F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War

(Paperback)

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Description

Facing the most formidably concentrated air defences in history, pilots of the F-105D flew against North Vietnamese targets day after day during the 43 months of Operation Rolling Thunder. Despite its limited maneuverability and the lack of self-sealing fuel tanks, which made it susceptible to combat damage, the 'bombers' shot down 27 MiG fighters in 1966 67. This book illustrates the importance of the Thunderchief in the Rolling Thunder campaign, including the pioneering suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) methods developed by the F-105 'Wild Weasel' crews. Discussing the aircraft's strengths and weaknesses and using first-hand narratives, Peter Davies captures the essence of flying the 'Thud' against heavy defences, and describes the development of wartime tactics and the heroic accomplishments of a selection of its aircrew.

Reviews

"The latest addition to Osprey's Combat Aircraft series, F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War, will probably leave U.S. Air Force veterans wondering why it took so long... Loaded with firsthand accounts by the pilots-and even a few from some of their MiG adversaries-and supplementing its scores of photographs with 27 color profiles, this book is an important addition for any student of the air war." --Jon Guttman, Vietnam (August 2010)

"F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War explores the crucial importance of the Thunderchief, deemed the 'Thud' by many of its crews, in the Rolling Thunder campaign... The author, Peter Davies [gives] an extensive overview of the aircraft's strengths and difficulties, the development of wartime tactics and the heroic accomplishments of a selection of its aircrew. The colorful artwork will appeal to aviation enthusiasts and modelers alike. Illustrations cover the variety of natural metal and camouflage schemes with different codes and nose-art." --Flying Models (April 2010)

Author Bio

Peter Davies is based in Bristol and has authored or co-authored nine books on modern American combat aircraft, including the standard reference work on US Navy and Marine Corps Phantom II operations, Gray Ghosts. Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974 to 1978, and since he graduated with honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.