Was the F-105 used in Vietnam?
The F-105 was one of the primary attack aircraft of the Vietnam War; over 20,000 Thunderchief sorties were flown, with 382 aircraft lost including 62 operational (non-combat) losses (out of the 833 produced). Although less agile than smaller MiG fighters, USAF F-105s were credited with 27.5 kills.
Who was the best pilot in the Vietnam War?
Robin Olds (July 14, 1922 – June 14, 2007) was an American fighter pilot and general officer in the United States Air Force. He was a “triple ace”, with a combined total of 17 victories in World War II and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 as a brigadier general, after 30 years of service.
Why was the F-105 called the Thud?
Whether it was the sound of 50,000 pounds of metal uncontrollably impacting the earth, or the light-hearted shortening of the name Howdy Doody’s Indian rival, Chief Thunderthud, the F-105 became known affectionately as the “Thud” by those who flew and maintained it.
Did Russian pilots fight in Vietnam?
During the Korean War, Russian pilots had flown in Chinese and North Korean air force units. Thousands of Russian technical advisers assisted North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. But post-war, no Russians have claimed to have flown in air-to-air combat in Vietnam.
What happened to the F-105 in Vietnam?
The transfer of USAFE F-105 pilots to the Vietnam War increased sharply in 1966 as losses at the two Thai bases mounted. Meanwhile, Bill Hosmer was an 18th TFW pilot at Kadena AB.
Are there any F-105D pilots who have been to war?
For many of the F-105 pilots who went to war, their recent background had been in nuclear alert situations in Pacific Air Forces or US Air Forces Europe (USAFE) squadrons in the F-105D’s first few years of USAF service. Capt Bob “Spade” Cooley was another former Korean War pilot who had flown F-86 Sabres, F-84Fs and then F-100s.
What is the best book on the Vietnam War F-105 Thunderchief?
Fighter Aircraft. London: Lorenz Books, 2002. ISBN 0-7548-0990-0. Davies, Peter E. F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War (Osprey Combat Aircraft #84). Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing Limited, 2010. ISBN 978-1-84603-492-3. Davis, Larry. “F-105 in Southeast Asia”. Wings of Fame, Volume 18, 2000. London: Aerospace Publishing. pp. 16–37.
What is it like to fly the F-105 thud?
Thud Drivers! Former F-105 pilots explain what it was like flying the mighty Thud in Peace and War The Thud stability, unbeatable low-altitude speed and impressive size were unprecedented for a fighter.