The Thunderchief was an incredibly capable aircraft, designed as a supersonic fighter-bomber, penetrating enemy airspace at high-speeds and low-altitudes. It wasn’t, however, built to turn at a great rate—a major necessity in dog fighting
The F-105 all-weather, supersonic fighter-bomber, also known as the “workhorse of Vietnam,” is renowned for its ability to penetrate enemy defense forces, strike, and fly home at supersonic speeds. The Thunderchief could carry up to seven tons of bombs—including nuclear weapons.
The F-105D on display has a unique tie to Hill Air Force Base’s 388th Fighter Wing and its involvement during Vietnam. In 1968, the aircraft moved to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron where crew renamed it the “Arkansas Traveler” since it was flown by Arkansas native Colonel Paul P. Douglas Jr., commander of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Although this airframe did not fly in World War II, Colonel Douglas did. To commemorate his time in World War II, crew painted eight swastikas beneath the cockpit on the port side to represent German aircraft downed by Colonel Douglas. The “JJ” tail code denotes the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.
In the 1970s, Hill Air Force Base was responsible for the maintenance and supply of US Air Force F-105 aircraft. In 1981, after the aircraft on display had logged 4,500 flight hours, staff transported the airframe to Hill Air Force Base and restored it to the appearance it had as the “Arkansas Traveler” for display at the Museum.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 59-1743
Manufacturer: Republic Aviation Corporation
Primary Function: Fighter-Bomber
Crew: One
Engines: One Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W turbojet; Thrust: 26,500 lbs. with afterburner and water injection
Wingspan: 34 ft 11 in
Length: 64 ft 5 in
Height: 19 ft 8 in
Weight: 27,500 pounds (empty); 52,838 pounds (maximum takeoff weight)
Speed: 778 mph (cruising); 1,420 mph (maximum)
Range: 2,208 miles
Service Ceiling: 51,000 feet
Armament: One 20mm M61A1 rotary cannon
Payload: 14,000 lbs. ordnance (8,000 lbs. internal and 6,000 lbs. external)
Cost: $2,140,000 (approximate)
Years of Service: 1960 – 1984
In the 1970s, Hill Air Force Base was responsible for the maintenance and supply of the F-105 aircraft. The F-105D on display was manufactured in 1960 and served on bases in the United States and Thailand. In 1968, the aircraft moved to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron where it was renamed “Arkansas Traveler” and flown by Arkansas native Colonel Paul P. Douglas Jr., commander of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. In 1981, after the aircraft had logged 4,500 flight hours, it was transported to Hill Air Force Base and restored to the appearance it had as the Arkansas Traveler, for display at Hill Aerospace Museum.
The Thunderchief was an incredibly capable aircraft, designed as a supersonic fighter-bomber, penetrating enemy airspace at high-speeds and low-altitudes. It wasn’t, however, built to turn at a great rate—a major necessity in dog fighting
The nickname was inspired by a popular television character at the time, Howdy Doody’s “Chief Thunderthud.”
As the primary attack aircraft of the Vietnam War, the Thunderchief accounted for 20,000 sorties. Ultimately 382 aircraft were lost, though 61 of those were lost to operational accidents.