Sabretooth Tiger is a photograph by John Schneider which was uploaded on May 31st, 2018.
Sabretooth Tiger
File# 0938 USAF Republic Aviation F-105C, Serial # 62-4444 Thunderchief as display in 2012 at Empire State Aerosciences Museum. Service 1955 to... more
Title
Sabretooth Tiger
Artist
John Schneider
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
File# 0938 USAF Republic Aviation F-105C, Serial # 62-4444 Thunderchief as display in 2012 at Empire State Aerosciences Museum. Service 1955 to 1980.
During much of the Vietnam War, F-105 "fighters" bombed strategic targets while B-52 "bombers" flew tactical missions.
On a bombing mission to Hanoi, Republic F-105 Thunderchief pilots faced surface-to-air (SAMs), anti-aircraft guns and Mig fighters all intent on downing the Thunderchief before it reached its target.
Often the pilot's approach to the target included hiding behind "Thud Ridge" which extended from the Laotian border almost to Hanoi for part of the mission. This enabled the F-105s to attack targets like Kep airfield near Hanoi with a degree of surprise. It was some of the most dangerous flying in the history of air warfare.
F-105 pilots were required to complete 100 missions before leaving Vietnam. According to one analysis, an F-105 pilot would almost certainly be shot down by the time of his 68th sortie.
Republic F-105D pilots shot down 25 Migs, using cannon and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
The two-seat Republic F-105F/G Thunderchief (Wild Weasel), in Vietnam, this alleged combat training aircraft, became a night raider and a 'Wild Weasel' - an air-to-ground warrior with the specialized job of attacking SAM radar installations.
Uploaded
May 31st, 2018
