McDonnell's F-101 Voodoo series was in many ways the most interesting of the "Century Series" fighter programs of the 1950s, partly because the type's design and intended mission changed radically during a 40-year career. Originally designed as a fighter-bomber, it was converted to be a reconnaissance aircraft, serving alongside the U-2 and RF-8 Crusaders during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. Although it gained a reputation as a difficult aircraft to handle, the jet's supersonic speed and newly-developed camera suite enabled it to conduct vital low-altitude photo-reconnaissance missions over heavily-defended target areas.
In combat, the RF 101 was usually "first in-last out" for strike missions. This made it a ready target, with a solo aircraft flying straight and level to gather target photo evidence at low altitude offering enemy gunners plenty of opportunity to shoot the Voodoo down.
McDonnell's F-101 Voodoo series was in many ways the most interesting of the "Century Series" fighter programs of the 1950s, partly because the type's design and intended mission changed radically during a 40-year career. Originally designed as a fighter-bomber, it was converted to be a reconnaissance aircraft, serving alongside the U-2 and RF-8 Crusaders during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. Although it gained a reputation as a difficult aircraft to handle, the jet's supersonic speed and newly-developed camera suite enabled it to conduct vital low-altitude photo-reconnaissance missions over heavily-defended target areas.
In combat, the RF 101 was usually "first in-last out" for strike missions. This made it a ready target, with a solo aircraft flying straight and level to gather target photo evidence at low altitude offering enemy gunners plenty of opportunity to shoot the Voodoo down.
RF-101 Voodoo Units in Combat
96RF-101 Voodoo Units in Combat
96Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9781472829153 |
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Publisher: | Bloomsbury USA |
Publication date: | 03/19/2019 |
Series: | Combat Aircraft , #127 |
Pages: | 96 |
Product dimensions: | 7.10(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.40(d) |