F105B Thunderchief USAF, 108th TFW, 141 TFS, New Jersey ANG "Bicentennial"

Product description

The “B” variant of the Republic F-105 Thunderchief was the initial production version and became operational in May 1958 replacing the F-84 Thunderjet. On December 11, 1959 an F-105B set a world speed record of 1,216.48 mph over a 62 mile course. The F-105B never saw combat and only 75 were produced before the all-weather “D” variant became available in 1964. The F-105Bs were transferred to ANG and AFRES units with their last flight in 1981 when they were sent to be scrapped. At least five aircraft were spared and sent to museums.

In April 1964 the 108th TFW received the first of their F-105B Thunderchief replacing the aging Sabrejet this made the 108th the first ANG unit capable of flying at Mach 2. The Thunderchief served with the 108th until 1981 when it was replaced by the F-4D 
Phantom II. In 1976 F-105B 57-5776 c/n B13 was selected to receive the custom 
American Bicentennial paint scheme to honor the countries 200th birthday. 57-5776 was one of the lucky F-105s spared from the bone yard and has been preserved on a 
pedestal at what is now the 108th Air Refueling Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard 
compound located at McGuire AFB, New Jersey.