Republic F-105D Thunderchief

In 1951, Republic Aviation began developing a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber to replace the F-84F.
The result was the F-105 "Thunderchief," later affectionately known as "Thud."
It was an all-weather fighter-bomber version, equipped with monopoles and Doppler radar for night or foul-weather operations. This radar could also provide terrain avoidance guidance.
The weapons bay, originally intended for nuclear weapons, was sealed and equipped with additional fuel tanks. Bombs were carried on multiple weapon racks along the fuselage centerline and on wing pylons. The aircraft was equipped with a retractable air-to-air refueling probe. The F-105D was used extensively in the Vietnam War.
Operating from bases in Thailand, it flew 75 percent of the airstrikes against North Vietnam during its first four years. The Thunderchief was an excellent tactical bomber. It could carry over 12,000 pounds of munitions, a heavier bomb load than a World War II B-17.
Up to 8,000 pounds could be carried internally in the bomb bay.
With the exception of ammunition for the M61A1 cannon, all ammunition was carried externally.
Thanks to multiple ejector racks, the F-105D could carry an impressive load of external fuel, ECM equipment, and up to eight 750-pound bombs on long-range missions.
On short-range missions, it could carry sixteen 750-pound bombs.
Alternative combat loads consisted of two 3,000-pound bombs or three drop tanks.
On a typical mission over North Vietnam, the F-105D carried six 750-pound bombs or five 1,000-pound bombs, plus two 450-gallon drop tanks.
Republic produced 610 examples of the F-105D variant before the last one was retired from U.S. Air Force service on July 12, 1980.

Plastic model kit

Scale 1:32

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included