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Military Aircraft F-105F THUNDERCHIFF Photo By Coll B. Thouanel |
| After getting the F-105D all weather strike plane into production, Republic turned to a two seat conversion of mission trainer. Drawing on its experience with the F-105C and F-105E two seat trainer and attack model that had not been built, the company produced the F-105F as a version of the F-105D with a taller vertical tail and a longer fuselage providing tandem seating for two. The first F-105F flew in June 1963, and 143 were built. Many F-105Fs were used operationally in the Vietnam War, making their mark in the role of formation leader. North Vietnam's SAM capability then called for a dedicated defense suppression type, and 86 F-105Fs were converted to this Wild Weasel role with a radar homing and warning system, a missile launch warning receiver, and jammer pods. Sixty of the Wild Weasels upgraded as EF-105Fs, and these were later redesignated F-105Gs. These aircraft played a notable part between 1966 and 1973, and the survivors then returned to the USA. |
TECHNICAL DATA
| Description | Specifications |
| Manufacturer: Republic | Length: 67 ft. 7.5 in. |
| First Flight: | Height: 20 ft. 2 in. |
| Model: F | Wing Span: 34 ft. 9 in. |
| Crew: Two | Wing Area: 385.0 sq. ft. |
| Nickname: Thunderchief | Empty Weight: 29,500 lb. |
| Basic Role: Conversion and mission trainer. | Max. Weight: 52,838 lb. |
| Other Versions: F-105F two seat trainer. EF-105F Wild Weasel conversion. F-105G a EF-105F redesignated. | Armament: One 20-mm multi barrel cannon, and up to 14,000 lb. of disposable stories including AGM-45 Shrike and (F-105G) AGM-78 Standard anti radar missiles. |
| Principal User: USA |
Propulsion |
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Performance |
Power Plant: Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W turbojet. |
| Range: 900 miles radius. | Horsepower: 26,500-lb reheated thrust. |
| Max. Speed: 1,390 mph or Mach 2.1 at 36,000 ft. | No. Of Engines: One |
| Ceiling: 41,200 ft. | |
| Climb Rate: 34,500 ft. per minute. |
Photo Of Other F-105 Aircraft
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For its time the Thunderchief was a truly massive and highly capable warplane able to deliver a tactical nuclear weapon with great accuracy. This is an F-105B attack and close support. |