The Republic F-105 Thunderchief is an American supersonic fighter-bomber, designed in the 1950s. Its mission was to penetrate enemy airspace and deliver tactical nuclear weapons. The single-seat combat version F-105B was developed first, followed by the improved single-seat F-105D and the two-seat combat trainer F-105F.
The F-105D was the primary strike aircraft of American aviation during the Vietnam War, and for most of the conflict, F-105s stationed at Korat and Takhli bases in Thailand bore the main burden of attacks on ground targets in North Vietnam, at the cost of heavy losses. Modified two-seat F-105Fs and their improved variant, the F-105G, were used for suppression of enemy air defences (so-called Wild Weasels).
The exhibited example, serial number 59-1822, is one of the most famous F-105Ds that took part in the Vietnam War. In 1970, it belonged to the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed at Takhli. Its pilot was Major Donald Kutyna, an American of Polish descent, who gave it the individual name The Polish Glider. It is a permanent deposit, provided by the USAF Museum.
| Wingspan | 10.59 m |
| Length | 19.61 m |
| Takeoff weight | 23834 kg |
| Maximum speed | 2240 km/h |
| Ceiling | 13720 m |
| Range | 3850 km |
| Armament | 20 mm Vulcan cannon, 5450 kg of ordnance on underwing and fuselage pylons or in the bomb bay (conventional and nuclear bombs, rockets, or additional fuel tanks) |
| Engine | single-spool turbojet Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W with 118 kN thrust |
