5 Wild Weasel Missions of the F-105 Thunderchief
Wild Weasel Missions of the F-105 Thunderchief
The F-105 Thunderchief, also known as the “Thud,” was a supersonic fighter-bomber used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. One of the most notable roles of the F-105 was its employment as a Wild Weasel, a specialized aircraft designed to detect and destroy enemy surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites. The F-105 Wild Weasel’s primary mission was to neutralize the enemy’s air defenses, allowing other aircraft to operate safely in the combat zone. In this blog post, we will explore five notable Wild Weasel missions of the F-105 Thunderchief.
Early Wild Weasel Missions
The first Wild Weasel mission was flown on November 5, 1965, by F-105F aircraft from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. The mission was designed to test the concept of using specialized aircraft to detect and destroy enemy SAM sites. The F-105F was equipped with the APR-25⁄26 radar homing and warning system, which could detect the emissions of the SA-2 SAM system. The mission was successful, and the concept of Wild Weasel was proven.
Operation Rolling Thunder
During Operation Rolling Thunder, the sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam, F-105 Wild Weasels played a crucial role in suppressing enemy air defenses. On June 15, 1966, F-105F Wild Weasels from the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing flew a mission to destroy SA-2 SAM sites in the vicinity of Hanoi. The mission was successful, and the F-105s were able to destroy several SAM sites, allowing other aircraft to bomb their targets safely.
The Shootdown of Lieutenant Colonel Arthur F. Williams
On November 17, 1967, F-105F Wild Weasel pilot Lieutenant Colonel Arthur F. Williams was shot down by an SA-2 SAM while on a mission to destroy enemy air defenses. Williams was able to eject from the aircraft and was later rescued. The incident highlighted the risks faced by Wild Weasel crews and the importance of their mission.
Operation Linebacker
During Operation Linebacker, the bombing campaign against North Vietnam in 1972, F-105G Wild Weasels played a key role in suppressing enemy air defenses. On October 12, 1972, F-105G Wild Weasels from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing flew a mission to destroy SA-2 SAM sites in the vicinity of Hanoi. The mission was successful, and the F-105s were able to destroy several SAM sites, allowing other aircraft to bomb their targets safely.
The Last Wild Weasel Mission
The last Wild Weasel mission of the F-105 Thunderchief was flown on December 29, 1972, by F-105G aircraft from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. The mission was designed to test the effectiveness of the AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missile against enemy SAM sites. The mission was successful, and the F-105s were able to destroy several SAM sites, marking the end of the F-105 Wild Weasel’s combat career.
🚨 Note: The F-105 Wild Weasel's success was not limited to the five missions mentioned above. The aircraft flew numerous other missions, and its crews were awarded several decorations for their bravery and skill.
Over the course of the Vietnam War, the F-105 Wild Weasel played a crucial role in suppressing enemy air defenses, allowing other aircraft to operate safely in the combat zone. The bravery and skill of the F-105 Wild Weasel crews were instrumental in the success of the war effort, and their legacy continues to be celebrated today.
The F-105 Thunderchief’s Wild Weasel mission was a testament to the aircraft’s versatility and the ingenuity of its crews. The F-105’s ability to detect and destroy enemy SAM sites made it an invaluable asset to the US military, and its success paved the way for future generations of Wild Weasel aircraft.
In conclusion, the F-105 Thunderchief’s Wild Weasel mission was a significant chapter in the history of military aviation. The bravery and skill of the F-105 Wild Weasel crews, combined with the aircraft’s advanced technology, made it a formidable opponent in the skies over Vietnam.
What was the primary mission of the F-105 Wild Weasel?
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The primary mission of the F-105 Wild Weasel was to detect and destroy enemy surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites, allowing other aircraft to operate safely in the combat zone.
What was the APR-25⁄26 radar homing and warning system?
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The APR-25⁄26 radar homing and warning system was a radar system installed on the F-105F Wild Weasel, which could detect the emissions of the SA-2 SAM system.
What was Operation Rolling Thunder?
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Operation Rolling Thunder was the sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
What was the AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missile?
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The AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missile was a missile designed to detect and destroy enemy radar and SAM sites.
When was the last Wild Weasel mission flown by the F-105 Thunderchief?
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The last Wild Weasel mission of the F-105 Thunderchief was flown on December 29, 1972.
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