Hobby Master Archive

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 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.

One of the 610 F-105Ds built by Republic Aviation in Farmingdale, NY was USAF s/n 62- 4301. It was originally delivered to the 8th TFW (PACAF - Pacific Air Force), Itazuke AB, Japan on April 25, 1963. In May of the following year the aircraft was assigned 41st Air Division (PACAF), at Yokota AB, Japan. In January 1968 the aircraft was sent to the 18th TFW (PACAF), Osan AB, Korea. The aircraft made two brief tours in Vietnam achieving one unofficial ground kill of an IL-28 bomber. The aircraft’s next stop was at McClellan AFB, California from April to August 1972 for maintenance. The next 8 years was spent with the 507th TFG (AFRES - Air Force Reserve) at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma when in July 1980, 62-4301 was reassigned to the 466th TFS (AFRES), Hill AFB, Utah. On January 16, 1984 the aircraft made its final flight when it was delivered to the Aerospace Museum of California at McClellan Field, the former McClellan AFB, California.

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

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2507 F-105D Thunderchief 62-4301, 466th TFS/419 TFW/AFRES, Hill AFB, Utah “My Karma”

Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Weapons that are not permanently attached. Comes with crew figure. Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down.