(Image Credit: USAF)
The military periodically purges surplus aircraft, most often for scrap, but some (too few in our opinion) are saved from the shredder for accredited museums to take possession of to preserve our history.
(Image Credit: USAF)
The Thunderchief was the largest single-seat, single-engine combat aircraft in history, weighing approximately 50,000 pounds when fueled and loaded with munitions and was capable of Mach 2 at altitude and could exceed Mach 1 at sea level. The plane was replaced in combat duties in Vietnam by the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark, but Wild Weasel variants served out the entire war. The remainder were placed with the United States’ Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units, with the last of the F-105s being retired from service in 1983.
(Image Credit: USAFR)
It’s not a lot of money in the grand scheme of things, particularly for an established museum, but every little bit helps, so if you’d like to contribute towards this worthy (and likely tax-deductible) cause, be sure to click through this link to the museums’s donation page.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Please provide the “Tail Number” of the F-105D at the Palm Springs Air Museum. I believe I may have flown that 105 in the war.
John C. Morrissey
Col. Morrissey, thank you for your service! What base were you assigned to. What years? I was assigned to the 388th MMS gun shop at Korat RTFB Thiland in 68-69. We were responsible for the maintenance and service of the M-61 20mm Vulcan cannon. Of the different aircraft I worked on, F-105, F4 Phantom, HH-3 Jolly Green and HH-53 Super Jolly Green, the Thud was my favorite. That is a sexxy aircraft!!!
Hi, I was trying to build an F-105 partial mock up, but I can’t find a section of fuselage ,bottom of cockpit floor – just aft of fuselage framing for canopy to perhaps around forward to radome. I searched ALL over, no luck. Can you fellows tell me where I might find an fuse. section for a mock up. I retired medically out of military but aviation is a drug for me, I have o keep my hands in aircraft stuff. It wouldn’t have to be a ” 105″ but aircraft, any ideas? Thanks for taking time to answer,Happy New Year guys !
I was crew chief on 105’s from Dec 1966-Dec 1967. I Loved That Plane!!