HA2506 1/72 F105-D Thunderchief ‘Dropping the Doumer Bridge’
1/72 Hobby Master Airpower Series
Features:
*Die-cast metal.
*Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.
*Pre-painted with pad applied markings.
*Fully assembled.
*Weapons that are not permanently attached.
*Comes with crew figure.
*Display stand included.
*Option to display model with wheels up or down.
*Minimum use of plastic.
History
The F-105D was first accepted on September 28 1960 and became the major variant with 610 aircraft being built.
Intended for a nuclear strike role but since the nuclear threat became less likely the role became a high-speed bomber.
The “Doumer Bridge” was named after Paul Doumer, Governor-General d’Indochine from 1897-1902.
In 1954 when the French had been ousted from Vietnam the name was changed to “Long Bien Bridge” but this wasn’t recognized by anyone outside North Vietnam.
The bridge was approximately one-mile long and consisted 13 spans that carried two highways and a rail line.
This was a major entry way into Hanoi and was considered a major target by the US.
On August 11, 1967 the first attack on the structure was made by 36 F-105s each fitted with two 2,000 pound bombs.
The raid had destroyed 3 spans of the bridge but two months later the bridge was operational again.
On October 21, 1967 a second raid was made by 21 F-105s and again the bridge was operational two months later.
This meant a third raid by fifty F-105s was needed.
This time five consecutive spans were put out of commission and stayed like that until March 1968 when US President Johnson halted the bombing.
Specifications:
Nick Names – Ultra Hog, Super Hog, Iron Butterfly, Lead Sled, Thud
Role – Fighter/Bomber
User Countries – U.S.A.
Crew – (1) pilot
Dimensions
Wingspan - 34 ft 11 in,
Length - 64 ft 3 in,
Height - 19 ft 8 in,
Wing Area - 385 sq. ft.
Performance
Engine- (1) Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W turbojet, rated at 17,200 lb.s.t. dry and 26,500 lb. s.t. with afterburner
Maximum speed -
1,420 mph at 38,000 ft
1,372 mph at 36,000 ft
1,122 mph at 50,000 ft
836 mph at sea level
Stall speed - 208 mph
Initial Climb Rate - 34,500 fpm (clean)
Service Ceiling - 32,100 ft
Combat Ceiling - 48,500 ft
Maximum Ceiling - 50,000 ft
Combat Range - 778 miles
Maximum Range with full external fuel – 2,208 miles
Fuel
Normal Internal Fuel Load - 1,160 US gallons
Internal Weapons Bay - 390 US gallon auxiliary tank
Optional 450 or 650 US gallon external tanks on the fuselage centerline
Plus a 450 US gallon tank on each of the inboard under-wing pylons
Weights
Empty - 27,500 lbs
Combat - 35,637 lbs
Gross - 48,400 lbs
Maximum Take/Off - 52,546 lbs
Armament
(1) 20-mm M61A1 rotary cannon with 1028 rounds (fire rate 6,000 rpm)
Up to 8,000 lbs of ordnance could be carried in the internal weapons bay
An additional 6,000 lbs of ordnance could be carried on (4) under-wing pylons and (1) rack under the fuselage center-line
Up to (4) AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for self-defense
Up to (4) AGM-12 Bullpup (not very effective in Vietnam)(1) Mk 28 or Mk 43 nuclear weapon
Up to (2) 3,000 lb bombs
Up to (5) 1,000 lb bombs
Up to (16) 750 lb bombs
Mk 77 napalm
ECM pods
2.75 in. rockets
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