Republic JF-105B "Thunderchief"

Republic JF-105B "Thunderchief". . In 1951 Republic Aviation began a project to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber to replace the F-84F. The result was the F-105 "Thunderchief," later nicknamed the "Thud." The prototype YF-105A first flew on October 22, 1955, but the first F-105D did not fly until June 9, 1959. F-105s were produced in the single-seat-B and -D series, and in the two seat F-105F model. Later, some F's were modified to become F-105Gs. A total of 833 Thunderchiefs of all types were built, including 610 F-105Ds. The F-105D could carry over 12,000 pounds of ordnance, a heavier bomb load than a World War II B-17. Up to 8,000 pounds could be carried internally in the bomb bay. The F-105D was used extensively in Vietnam. It flew 75 percent of the air strikes against North Vietnam during its first four years. The last F-105D was withdrawn from Air Force service on July 12, 1980. This aircraft was flown by Lt. Col. James Risner, Commander, 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, while on tdy to Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, January through September 1965. Col. Risner was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese on September 16, 1965. Eight years later, he was released along with other POWs as a result of the January 28, 1973 agreement., This aerospace vehicle (54-0105) is part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.