Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use American English Template:Infobox aircraft
The McDonnell F-101 Voodoo is a supersonic jet fighter designed and produced by the American McDonnell Aircraft Corporation.
Development of the F-101 began in the late 1940s as a long-range bomber escort (then known as a penetration fighter) for the United States Air Force's (USAF) Strategic Air Command (SAC). It was also adapted as a nuclear-armed fighter-bomber for the USAF's Tactical Air Command (TAC), and as a photo reconnaissance aircraft. On 29 September 1954, it performed its maiden flight. The F-101A set world speed records for jet-powered aircraft, including airspeed, attaining Template:Convert per hour on 12 December 1957.<ref>Francillon 1979, p. 544.</ref>
Delays in the 1954 interceptor project led to demands for an interim interceptor aircraft design, a role that was eventually won by the F-101B Voodoo. This role required extensive modifications to add a large radar to the nose of the aircraft, a second crew member to operate it, and a new weapons bay using a rotating door that held its four AIM-4 Falcon missiles or two AIR-2 Genie rockets hidden within the airframe until it was time to be fired. The F-101B entered service with USAF Air Defense Command in 1959 and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1961. While the Voodoo was a moderate success, it may have been more important as an evolutionary step towards its replacement in most roles, the F-4 Phantom II, one of the most successful Western fighter designs of the 1950s; the Phantom would retain the twin engines, twin crew for interception duties, and a tail mounted well above and behind the jet exhaust, although it was an evolution of the F3H Demon while the Voodoo was developed from the earlier XF-88 Voodoo.
The Voodoo's career as a fighter-bomber was relatively brief, but the reconnaissance versions served for some time. Along with the USAF's Lockheed U-2 and US Navy's Vought RF-8 Crusaders, the RF-101 reconnaissance variant of the Voodoo was instrumental during the Cuban Missile Crisis and saw extensive service during the Vietnam War.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Interceptor versions served with the Air National Guard until 1982, and in Canadian service, they were a front line part of NORAD until their replacement with the CF-18 Hornet in the 1980s. The type was operated in the reconnaissance role until 1979. The US Air National Guard operated former USAF Voodoos until 1982. The RCAF Voodoos were in service until 1984.
Design and developmentEdit
Background and XF-88Edit
Initial design on what would eventually become the Voodoo began in June 1946 in response to a USAAF Penetration Fighter Competition launched just after World War II.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 1">Greenhalgh 1979, p. 1.</ref> This competition called for a long-range, high-performance fighter to escort a new generation of bombers, similar to the wartime role of the North American P-51 Mustang in escorting the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses and Consolidated B-24 Liberators across contested airspace. McDonnell was among several companies to respond to the competition; their design benefitted from recently captured German research into high-speed jet aircraft.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 12">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 1-2.</ref><ref name = "davies 6-7">Davies 2019, pp. 6-7.</ref>
On 14 February 1947, McDonnell was awarded a contract (AC-14582) to produce a pair of prototypes, designated XF-88 Voodoo.<ref name="Francillon p460-1">Francillon 1979, pp. 460–461.</ref><ref name="knaack p135">Knaack 1982, p. 135.</ref> The first prototype (serial number 46-6525), which was powered by two 3,000 lbf (13.3 kN) Westinghouse XJ34-WE-13 turbojets, flew from Muroc on 20 October 1948.<ref name="Angelucci p304">Angelucci and Bowers 1987, p. 304.</ref><ref name = "Greenhalgh 2">Greenhalgh 1979, p. 2.</ref> Preliminary testing revealed that while handling and range were adequate, the top speed was a disappointing 641 mph (1,032 km/h) at sea level.<ref name="Francillon p461">Francillon 1979, p. 461.</ref> After fitting McDonnell-designed afterburners to the second prototype, thrust was increased to 3,600 lbf (16.1 kN) with corresponding performance increases in top speed, initial rate of climb, and reduced takeoff distance. Fuel consumption also increased, reducing range.<ref name="Angelucci p304"/><ref name = "davies 7-8">Davies 2019, pp. 7-8.</ref>
The XF-88 won the "fly-off" competition against the competing Lockheed XF-90 and North American YF-93. But the detonation of the first nuclear weapon by the Soviet Union led the United States Air Force (USAF) to raise the priority of interceptors and reduce that of bomber escorts, and it terminated the Penetration Fighter program in 1950.<ref name="Dorr &Don p146,8">Dorr and Donald 1990, pp. 146, 148.</ref><ref name = "davies 8">Davies 2019, p. 8.</ref> Another factor in the termination was budgetary limitations.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 2"/><ref name="knaack p135"/> Analysis of Korean War missions, however, revealed that contemporary USAF strategic bombers were vulnerable to fighter interception. In early 1951, the USAF issued a new requirement for a bomber escort, to which all major US manufacturers submitted designs.<ref name="knaack p135-6">Knaack 1982, pp. 135-136.</ref> The McDonnell design, a larger and higher-powered version of the XF-88, won the bid in May 1951. Six months later, the redesigned F-88 was designated F-101 Voodoo.<ref name="One-O-Won p76">Peacock 1985, p. 76.</ref><ref name="knaack p137">Knaack 1982, p. 137.</ref>
Enlarged designEdit
The new design was considerably larger, carrying three times the initial fuel load and designed around larger, more powerful Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojets.<ref name="Franc p538">Francillon 1979, p. 538.</ref> The greater dimensions of the J57 engines required modifications to the engine bays, and modification to the intakes to allow a larger amount of airflow to the engine. The new intakes were also designed to be more efficient at higher Mach numbers. In order to increase aerodynamic efficiency, reduce structural weight and alleviate pitch-up phenomena recently identified during flight testing of the Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket, an aircraft with a control surface configuration similar to the XF-88, the horizontal tail was relocated to the top of the vertical stabilizer, giving the F-101 its signature "T-tail". In late 1952, the mission of the F-101 was changed from "penetration fighter" to "strategic fighter", which entailed equal emphasis on both the bomber escort mission and on nuclear weapons delivery. The new Voodoo mock-up with the reconfigured inlets, tail surfaces, landing gear, and dummy nuclear weapon was inspected by Air Force officials in March 1953.<ref name="knaack p137-8">Knaack 1978, pp. 137–138.</ref> The design was approved, leading to an initial production order for 29 F-101As being placed on 28 May 1953. No prototypes were required as the F-101 was considered to be a straightforward development of the XF-88,<ref name="Franc p539">Francillon 1979, p. 539.</ref> with the Cook-Cragie production policy, in which initial low-rate production would be used for testing without the use of separate prototypes, chosen instead.<ref name=" Peacock p78">Peacock 1985, p. 78.</ref><ref name="knaack p136">Knaack 1982, p. 136.</ref>
Changing roles and into productionEdit
Despite securing an order for the type, McDonnell received a stop order for production on 16 April 1954; this was due to a substantial cutback in funding for the USAF in general. Meaningful production activity was not resumed until a favourable instruction was received by the company on 2 November 1954.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 5">Greenhalgh 1979, p. 5.</ref> At this point, the USAF gave McDonnell an operational deadline of early 1957.<ref name="knaack p138">Knaack 1982, p. 138.</ref>
The first production aircraft, F-101A serial number 53-2418, performed its maiden flight on 29 September 1954 from Edwards AFB; during this flight, it attained a maximum speed of Template:Convert at an altitude of Template:Convert.<ref name="Franc p141">Francillon 1990, p. 141.</ref> This aircraft, which is privately owned, has been moved to the Evergreen Maintenance Center in Marana, Arizona, restored, and now on display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.<ref>F-101A Restored, at Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum Template:Webarchive</ref> It was previously on display at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum.
The end of the Korean War and the development of the jet-powered Boeing B-52 Stratofortress negated the need for fighter escort and Strategic Air Command (SAC) opted to withdraw from the program. Despite SAC's loss of interest, the F-101A had attracted the attention of Tactical Air Command (TAC), leading to the F-101 being reconfigured as a fighter bomber.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 5-6">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 5-6.</ref><ref name = "davies 9-10">Davies 2019, pp. 9-10.</ref> In this capacity, it was intended to carry a single nuclear weapon for use against tactical targets such as airfields. TAC requested numerous alterations to the F-101 to suit the new role, including additional apparatus to permit air-to-ground communication, provisions to carry external pods, and structural strengthening.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 6">Greenhalgh 1979, p. 6.</ref><ref name = "davies 10">Davies 2019, p. 10.</ref>
Through the support of TAC, testing of the F-101 was resumed, with Category II flight tests beginning in early 1955. A number of problems were identified and were mostly resolved during this phase of development. Issues were found with the autopilot, hydraulics, viewfinder, and control system; McDonnell typically replaced unsatisfactory parts with redesigned counterparts.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 7">Greenhalgh 1979, p. 7.</ref> One particular issue was the aircraft's dangerous tendency towards severe pitch-up when flown at a high angle of attack; this would never be entirely rectified.<ref name="Dorr p172">Dorr 1995, p. 172.</ref><ref name = "davies 12-13">Davies 2019, pp. 12-13.</ref> However, the USAF was satisfied with the installation of an active inhibitor system to deter such instances.<ref name="knaack p139"/> Around 2,300 improvements were made to the F-101 between 1955 and 1956 ahead of full-rate production commencing in November 1956.<ref name="knaack p139-40">Knaack 1982, pp. 139-140.</ref>
Operational historyEdit
F-101A / RF-101GEdit
On 2 May 1957, the first F-101A was delivered to the 27th Strategic Fighter Wing, which transferred to TAC in July that year,<ref name="Peacock p78"/><ref name="knaack p140">Knaack 1982, p. 140.</ref> replacing their F-84F Thunderstreak. The F-101A was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 turbojets,<ref name="Franc p539"/> allowing good acceleration, a high rate of climb, ease in penetrating the sound barrier in level flight, and a maximum performance of Mach 1.52. The F-101's large internal fuel capacity allowed a range of approximately Template:Cvt nonstop.<ref name="Frnc p547">Francillon 1979, p. 547.</ref> The aircraft was fitted with an MA-7 fire-control radar for both air-to-air and air-to-ground use, augmented by a Low Altitude Bombing System (LABS) for delivering nuclear weapons,<ref name="Franc p539"/> and was designed to carry a Mk 28 nuclear bomb. The original intended payload for the F-101A was the McDonnell Model 96 store, a large fuel/weapons pod similar in concept to that of the Convair B-58 Hustler, but was cancelled in March 1956 before the F-101 entered service. Other operational nuclear payloads included the Mk 7, Mk 43, and Mk 57 weapons. While theoretically capable of carrying conventional bombs, rockets, or Falcon air-to-air missiles,<ref name="Taylor">Taylor 1995, pp. 236–237.</ref><ref name = "davies 14"/> the Voodoo never used such weapons operationally.<ref name="Donald p. 55"/> It was fitted with four 20mm M39 cannon, with one cannon often removed in service to make room for a TACAN beacon-receiver.
The F-101 set a number of speed records, including: a JF-101A (the ninth F-101A modified as a testbed for the more powerful J-57-P-53 engines of the F-101B) setting a world speed record of 1,207.6 mph (1,943.4 km/h) on 12 December 1957 during "Operation Firewall",<ref name="Dorr p173">Dorr 1995, p. 173.</ref> beating the previous record of 1,132 mph (1,811 km/h) set by the Fairey Delta 2 in March the previous year. The record was then subsequently taken in May 1958 by a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. On 27 November 1957, during "Operation Sun Run," an RF-101C set the Los Angeles-New York City-Los Angeles record in six hours and 46 minutes, the New York to Los Angeles record in three hours and 36 minutes, and the Los Angeles to New York record in three hours and seven minutes.<ref name="USAFMus">"Operation Sun Run". Template:Webarchive National Museum of the United States Air Force. Retrieved: 7 February 2008.</ref>
A total of 77 F-101As were built, only 50 of which were ever used operationally while the remainder were used exclusively for experimental work.<ref name="knaack p140"/><ref name = "davies 14">Davies 2019, p. 14.</ref> They were gradually withdrawn from USAF service starting in 1966.<ref name="knaack p140-1">Knaack 1982, pp. 140–141.</ref> Twenty-nine survivors were converted to RF-101G specifications with a modified nose, housing reconnaissance cameras in place of cannons and radar. These served with the Air National Guard through 1972.<ref name="Dorr p187">Dorr 1995, p. 187.</ref><ref name="knaack p141">Knaack 1982, p. 141.</ref>
RF-101AEdit
In October 1953, the USAF requested that two F-101As be built as prototype YRF-101A tactical reconnaissance aircraft.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 3">Greenhalgh 1979, p. 3.</ref><ref name = "davies 16">Davies 2019, p. 16.</ref> These were followed by 35 RF-101A production aircraft.<ref name="Dorr p174">Dorr 1995, p. 174.</ref> The RF-101A shared the airframe of the F-101A, including its 6.33 g (62 m/s²) limit, but replaced the radar and cannons with up to six cameras in the reshaped nose.<ref name="Peacock p78,0">Peacock 1985, pp. 78, 80.</ref><ref name = "Greenhalgh 3-4">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 3-4.</ref> Various electronics were incorporated at the request of TAC.<ref name="knaack p143">Knaack 1982, p. 143.</ref> Like all other models of the F-101, it had provision for both flying boom and probe-and-drogue in-flight refueling capability, as well as for a buddy tank that allowed it to refuel other aircraft.<ref name="Taylor"/><ref name = "Greenhalgh 9-10">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 9-10.</ref> It entered service in May 1957,<ref name="Peacock p80">Peacock 1985, p. 80.</ref><ref name = "Greenhalgh 7"/> replacing the RB-57 Canberra.
On 6 May 1957, the RF-101A entered service, the first unit to operate the type being 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, stationed at Shaw AFB, South Carolina.<ref name="knaack p143-44">Knaack 1982, pp. 143-144.</ref><ref name = "davies 17-18">Davies 2019, pp. 17-18.</ref> On July 15, 1958, the 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing deployed 8 RF-101s to Incirlik Air Base during the 1958 Lebanon crisis to support the Marine landing in Beirut to form a composite air strike force with B-57s, RB-66s, C-124s, F-100s, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> During October 1962, RF-101As from the 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing performed reconnaissance sorties over Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Allegedly, the aircraft's performance over Cuba highlighted its shortcomings as a reconnaissance aircraft, motivating a series of modifications to improve its performance.<ref name="knaack p147-48">Knaack 1982, pp. 147-148.</ref> All USAF RF-101As were phased out of service during 1971.<ref name="knaack p145">Knaack 1982, p. 145.</ref>
During October 1959, eight RF-101As were transferred to Taiwan, which used them for overflights of the Chinese mainland.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 26">Greenhalgh 1979, p. 26.</ref><ref name="knaack p144">Knaack 1982, p. 144.</ref> These ROCAF RF-101A were modified with the RF-101C vertical fins and air intake; this intake was used to cool the drag chute compartment and eliminated the five minute limit on using the afterburners on the RF-101A.<ref>"ROCAF RF-101C?" taiwanairpower.org. Retrieved: 24 January 2011.</ref> Two were reportedly shot down.Template:Citation needed
F-101B / CF-101B / EF-101BEdit
In the late 1940s, the USAF had started a research project into future interceptor aircraft that eventually settled on an advanced specification known as the 1954 interceptor. Contracts for this specification eventually resulted in the selection of the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, but by 1952 it was becoming clear that few parts of the specification other than the airframe would be ready by 1954; the engines, weapons, and fire control systems were all going to take too long to get into service. Thus, an effort was started to quickly produce an interim supersonic design to replace the various subsonic interceptors then in service, and the F-101 airframe was selected as a starting point.<ref name="knaack p150-1">Knaack 1982, pp. 150–151.</ref>
Although McDonnell proposed the designation F-109 for the new aircraft (which was to be a substantial departure from the basic Voodoo),<ref name=" Dorr &Don p187">Dorr and Donald 1990, p. 187.</ref> the USAF assigned the designation F-101B.<ref name="knaack p151">Knaack 1982, p. 151.</ref> It was first deployed into service on 5 January 1959, with the 60th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron.<ref name="knaack p152">Knaack 1982, p. 152.</ref> Production of this model ended in March 1961.<ref name="knaack p153">Knaack 1978, p. 153.</ref> The Voodoo featured a modified cockpit to carry a crew of two, with a larger and more rounded forward fuselage to hold the Hughes MG-13 fire control radar of the F-102. It had a data link to the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, allowing ground controllers to steer the aircraft towards its targets by making adjustments through the plane's autopilot. The F-101B had more powerful Pratt & Whitney J57-P-55 engines, making it the only Voodoo not using the −13 engines. The new engines featured a substantially longer afterburner than J57-P-13s. To avoid a major redesign, the extended afterburners were simply allowed to extend out of the fuselage by almost 8 ft (2.4 m). The more powerful engines and aerodynamic refinements allowed an increased speed of Mach 1.85.<ref name="Taylor" />
The F-101B was stripped of the four M39 cannons and carried four AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles instead, arranged two apiece on a rotating pallet in the fuselage weapons bay.<ref name= "Taylor"/> The initial load was two GAR-1 (AIM-4A) semi-active radar homing and two GAR-2 (AIM-4B) infrared-guided weapons with one of each carried on each side of the rotating pallet.<ref>Donald 2003, pp. 54–55.</ref> After the first two missiles were fired, the door turned over to expose the second pair. Standard practice was to fire the weapons in SARH/IR pairs to increase the likelihood of a hit. Late-production models had provision for two 1.7-kiloton MB-1/AIR-2 Genie nuclear rockets on one side of the pallet with IR-guided GAR-2A (AIM-4C) on the other side. "Project Kitty Car" upgraded most earlier F-101Bs to this standard beginning in 1961.<ref name="Donald p. 55">Donald 2003, p. 55.</ref><ref name="knaack p152-53">Knaack 1982, pp. 152-153.</ref>
Between 1963 and 1966, F-101Bs were upgraded under the Interceptor Improvement Program (IIP; also known as "Project Bold Journey"), being outfitted with a fire control system enhancement against hostile ECM and an infrared sighting and tracking (IRST) system in the nose in place of the in-flight refueling probe.<ref name="Peacock p95">Peacock 1985, p. 95.</ref>
The F-101B was produced in greater numbers than the F-101A and F-101C, with a total of 479 being delivered by the end of production in 1961.<ref name="Dorr p175">Dorr 1995, p. 175.</ref><ref name="knaack p153"/> Most of these were delivered to the Air Defense Command (ADC) beginning in January 1959.<ref name="knaack p152"/> The only foreign customer for the F-101B was Canada, where it was locally referred to as the CF-101 Voodoo.<ref name="Dorr p178">Dorr 1995, p. 178.</ref>
The F-101B was withdrawn from ADC service between 1968 and 1971, with many surviving USAF aircraft transferred to the Air National Guard (replacing F-102s), serving until 1982.<ref name="knaack p154-55">Knaack 1978, pp. 154-155.</ref> The last Voodoo in US service (F-101B-105-MC, AF Ser. No. 58-300) was finally retired by the 2nd Fighter Weapons Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Florida on 21 September 1982.<ref>"F-101B Voodoo Fighter-Interceptor History and Development US Air Force". Template:Webarchive 444TH FIS Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. Retrieved 24 January 2011.</ref>
F-101C / RF-101HEdit
The F-101A fighter-bomber had been accepted into TAC service despite a number of problems. Among others, its airframe had proven to be capable of withstanding only 6.33 g (62 m/s²) maneuvers, rather than the intended 7.33 g (72 m/s²).<ref name="knaack p139">Knaack 1982, p. 139.</ref><ref name = "Greenhalgh 6"/> An improved model, the F-101C, was introduced in 1957. It had a 500 lb (227 kg) heavier structure to allow 7.33-g maneuvers as well as a revised fuel system to increase the maximum flight time in afterburner.<ref name="Dorr p181">Dorr 1995, p. 181.</ref> Like the F-101A, it was also fitted with an underfuselage pylon for carrying nuclear weapons, as well as two hardpoints for Template:Convert drop tanks.<ref name="Taylor"/> A total of 47 F101Cs were produced.<ref name="Dorr p181"/><ref name="knaack p141"/>
Originally serving with the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing at Bergstrom AFB, Texas, the aircraft was transferred in 1958 from TAC to the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, part of United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) which operated three squadrons from the twin RAF air stations Bentwaters & Woodbridge.<ref name="knaack p142">Knaack 1982, p. 142.</ref> The 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron was stationed at Woodbridge, while the 91st and 92nd were stationed at Bentwaters. The 81st TFW served as a strategic nuclear deterrent force, the Voodoo's long-range putting almost all of the Warsaw Pact countries, and targets up to Template:Convert deep into the Soviet Union within reach.
Both the A and C model aircraft were assigned to the 81st TFW and were used interchangeably within the three squadrons. Operational F-101A/C were upgraded in service with Low Angle Drogued Delivery (LADD) and Low Altitude Bombing System (LABS) equipment for its primary mission of delivering nuclear weapons at extremely low altitudes. Pilots were trained for high speed, low-level missions into Soviet or Eastern Bloc territory, with primary targets being airfields. These missions were expected to be one-way, with the pilots having to eject behind Soviet lines.<ref name="Dorr p181"/>
The F-101C never saw combat and was replaced in 1966 with the F-4C Phantom II.<ref name=" Peacock p78"/> Thirty-two aircraft were later converted for unarmed reconnaissance use with the RF-101H designation. They served with Air National Guard units until 1972.<ref name="Peacock p78"/><ref name="knaack p146">Knaack 1982, p. 146.</ref>
RF-101CEdit
Using the reinforced airframe of the F-101C, the RF-101C first flew on 12 July 1957,<ref name=" Peacock p78"/> entering service in 1958. Like the RF-101A, the RF-101C had up to six cameras in place of radar and cannons in the reshaped nose and retained the bombing ability of the fighter-bomber versions.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 1215">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 12-15.</ref> As it was intended to be flown unarmed, various passive defensive systems were incorporated, including the AN/APS-54 radar warning receiver.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 19">Greenhalgh 1979, p. 19.</ref> It lacked a true all-weather capability due to the USAF choosing to eliminate the AN/APN-82 electronic navigation system planned for it.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 1011">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 10-11.</ref> 166 RF-101Cs were built, including 96 originally scheduled to be F-101C fighter-bombers.<ref name="Peacock p78,0"/>
On 27 November 1957, during Operation Sun Run, an RF-101C piloted by then-Captain Robert Sweet set the Los Angeles-New York City-Los Angeles record in six hours and 46 minutes, and New York to Los Angeles record in three hours and 36 minutes. Another RF-101C, piloted by then-Lieutenant Gustav Klatt, set a Los Angeles to New York record of three hours and seven minutes.<ref name="USAFMus"/>
The RF-101C saw service during the Cuban Missile Crisis and soon followed the North American F-100 Super Sabres in October 1961, into combat when RF-101s from the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing deployed to south east Asia, performing reconnaissance flights over Laos and Vietnam.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 2125">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 21-25.</ref> Operations in this theatre quickly exposed the need for nighttime reconnaissance, for which the aircraft was not originally equipped to perform.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 4041">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 40-41.</ref> The 1964 Project "Toy Tiger" fitted some RF-101C with a new camera package and a centerline pod for photo-flash cartridges. Some were further upgraded under the Mod 1181 program with automatic control for the cameras. Some officials remained dissatisfied with the RF-101C's nighttime photographic capability.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 4143">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 41-43.</ref><ref name="knaack p147">Knaack 1982, p. 147.</ref>
The RF-101C acted as pathfinders for F-100 bombers during early strikes in the theatre.<ref name="knaack p148">Knaack 1982, p. 148.</ref> The RF-101C sustained losses during the conflict, the first loss to enemy ground fire was recorded in November 1964, although close calls occurred as early as 14 August 1962; North Vietnamese air defenses became increasingly effective over time.<ref name = "Greenhalgh 4344">Greenhalgh 1979, pp. 43-44.</ref><ref name="knaack p149">Knaack 1982, p. 149.</ref> From 1965 through November 1970, its role was gradually taken over by the RF-4C Phantom II. In some 35,000 sorties, 39 aircraft were lost, 33 in combat,<ref>Hobson 2001, p. 269.</ref><ref>"Vietnam Almanac", Air Force Magazine, September 2004, p. 57.</ref> including five to SAMs, one to an airfield attack, and one in air combat to a MiG-21 in September 1967. The RF-101C's speed made it largely immune to MiG interception. 27 of the combat losses occurred on reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam. In April 1967, ALQ-71 ECM pods were fitted to provide some protection against SAMs. Although the Voodoo could again operate at medium altitudes, the added drag and weight decreased the RF-101's speed enough to be vulnerable to the maneuverable (and cannon-equipped) MiGs and thus require fighter escort.
After its withdrawal from Vietnam, the RF-101C continued to serve with USAF units through 1979. In service, the RF-101C was nicknamed the "Long Bird"; it was the only version of the Voodoo to see combat.<ref>"Air Power Classics: F/RF-101 Voodoo". Air Force Magazine, May 2008, p. 168.</ref>
In total 166 were built.<ref name=":0" />
TF-101B / F-101F / CF-101FEdit
Some of the F-101Bs were completed as dual-control operational trainer aircraft initially dubbed TF-101B, but later redesignated F-101F. Seventy-nine new-build F-101Fs were manufactured, and 152 more existing aircraft were later modified with dual controls. Ten of these were supplied to Canada under the designation CF-101F. These were later replaced with 10 updated aircraft in 1971.
RF-101BEdit
In the early 1970s, a batch of 22 former RCAF CF-101Bs was delivered to the USAF and converted into RF-101B reconnaissance aircraft, each aircraft had its radar and weapons bay replaced with a set of three KS-87B cameras and two AXQ-2 TV cameras. An in-flight refueling boom receptacle was also installed. These aircraft served with the 192d Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the Nevada Air National Guard through 1975. They proved to be relatively expensive to operate and maintain and had a short service life.
VariantsEdit
- F-101A
- Company designation Model 36W.<ref name=":02">Template:Cite book</ref> Initial production fighter bomber, 77 produced.<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910">Angelucci and Bowers 1987, pp. 309–310.</ref>
- NF-101A
- one F-101A used by General Electric for testing of the General Electric J79 engine<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- YRF-101A
- two F-101As built as prototype reconnaissance models<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- RF-101A
- Company designation Model 36X.<ref name=":02" /> First reconnaissance version, 35 built.<ref name=":0" /><ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- F-101B
- Company designation Model 36AT.<ref name=":02" /> two-seat interceptor, the most numerous version with 479 built (including CF-101B)<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- CF-101B
- 112 F-101Bs transferred to Royal Canadian Air Force<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- RF-101B
- 22 former RCAF CF-101Bs modified for reconnaissance use<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- TF-101B
- dual-control trainer version of F-101B, redesignated F-101F, 79 built<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- EF-101B
- single F-101B converted for use as a radar target and leased to Canada<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- NF-101B
- F-101B prototype based on the F-101A airframe; the second prototype was built with a different nose<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- F-101C
- Company designation Model 36W.<ref name=":02" /> Improved fighter-bomber, 47 built.<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- RF-101C
- Company designation Model 36X.<ref name=":02" /> Reconnaissance version of F-101C airframe, 166 built.<ref name=":0" /><ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- F-101D
- proposed version with General Electric J79 engines, not built<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- F-101E
- another J79 proposal, not built<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- F-101F
- dual-control trainer version of F-101B; 79 re-designated TF-101Bs plus 152 converted F-101Bs<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- CF-101F
- Canadian designation for 20 TF-101B/F-101F dual-control aircraft<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- TF-101F
- 24 dual-control versions of F-101B, re-designated F-101F (these are included in the -F total)<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- RF-101G
- 29 F-101As converted for ANG reconnaissance<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
- RF-101H
- 32 F-101Cs converted for reconnaissance use<ref name = "AngelucciBowers 30910"/>
OperatorsEdit
- Royal Canadian Air Force (1961–1968)
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Air Defence Command (1968–1975)
- Air Command (1975–1984; historical)
- United States Air Force
- Colorado State University<ref>CSU Uses F-101B For Storm Study; N8234, nickname, 'the Gray Ghost', on display at Air Combat Museum, Topeka,KS Template:Webarchive Retrieved 14 October 2013</ref>
Aircraft on displayEdit
{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} Following the type's retirement, a large number of F-101s are preserved in museums or on display as gate guards.
Specifications (F-101B)Edit
See alsoEdit
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ReferencesEdit
CitationsEdit
BibliographyEdit
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- Characteristics Summary, F-101B, dated 16 August 1960.
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- United States Air Force Museum Guidebook. Wright-Patterson AFC, Ohio: Air Force Association, 1975 edition.
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External linksEdit
- McDonnell F-101 Voodoo articles and publications
- Baugher's F-101 Voodoo Aircraft
- USAF National Museum site: XF-88 page
- McDonnell F-101 "Voodoo" history & information
- F-101 Voodoo Survivors List of static displays, location, serial numbers, and links.
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