The F-105 Thunderchief

I wasn't sure if I was going to make it for photographing tonight, so once again some more pictures of my diecast models.  The first aircraft up is the F-105 Thunderchief.

The F-105 was started as an internal project by Republic Aviation as a plane to replace the RF-84F Thunderflash.  Many different configurations were evaluated before the current was used.  The plane was designed as a low altitude penetrator and would carry a nuclear bomb in the internal bomb bay.

The first prototype flew in 1955 and the first production aircraft was introduced in 1958.  In 1959, the plane set a world speed record.

The plane saw heavy use in Vietnam and has the dubious distinction of being the only US Combat Aircraft to be removed from service due to high losses.  Some improvements were made to the aircraft and a Wild Weasel variant was introduced.  This was a plane whose primary mission was to go after SAM sites.

Two F-105 Wild Weasel Pilots would get awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Wild Weasel variant would remain in service until 1984.