Initial fighter pilot checkout in the F-105D Thunderchief (often referred to as the "Thud") at McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas. Single seat, single engine, Mach 2 capable, the Thud was created for high speed low level combat ingress to deliver nuclear weaons on target. The F-105 served notably in the air war over North Viet Nam and is legend for its accuracy and survivability in the most heavily defended air war in history. The "Thud" was and may stilll be the largest single seat, single engine U.S. military jet fighter. McConnell AFB was "Thud" central for Air Force F-105 training operations. I graduated as "Top Gun" of my class.
