The F-105D was first accepted on September 28 1960 and became the major variant
with 610 aircraft being built. Intended for a nuclear strike role but since the nuclear threat
became less likely the role became a high-speed bomber. The Pitot tube was moved to
the nose that had been extended approximately 15 inches more than the “B”. The “D”
received strengthened landing gear and an arrestor hook in case it over shot the runway.
During 1966 and 1967 F-105Ds managed to down 25 MiGs using the 20-mm cannon and
2 other using Side-Winder missiles.

The “Doumer Bridge” was named after Paul Doumer, Governor-General d’Indochine
from 1897-1902. In 1954 when the French had been ousted from Vietnam the name was
changed to “Long Bien Bridge” but this wasn’t recognized by anyone outside North
Vietnam. The bridge was approximately one-mile long and consisted 13 spans that
carried two highways and a rail lime. This was a major entry way into Hanoi and was
considered a major target by the US. On August 11, 1967 the first attack on the structure
was made by 36 F-105s each fitted with two 2,000 pound bombs. The raid had
destroyed 3 spans of the bridge but two months later the bridge was operational again.
On October 21, 1967 a second raid was made by 21 F-105s and again the bridge was
operational two months later. This meant a third raid by fifty F-105s was needed. This
time five consecutive spans were put out of commission and stayed like that until March
1968 when US President Johnson halted the bombing. The strike force on the bridge
would be led by the 355th TFW. The 354th TFS was activated on November 12, 1942
until November 20, 1946. On November 1, 1952 the group was re-activated but only until
January 1, 1958. On April 13, 1962 the 354th was once again brought back and lasted
until April 30, 1982.

Specifications for the Republic F-105D Thunderchief

Nick Names – Ultra Hog, Super Hog, Iron Butterfly, Lead Sled, Thud

Role – Fighter/Bomber

User Countries – U.S.A.

Crew – (1) pilot

Dimensions
Wingspan - 34 ft 11 in,
Length - 64 ft 3 in,
Height - 19 ft 8 in,
Wing Area - 385 sq. ft.

Performance
Engine- (1) Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W turbojet, rated at 17,200 lb.s.t. dry and 26,500 lb.
s.t. with afterburner

Maximum speed -
1,420 mph at 38,000 ft
1,372 mph at 36,000 ft
1,122 mph at 50,000 ft
836 mph at sea level
Stall speed - 208 mph
Initial Climb Rate - 34,500 fpm (clean)
Service Ceiling - 32,100 ft
Combat Ceiling - 48,500 ft
Maximum Ceiling - 50,000 ft
Combat Range - 778 miles
Maximum Range with full external fuel – 2,208 miles

Fuel
Normal Internal Fuel Load - 1,160 US gallons
Internal Weapons Bay - 390 US gallon auxiliary tank
Optional 450 or 650 US gallon external tanks on the fuselage centerline
Plus a 450 US gallon tank on each of the inboard under-wing pylons

Weights
Empty - 27,500 lbs
Combat - 35,637 lbs
Gross - 48,400 lbs
Maximum Take/Off - 52,546 lbs

Armament
(1) 20-mm M61A1 rotary cannon with 1028 rounds (fire rate 6,000 rpm)
Up to 8,000 lbs of ordnance could be carried in the internal weapons bay
An additional 6,000 lbs of ordnance could be carried on (4) under-wing pylons and (1)
rack under the fuselage center-line
Up to (4) AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for self-defense
Up to (4) AGM-12 Bullpup (not very effective in Vietnam)
(1) Mk 28 or Mk 43 nuclear weapon
Up to (2) 3,000 lb bombs
Up to (5) 1,000 lb bombs
Up to (16) 750 lb bombs
Mk 77 napalm
ECM pods
2.75 in. rockets

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