F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War

F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War cover

Description

The F-105 was a supersonic fighter-bomber used by the USAF to great extent during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Despite pilots' initial apprehensions about the aircraft and a variety of problems with early designs, these planes ultimately became the primary strike bomber over North Vietnam in the early stages of the Vietnam War.

This book explores the crucial importance of the Thunderchief, deemed the "Thud" by many of its crews, in the Rolling Thunder campaign; it explains the pioneering suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) methods developed by the F-105 'Wild Weasel' crews. Using first-hand narratives wherever possible, the text captures the essence of flying the "Thud" against heavy AAA, SAM and MiG defences in conditions where constricting Rules of Engagement made the pilots' task virtually impossible at times. The book also documents the other demanding missions flown over Laos and South Vietnam. The author also gives an extensive overview of the aircraft's strengths and difficulties, the development of wartime tactics and the heroic accomplishments of a selection of its aircrew.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - 1953-65. A brief account of the design philosophy, early service and first deployments to Vietnam from August 1964 for attacks on Laos./Chapter 2 - Thai Home.Takhli and Korat Royal Thai air bases become the home of the 355th and 388th Tactical Fighter Wings and the launch pads for most of the attacks during Rolling Thunder from 2 March 1965./Chapter 3 - 1966-67. The height of Rolling Thunder. Vietnamese defences are much improved and F-105 losses mount./Chapter 4 - MiG killers. Despite its designated bomber role the F-105 downs 27 MiG fighters, mainly with its internal gun, including two for one pilot in a single mission./Chapter 5 - Wild Weasels. 'Iron Hand' missions against North Vietnam's defences begin in July 1965. The hunter-killer F-100/F-105 team concept is developed for attacking SAM sites./

Product details

Published Feb 16 2010
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781846034923
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 20 b/w; 80 col
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
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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