Republic F-105B Thunderchief

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.