The F-105 was devolped by the Republic Aircraft Company as the succesor to the F-84 series of aircraft. Even though it was designated as a fighter the role of the "Thud" was to deliver a single nuclear weapon from an internal bomb bay at low altitude.
The YF-105A was first flown in October of 1955. Following a redsign of the YF-105a the YF-105B flew in May of 1956 and was able to go supersonic at low level and exceed Mach 2 at high altitude.
Of course the F-105s clain to fame was in the Vietnam War as the primary USAF strike aircraft into North Vietnam. The F-105F which was the two seat version of the Thunderchief was used as the "Wild Weasel" for the suppreasion of the anti-air defenses in North Vietnam.
A total of 833 F-105s were built form 1956 to 1964 and ther Thunderchief served with the USAF until the mid 1980s. One final note the USAF Thunderbirds used the F-105 for a brief time during the 1964 airshow season. IIRC at the Brookfield, Missouri airport there is a F-105 mounted on a pylon in the colors of the Thunderbirds. On with the pics...
First up a fearsome F-105 from head-on.
A F-105 with a full load of bombs inflite.
Right side view of an F-105
AN interesting pic of an F-105 executing a 'buudy' refueling of a fellow Thud. Those late 50s, early 60s paint jobs were great weren't they.
An "artsy pic" of a Thunderchief.
And to close out tonites pic we head off into the setting sun with a pair of Thunderchiefs hooking up for a drink of fuel.
a personal note they Saturday Sortie may not show up till Sunday as Mrs alfa6 and I will be helpiong our son move to Des Moines from KC tomorrow.
Y'all have a great weekend nad take care.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}