✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | F-105D |
| Manufacturer | Republic Aviation |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Flight | 1955 |
| Length | 19.63 m (64.4 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.08 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 2,208 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 15,850 m (52,004 ft) |
| Range | 3,200 km (1,987 mi) |
| Engine | 1× Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W turbojet |
| Crew | 1 |
| Status | Retired |
Overview
The F-105 Thunderchief, affectionately called the ‘Thud,’ bore the heaviest burden of the air war over North Vietnam. Despite being designed as a nuclear strike fighter, it became the primary conventional bomber of the Rolling Thunder campaign, flying 75% of strike missions against the North.
Design & Development
The F-105 was the largest single-engine, single-seat combat aircraft ever built, weighing more than a loaded WWII B-17 bomber. Its internal bomb bay (unusual for a fighter) could carry a nuclear weapon or 8,000 lb of conventional ordnance. With a top speed of Mach 2.08, it was the fastest single-engine aircraft of its era.
Operational History
Of 833 F-105s built, 382 were lost in Southeast Asia—nearly half the total production. Despite these staggering losses, Thud pilots maintained fierce loyalty to their aircraft, praising its speed, stability, and ability to absorb tremendous battle damage and bring them home. The two-seat F-105G ‘Wild Weasel’ variant pioneered the dangerous mission of suppressing enemy surface-to-air missile sites.
Armament
- 1× M61 Vulcan 20mm (1,028 rounds)
- Internal bomb bay (unusual for a fighter)
- B61/B43 nuclear weapons
- AGM-12 Bullpup missiles
- AGM-45 Shrike anti-radar
- Up to 14,000 lb bombs
- 2.75″ and 5″ rocket pods
- CBU-24 cluster bombs
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the F-105 Thunderchief?
The F-105 had a top speed of Mach 2.08 (1,372 mph). It was the largest single-engine combat aircraft in history.
Why was the F-105 called the “Thud”?
The nickname likely came from the sound it made crashing (given high Vietnam loss rates), though some pilots claim it described the aircraft’s powerful feel.
How many F-105s were built?
833 F-105 Thunderchiefs were built by Republic Aviation.
Is the F-105 still in service?
No. It served from 1958 to 1984. It flew 75% of USAF bombing missions in early Vietnam. 382 were lost in combat.