F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War

F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War cover

F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War

Description

The combat history of the F-105 Thunderchief units during the Vietnam War, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of the aircraft, and the difficulties it faced during many months of dangerous combat.

Facing the most formidably concentrated air defences in history, pilots of the F-105D flew against North Vietnamese targets day after day during the 43 months of Operation Rolling Thunder. Despite its limited maneuverability and the lack of self-sealing fuel tanks, which made it susceptible to combat damage, the 'bombers' shot down 27 MiG fighters in 1966 – 67. This book illustrates the importance of the Thunderchief in the Rolling Thunder campaign, including the pioneering suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) methods developed by the F-105 'Wild Weasel' crews.

Discussing the aircraft's strengths and weaknesses and using first-hand narratives, Peter Davies captures the essence of flying the 'Thud' against heavy defences, and describes the development of wartime tactics and the heroic accomplishments of a selection of its aircrew.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - 1953-65.
Chapter 2 - Thai Home
Chapter 3 - 1966-67
Chapter 4 - MiG killers
Chapter 5 - Wild Weasels

Product details

Published 20 Nov 2012
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781782006985
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 20 b/w; 80 col
Series Combat Aircraft
Short code COM 84
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Peter E. Davies

Peter E. Davies has specialized in the aircraft of…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

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