After almost 32 years of Government Service with the USAF and the FAA, I retired in 2004. 12 years Active Duty with one break and Two years Active Reserves, I served in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and Ten CONUS assignments as a Jet Engine mechanic (B52's and KC135's) an Air Traffic Controller ( Tower/ Radar and the MOB) and an Airfield Management Specialist (Reserves) and I can say I enjoyed all of them. I just enjoyed some more than others! I left the Air Force in 1984 when the FAA gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I spent two more with the Air Force Reserve at Greater Pitt. After 30 years of telling pilots where to go, I hung up my headset and now I watch my 16 year old son grow up. And Yes he wants to be an Air Force Fighter Pilot. He's a Plane nut just like his dad!
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The Aircraft in this profile I either worked on as a mechanic, or controlled as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Air Force or the FAA. Some have interesting stories if you click on the photo.
Aircraft/Missile Information
The F-105 was initially designed as a supersonic fighter bomber to replace the F-84F. The first flight was on October 22, 1955, but the first production aircraft, an F-105B, was not delivered to the USAF until 1958. In all, 833 aircraft were built before production ended in 1964.
The "G" models were modified versions of the "F" model. The "G" models were configured for antiaircraft suppression and were used by the "Wild Weasels". Any sane pilot did his utmost to avoid air-defense sites, however the Weasels would go in to attract the attention of the defenses and then launch their missiles to destroy the controlling radar. They were fitted with improved avionics and advanced (for their day!) ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) and RHAW (Radar Homing and Warning) systems that allowed them to engage the air defense systems with devastating effectiveness.
TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: One M61 20mm Vulcan cannon and over 12,000 lbs. of ordnance Engine: One Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W of 26,500 lbs. thrust Maximum speed: 1,386 mph Cruising speed: 596 mph Range: 1,500 miles Ceiling: 50,000 ft. Span: 34 ft. 11 in. Length: 67 ft. Height: 20 ft. 2 in. Weight: 54,580 lbs. maximum
