Republic F-105G Thunderchief

What in the World is a Wild Weasel?

“Wild Weasel” describes any specialized US Air Force aircraft and missions that
seek to destroy enemy air defenses with direct attacks. Many F-105Fs received modifications to fill the “Wild Weasel” role in 1967. These aircraft used advanced avionics and additional electronic countermeasure equipment to complete their missions, aimed to neutralize North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile sites during the Vietnam War. Modified F-105F aircraft were later re-designated as the F-105G, armed with combat cameras and radar and warning systems.

Wild Weasel at Hill Air Force Base

Hill has several mission connections to the F-105. Hill personnel were responsible for the maintenance and supply of certain F-105 components, to include the engine fuel system. Furthermore, F-105s were stationed at Hill with the 508th Tactical Fighter Group, Air Force Reserves, beginning in September 1972.

In 1964, the F-105 on display was manufactured as an F-105F and, in 1972, it was converted to the F-105G “Wild Weasel” configuration and sent to Thailand for combat duty. There, it was assigned to the 17th Wild Weasel Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. In 1983, it arrived at Hill Air Force Base where it helped train Airmen in aircraft battle damage repair techniques.

From Zero to Hero

Once this aircraft transferred to the 17th Wild Weasel Squadron (17 WWS) in Thailand, it was given the nickname Zero and flew many combat missions destroying enemy air defenses in Vietnam. During its time with the 17 WWS, Zero and its pilots accumulated three confirmed MiG kills.

This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.

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