Why is the F-105 called the thud?
Why is the F-105 called the thud?
According to F-105 pilots and crews, the “Thud” nickname was inspired by the character “Chief Thunderthud” from the Howdy Doody television series. The aircraft’s offensive capabilities were sarcastically referred to as a “Triple Threat”—it could bomb you, strafe you, or fall on you.
Did the F-105 have a bomb bay?
Apart from being the biggest single-seat, single-engine combat aircraft in history, the F-105 was notable for its large internal bomb bay and unique swept-forward engine inlets in the wing roots.
What plane was the thud?
F-105 Thunderchief
In 1951 Republic Aviation began a project to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber to replace the F-84F. The result was the F-105 Thunderchief, later affectionately nicknamed the “Thud.” The prototype YF-105A first flew in October 1955, but the first F-105D did not fly until June 1959.
Is F-105 A good plane?
It operated well from sea level to 15,000ft, and in military power the jet would run faster than any other aircraft at low level — it just didn’t turn much. It also had a great gun and was a very stable bomber that could take hits and come home.” Pilots for the F-105 squadrons came from a range of backgrounds.
How many POWs are still in Vietnam?
Current Status of Unaccounted-for Americans Lost in the Vietnam War
| Vietnam | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Original Missing | 1,973 | 2,646 |
| Repatriated and Identified | 729 | 1,061[1] |
| Remaining Missing | 1,244 | 1,584 |
How many Cobra helicopters were shot down in Vietnam?
A sobering statistic: Out of 1,419 Loaches built, 842 were destroyed in Vietnam, most shot down and many others succumbing to crashes resulting from low-level flying. In contrast, of the nearly 1,100 Cobras delivered to the Army, 300 were lost.