In 1951 Republic Aviation began a project to develop a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber to replace the F-84F. The result was the F-105 Thunderchief, later affectionately nicknamed the “Thud.” The prototype YF-105A first flew in October 1955, but the first F-105D did not fly until June 1959. A total of 833 Thunderchiefs of all types were built, including 610 F-105Ds.
Noteworthy the “D” variant could carry the entire 12,000-pound weapons load externally, giving the chance to use the internal bomb bay of the aircraft for fuel. This feature gave the F-105D the ability to take off with a full ordnance and minimum fuel load, refuel in the air, and take the maximum payload to the target.
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