F-105 “Thunderchief”

The Republic F-105 “Thunderchief” was the first supersonic tactical fighter bomber developed from scratch. Apart from being the biggest single-seat, single-engine combat aircraft in history, the F-105 was notable for its large internal bomb bay and unique swept-forward engine inlets in the wing roots.   

The wing was highly swept and incorporated low-speed ailerons and high-speed spoilers for lateral control, and a droop-snoot leading edge. Affectionately known as the “Thud,” this single-engine combat jet bore a huge burden throughout the Vietnam War and was a deadly and effective tactical fighter bomber.   

As a supersonic jet, the “Thud” is characterized by two unique systems: it is the only Air Force fighter to refuel from a side-fuselage boom and it was the first jet fighter to employ a Vulcan 20mm “Gatling Gun” cannon. The D-model made more air strikes against North Vietnam than any other U.S. aircraft and suffered more losses. During the war, the versatile “Thud” was also credited with 25 MiG kills.  

Our “Thud,” ‘069, is credited with downing a MiG-17 during operations over Vietnam in 1967. It was manufactured by Republic Aviation in Farmingdale, New York, and gained by the USAF on January 5, 1962.