Republic F-105D "Thunderchief"

Revered the its toughness and durability it was affectionately known as the the "Thud". The F-105s aircraft carried out 75% of the bomb stike missions in Vietnam. Described as the workhorse of Vietnam, it became known for its ability to penetrate enemy defense forces at supersonic speeds, make the strike, and streak home to fight another day. It was the largest and heaviest fighter-bomber. The F-105 was designed to carry for tons of bombs, including nuclear weapons. It si unique in that it has an internal fuselage bomb bay. It carried only conventional bombs in Vietnam, four tons internally and three tons externally. The six barrels of the Vulcan cannon are capable of pouring out 100 rds of 20 mm ammunition per second. The eight Nazi Swastikas are the credits for Nazi aircraft downed by Col. Paul P. Douglas in a P-47 in WWII and were painted on the this aircraft which he flew when he served in Vietnam in the mid-60s. He was also known as the "Arkansas Traveler". HAFB had prime supply and maintenance responsibilities for the F-105 beginning in 1954.