F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War

Facing the most formidably concentrated air defenses 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 defenses (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 defenses, and describes the development of wartime tactics and the heroic accomplishments of a selection of its aircrew.