F-105 The Iron Duke

The F-105 Thunderchief was one of the most versatile tactical jet fighters in the Air Force inventory from 1959 through the Vietnam Era. Tinker’s representative F-105, a D-model named “Iron Duke” (serial number 62-4360), represents the accomplishments and contributions of Tinker Air Force Base employees, but has a story of its own to tell. The F-105, affectionately known as the “Thud,” represented the future of fighter-bomber aircraft in 1958 when it entered operational service. The F-105 could deliver 12,000 pounds of bombs, either conventional or nuclear, at supersonic speeds. This would be comparative to giving a World War II-era B-17 the capability to leave London at noon, drop bombs on Berlin at 1:00 p.m., and be home by 2 p.m., as well as be able to defend itself the entire flight. Within 15 years, fighter-bombers had come that far. The Thunderchief was a milestone, more maneuverable than a B-52 and capable of flying close overhead to support advancing ground forces.