POV: Strapping into the F-105 Thunderchief ⚡

Описание: I climbed into the cockpit of the F-105 Thunderchief to see what it really feels like. This was the primary strike bomber of the early Vietnam War—designed to fly Mach 2 on the deck.

It’s surprisingly tight for such a massive single-engine jet.

The Republic F‑105 Thunderchief, nicknamed the “Thud,” was a supersonic fighter‑bomber that carried the bulk of U.S. Air Force strike missions during the Vietnam War. Known for its speed and heavy bomb load, the F‑105 was demanding to fly, and pilots required extensive training to master both its performance and its complex weapons systems.

The F‑105 Cockpit Simulator on display at the Museum of Aviation gives visitors a chance to step into the pilot’s seat of this legendary aircraft. The simulator recreates the layout of the Thunderchief’s cockpit, complete with its instruments, flight controls, and weapons panels. From this confined space, pilots managed high‑speed bombing runs, electronic countermeasures, and evasive maneuvers against some of the most dangerous air defenses in history.

While the real F‑105 flew thousands of missions over North Vietnam, often at great cost, the simulator allows guests to safely experience the environment where those missions began. Sitting in the cockpit highlights the challenge of flying a supersonic jet deep into hostile territory, and the skill and courage required of the pilots who did so.

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