spartans_in_darkness

Tep SEeRETlieeMllniiX1
(U) Although the United States used a number
of combat aircraft during Rolling Thunder,
the two main workhorses were the Republic F­
105 (Thunderchief, nicknamed "Thud") fighter
bomber and the multi role McDonnell Douglas F­
4 (Phantom). The F-105 was a heavy-duty tactical
fighter-bomber that could carry tactical nuclear
weapons. Designed for low-level tactical strikes, it
was a durable airframe. In a fighter role, it was a
match for the DRV's MiG-17, shooting down
twenty-two of them during the war. On the other
hand, the more advanced MiG-2ls shot down fifteen
F-105s without a loss to themselves.
(U) By the end of the 1960s, the F-105 was
replaced almost totally by the F-4, except in the
SAM suppression role known as Wild Weasel.
The F-4 became the most recognized fixed-wing
aircraft of the war. Capable of low-level ground
strikes and high-level intercept work, this aircraft
made up much of the inventories of the air force,
navy, and marine attack squadrons. It filled all
roles, including reconnaissance. It carried an
advanced air-to-air weapons suite and was highly
maneuverable under 25,000 feet. Despite its telltale
smoke trail, in the hands of a good pilot the
Phantom matched up well with the North
Vietnamese MiG-21.
(U) Despite its technical advantages, the U.S.
bombing campaign was hampered by a number
of administrative and organizational problems.
(V) F-4 Phantom over Vietnam in 1965
(V) Route packaqe