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5050 Santa Fe Drive • Atwater, California • 95301
Republic F-105B Thunderchief
MUSEUM HOURS
May 1- October 31
9:00am - 5:00pm
November 1 - April 30
10:00am - 4:00pm
The museum is open
daily year round,
except for the
following days:
New Year's Day,
Easter,
Thanksgiving and
Christmas Day.
Specifications
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Republic Aviation Corp.
Role/Function: Bomber (with Fighter capabilities)
Serial Number: 57-5837
Model Number/Mk. #: n/a
Crew: 1
Power Plant: 1 - Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W Turbojet engine with 24,500 lbs. of thrust.
Maximum Speed: 1,372 mph. (Mach 2.08)
Cruising Speed: 545 mph.
Service Ceiling: 48,500 ft.
Range: 2,210 mi.
Weights: Empty: 27,500 lbs. Loaded: 36,673 lbs. Maximum: 53,000 lbs.
Wing Span: 34 ft. 11 in.
Length: 67 ft.
Height: 19 ft. 8 in.
Wing Area: 385 ft²
Armament: 1 - T-171 Vulcan 20mm cannon at 6,000 rounds per minute, and 14,000 lbs. of bombs.
Cost: $2,140,000.00
# Built: 833
# in Current Service: None.
In 1954, Republic Aircraft Company began designing a replacement for the F-84 Thunderstreak. The F-105B first flew in 1957.
The F-105 Thunderchief was the workhorse of the Tactical Air Command (TAC) during the 1960's. It is the largest, heaviest single seat, single engine fighter ever built. It was affectionately called "THUD" by those who flew and maintained them by having a reputation of being rugged and dependable.
F-105's were used in the Vietnam Conflict and flew 75 per cent of all tactical air strikes and close air support missions. F-105's were also credited with shooting down 29 enemy Mig fighters during the conflict.
The display aircraft at Castle Air Museum, was delivered to the Air Force on January 5, 1960. It served with TAC until 1970, and then was transferred to the New Jersey Air National Guard. In 1973, it was transferred to the Utah Air National Guard where it served until 1981. Its last mission was the flight to Castle to join the Museum Collection.
Below: F-105 being refuelled by a KC-135. Bottom: F-105 and its armament.