Republic F-105 Thunderchief

A definitive technical guide to the F-105 Thunderchief, the fastest and most successful strike fighter of the Cold War.



Designed to deliver nuclear weapons at low altitude and then fight its way back to base, by the early 1960s it was the primary weapon in the USAF's tactical strike arsenal. Thunderchief pilots in Europe, the Far East and the USA stood on short-notice alert, ready to take on the formidable defenses of their Communist Bloc targets. The F-105 was, however, to become a legend in a very different conflict. With the start of the bombing campaign against North Vietnam, the Thunderchief became a vital element in attacks against some of the most heavily defended territory in modern history.



Featuring specially-commissioned artwork and diagrams, this is a compact, easy-reference guide to this notable aircraft, covering technical specifications, design and development and operational history.