fighter) for the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command (SAC), the F-101 Voodoo was insteadd developed as a nuclear armed fighter-bomber for TAC (Tactical Air Command. The Voodoo's career as a strike fighter was fairly brief, but reconaissance versions like this RF-101C served for some time. Along with the famous U-2 and US Navy RF-8 Crusaders, the RF-101C gathered photographic intelligence during the Cuban Missile Crisis and served during the Vietnam War. In service the RF-101C was nicknamed the 'Long Bird', and was the only version of the Voodoo to see combat. When this photograph was taken she had recently been repainted and as you can see, looks immaculate. She now wears the markings of the 186th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Mississippi Air National Guard, based at Key Field, Mississippi. She is displayed at Pima courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
Picture ID:1182719