Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Today In Aviation History
APRIL 19, 1967. F-105F Thunderchief pilot, Major Leo K. Thorsness fights a heavy duel with North Vietnamese SAM sites and downs a MIG, earning the Congressional Medal of Honor (America's highest military award). Only 11 days later he was shot down over North Vietnam and held prisoner for nearly six years. Following his release, Major Thorsness received this highest decoration for valor from President Richard M. Nixon at the White House Oct. 15, 1973.
Major Leo K. Thorsness - Medal Of Honor
Medal Of Honor - Web-Site
Republic F-105 Thunderchief Info
Republic F-105 Thunderchief Photos
SPECIFICATIONS - F-105 "Thunderchief"
Wing Span 34 feet 11 inches
Length 67 feet
Height 20 feet, 2 inches
Weight 54,580 lbs.
Armament One M6-1 20mm Vulcan cannon plus 14,000 lbs. of ordinance including conventional bombs, rocket packs, missiles, and internally or externally carried special weapons.
Engine One Pratt & Whitney J75 jet engine with 26,500 lbs. of thrust
Cost $2,237,000
Maximum speed 831 mph
Cruising speed 596 mph
Range 1,500 miles
Service Ceiling 50,000 feet
Major Leo K. Thorsness - Medal Of Honor
Medal Of Honor - Web-Site
Republic F-105 Thunderchief Info
Republic F-105 Thunderchief Photos
SPECIFICATIONS - F-105 "Thunderchief"
Wing Span 34 feet 11 inches
Length 67 feet
Height 20 feet, 2 inches
Weight 54,580 lbs.
Armament One M6-1 20mm Vulcan cannon plus 14,000 lbs. of ordinance including conventional bombs, rocket packs, missiles, and internally or externally carried special weapons.
Engine One Pratt & Whitney J75 jet engine with 26,500 lbs. of thrust
Cost $2,237,000
Maximum speed 831 mph
Cruising speed 596 mph
Range 1,500 miles
Service Ceiling 50,000 feet
