F-105 Thunderchief
The F-105 Thunderchief was a US jet fighter-bomber used by the United States Air Force during first years of the Vietnam War. The F-105 was developed and manufactured by Republic Aviation Company. Its first flight took place on October 2, 1955. Although it was originally designed as a single seat aircraft, a two-seat Wild Weasel version of the F-105 was later developed for use in the specialized Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses role against surface-to-air missile sites. During the Vietnam War the two-seat F-105F and F-105G Wild Weasel variants attacked and destroyed the Soviet-built S-75 Dvina/(SA-2 Guideline) surface-to-air missiles launching platforms. Two Wild Weasel American pilots were awarded the Medal of Honor for attacking North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile sites, with one shooting down two MiG-17s the same day.
Specifications
The Republic F-105D Thunderchief was powered by one Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W afterburning turbojet, which rendered the aircraft a maximum speed of mach 2.08 (1,372 mph, or 2,208 km/h) at 36,000 ft. Its range was 2,210 miles and its service ceiling 48,400 ft, or 14,700 m. It had a length of 64 ft 4.75 in and a wingspan of 34 ft 11.25 in (10.65 m). Crew: one (pilot).
The F-105 was armed with one 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon (1,028 rounds), AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-12 Bullpup missiles; the aircraft could transport up to 14,000 lb (6350 kg) of bombs.
Two F-105Gs Wild Weasel Over Vietnam
F-105 Thunderchief Missions in Vietnam (video)
[...] missile". It was used during the Vietnam War and usually launched from an F-4G, F-105, or A-6 [...]