I can't believe there's not a thread for this one, so...
A few ideas:
- RCAF buys F-105 for nuclear response in Europe instead of F-104. I'm thinking a two-seater with the T-stick II spine (perhaps with an Iroquois replacing the J75).
- RAF buys two-seat Thunderchief Mk.1 as a "temporary measure" until P.1154 is ready; later develops Thunderchief Mk.2 with enlarge spine, full Martel capability (four missiles with control pod on centerline), and J75 replaced by Olympus 321R (installation already proven as one Thunderchief Mk.1X flew as testbed for TSR-2 engine development). I'm thinking that the Mk.1X in "raspberry ripple" would look quite tasty.
- Armee de l'Air F-105s to supplement Mirage IVs?
Quite right. How did I miss adding a topic on my favourite aircraft? Glad you caught the error in time and did your part by starting the topic. :)
The idea of an F-105 in CAF/RCAF and French AdA markings gives me a warm fuzzy feeling all over :)
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There were never enough F-105 Thunderchiefs built. So in our 'verse the production lines continue or have been restarted again (like the Navy did with the A-5 Vigilante) and more Thunderchiefs are built with additional improvements based on the experience gained from operations during the Vietnam conflict.
In addition to the product improvement programs that kept the F-105 current with other modern combat aircraft how about some other improvements such as:
* Wing tip mounted AAM missile rails.
* Replacing the J75 turboject with a thrust augmented turbofan if the stock intakes will support the increased air flow demands.
* Remove the weapons bay feature and replace with a fuel cell in the same space.
* New build aircraft and retro-fit to older aircraft with the T-Stick II equipment including all of the bells and whistles in the cockpit.
* Switch to MFD/CRT displays to make it more effective and easier to operate for the pilot and weapon systems/electronic countermeasures systems operator in delivering ordnance on targets in night and adverse weather conditions.