What Is The F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief. Supersonic fighter-bomber that carried the bulk of tactical strike missions during the Vietnam War.
United States
Origin
Fighter-bomber
Role
Mach 2.08
Top speed
14,600 m
Service ceiling
F-105 Thunderchief Specifications
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was a supersonic fighter-bomber that flew the majority of tactical strike missions in Vietnam. Driven by a massive Pratt & Whitney J75 turbojet pushing Mach 2.08, it carried an internal bomb bay and up to 14,000 lbs of external ordnance.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 2.08 (1,372 mph)
Service ceiling
48,000 ft (14,600 m)
Combat radius
415 nmi (770 km)
Rate of climb
34,500 ft/min (175 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
64 ft 5 in (19.63 m)
Wingspan
34 ft 11 in (10.65 m)
Empty weight
27,500 lbs (12,470 kg)
Engine
1x Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W afterburning turbojet
Service
First flight
22 October 1955
Unit cost
$2.1 million
Operators
United States (USAF - Historic/Retired)
What Weapons Does The F-105 Thunderchief Carry?
The F-105 Thunderchief featured an internal bomb bay holding a nuclear weapon or 14,000 lbs of conventional bombs on external racks, alongside an internal 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon for high-speed strike.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
M61 Vulcan
Category
20 mm Rotary Cannon
Loadout
1 internal cannon (1,028 rounds)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
AGM-45 Shrike
Category
Anti-Radiation Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
40 km (25 miles)
AGM-78 Standard ARM
Category
Anti-Radiation Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
90 km (56 miles)
Mark 82
Category
General-Purpose Bomb
Loadout
Up to 16 bombs
Range
Gravity released
AIM-9 Sidewinder
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
18 km (11 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 reaches Mach 2.08, around 1,372 mph, and was exceptionally fast at low level – able to outrun most interceptors on the deck while fully loaded. That low-altitude speed was its principal defence on strike missions over North Vietnam, where it routinely flew through dense anti-aircraft fire.
How Was The F-105 Thunderchief Developed?
Republic designed the F-105 in the early 1950s as a supersonic nuclear strike aircraft, built around an internal bomb bay for a single nuclear weapon. The prototype flew on 22 October 1955. Its size and weight earned it the nickname Thud, and its complexity caused prolonged teething problems before it matured into a capable aircraft.
Has The F-105 Thunderchief Seen Combat?
The F-105 flew the majority of American strike missions over North Vietnam between 1965 and 1970. Of 833 built, 395 were lost, the highest attrition rate of any American aircraft in the conflict. Wild Weasel F-105F and G variants pioneered suppression of enemy air defences, hunting surface-to-air missile sites.
Who Operates The F-105 Thunderchief?
The United States Air Force was the sole operator, with the Air National Guard flying the type until final retirement in 1984. No export customer was ever found.
F-105 Thunderchief FAQs
Common questions about the F-105 Thunderchief, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the F-105 Thunderchief as a civilian?
No, the F-105 Thunderchief is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the F-105 Thunderchief?
No, you cannot take the controls of the F-105 Thunderchief, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the F-105 Thunderchief cost?
The F-105 Thunderchief is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force is a jet flight instead of the F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far ahead should I book a jet flight instead of the F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 Thunderchief is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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