F-105D Thunderchief

F-105D Thunderchief. . , F-105D Thunderchief , In 1951, Republic Aviation Corporation began a project to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber for the United States Air Force. The result was the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Nicknamed "Thud", the aircraft was designed as a nuclear strike weapon. These aircraft saw service Japan and West Germany as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In 1959. Republic produced the improved "D" model which had a more powerful engine than earlier versions., The F-105 saw extensive service during the Vietnam War and later became the workhorse of the Air National Guard. For deployment to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, the aircraft were modified to carry a larger conventional weapons load. Some were modified to attack and destroy surface to air missile and radar sites in North Vietnam. These aircraft were called "Wild Weasels". The last F-105 was taken out of service in 1984., F-105D Thunderchief #61-0107 , The F-105D serial number #61-0107 on exhibit was delivered to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) at Spangdahlem, Air Base (AB). West Germany on May 18th, 1962. In August 1966, it was transferred to the 23rd TFW at McConnell Air Force Base (AFB), Kansas. The aircraft was transferred to the National Atomic Museum on Kirtland AFB, on June 26, 1981. The aircraft, as configured for exhibit, carries the markings of the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing. The 49th's motto is Tutor et Altor (Protect and Avenge)., Specifications , Length: 64 ft. , Wing Span: 35 ft. , Height: 19 ft, 8 in. , Weight: 52,838 lb. , Range: 1800 miles , Speed: 1300 mph , Armament: 1 x 20mm Cannon, Approximately 14,000 lbs of ordnance, including conventional and nuclear bombs. , This aircraft is on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force