From McConnell AFB, Wichita, Ks I was deployed to Korat AB, Thailand in 1965-66 with the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing’s F-105’s. As a Crew Chief I worked with some of the bravest men I’ve known! From getting them situated and strapped into their ejection seats to debriefing them about their aircraft this was amazing life & death experience! We were losing aircraft to ground fire, SAMS and occasional Mig attacks. These brave pilots had their hands full but I never heard complaints.
If it has a bomb bay, why does it have an F designation instead of an A or B? Same goes for F-111 and F117? And why is a longhair dude so into bombing Vietnam?
Oh I’m sure this guy was doing the same thing back then. Age and experience tempers you. It’s one of the reasons why DT isn’t like this guy. He not only never served, but also is literally working for others for the first time in his life.
@@calvinnickel9995What has Trump got to do with this video? I am a strong supporter of Trump. When did Obama serve or work a day in his life? At least Trump wasn't showing off his ice cream like Pelosi did while the US population waited for her to vote on a relief fund or Pelosi signing Trump's impeachment form the very day he was cancelling inward bound flights from China and Europe to keep COVID out. Leave Trump alone.
@@Toncor12 Obama didn't dodge the draft five times with phony bone spurs fiction. Trump got Pearl Harbored by his own inflated ego regarding Covid-19. LOLOLOL
In the early 60's, I built models of the F100, F102, F104, & F105. This was my favorite because my uncle actually helped design the air intake on it. He was an awesome guy and was proud of his work on that. Beautiful plane. He later helped design the boosters for the Saturn 5 rockets. Uncle Don was loads of fun to sit and talk to.....so many stories. As for the guys that flew these planes.....heroes, one and all. Thank you for your service sir! And thank you for the video. Well done.
Little fuel capacity while dragging lots of external ordnance around results in lousy fuel economy and thus lots of refueling. Those old jet engines guzzled fuel.
@@everythingman987 Yes sir, very good point. However I would still consider his missions one of the most stressful and exhausting, even though he wasn't carrier based platform. My rational is the shear amount of casualties sustained - 40%. That's beyond awful. I would rather battle entire Luftwaffell rather than flying over Vietnam against the SAMS and Mig-17's.
I'm guessing 2 refuels and 2 hours going to the combat zone the once every half hour on station while you go into afterburner for combat then at the end once a hour for 2 hours coming home
This damn thing can carry, internal and external tanks, almost 19k pounds of fuel!!!! Small aircraft with single engine with that much gas, could stay airborne forever lol.
I have a friend who flew F-105s in Vietnam. He flew 100 missions and brought back the plane 99 times. One time he landed dead stick in Thailand, a feat no one else ever duplicated.
@@stevenwg2360 Yes, he was picked up by Jolly Greens, under fire, as he was suspended in the trees along Thud Ridge. There is a video out there of him being interviewed after his rescue where he says the training and emergency equipment saved his life.
@@IC3SJC No, it was Capt. Jim Walbridge. He recently had his 90th birthday. He rose to the rank of Lt, Col. and was a squadron commander of F-111 in the UK.
well if you think about Vietnamese pilot side having to get in the mig 17 and 19/ 21 having to facing the strongest airforce in the world + a huge chance of being shot down by your own flak and sam , then having to worried about your love one below ( your wife / girlfriend / family vv ) and you fly until the war end which you don't know when , I think being American pilot during the war are way better then being a Vietnamese pilot really + our pilot fear of our own sam / aa then anything :) early during the war while defending the long bien brigde many of the mig17 were shot down by friend flak who are newbie ( early of the war ) if I remember correct during one day there were 3 or 4 mig 17 shot down by our own aa near long bien brigde while they trying to defend it from American f105/f8/a4/f4 vv
@@inouelenhatduy The Vietcong shot down more US and South Vietnam Planes totaling around 11,000 half being Helicopters. Vietcong only lost 100-200 planes.
The Great One I think the point he was making was that they were up against probably the most advanced and powerful nation at the time and tried to defend their homeland.......brave men indeed on both sides. BTW I think you meant NVA the Vietcong didn't have an airforce
One of my neighbors in northern Virginia was General Frank Everest, retired. He broke a flat speed record in an F-100 a while back. I was in the 7th grade when we were neighbors. He took me squirrel hunting once. He didn't talk about the USAF but he was a factor in my joining at age 21. That F-100 was displayed at Keesler AFB where I was stationed.
I have had the priveledge of meeting and talking to Mr. Johnson on several occasions about his time flying the "Thud." He is a legitimate "Sky God" in my book, and also a perfect Gentleman.
Jim Baumann I’m very lucky that I was introduced to Charlie by my friend Frank. He is probably one of the best people I’ve ever met. I feel pretty honored that he keeps inviting me back.
"I never got hit. You either got hit and didn't survive, or didn't get hit." Considering the attrition rate during 'Nam, and of this plane in particular, that's quite a feat. Glad he lived to tell us all about it.
The F-105 Thunderchief has been a hobby abd intrest for me since 1968. I have seen many RUclips videos on it, but this one is about the best . The big difference is having a veteran who actually flew the plane do the walkaround. Great job and Thanks to the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum!
This damn thing can carry, internal and external tanks, almost 19k pounds of fuel!!!! Small aircraft with single engine with that much gas, could stay airborne forever lol.
I've always admired the F-105, it's a beautiful aircraft. Thank you for the video and thank Charlie Johnson for his excellent service. Pilots are such cool people.
I remember falling in love with this air craft the moment I heard about the Wild Weasel variant and I just have to agree with Matthew when he says "the more I learn about this machine, the more I'm impressed by it". Absolutely incredible video gentlemen, keep up the good work!
I am a baby boomer of the Wonder Years, "Nam was the background to my childhood. As much as we hated our governments for conscripting so many of our people into this corrupt police action and then having them KIAed, conversely, what an adventure and how good are our veterans! I have the privilege of knowing hundreds of you socially and through my profession. These videos are terrific. If I ever make it to America, I would very much like to visit at the Museum. Thanks!
@@AussieMaleTuber you mean the few dozen that they have? Lol. And found out that the guidance system was mis managed and the software is all fucked up and old hardware for its guidance system lol. They cannot afford to put it in full production for it to be used successfully
@@nexpro6118 Cheers Frank from the NSW Outback! That's not coming from Russian sources, and it would very much seem that our fine tatooed N@zi friends have been totally Kalibrated in the last couple of months, awful daily losses. Every time a large group of Western volunteers is brought together in one place in western areas of the Ukraine, their barracks become re-Kalibrated. Now and as of today, the new SAMAT ICBM is entering full production, do you for one moment think that Russia would be building SAMATS at the expese of Kalibre and the other tactical missiles it fires historical amount s of each day? The West has only a fraction of the supplies of war material and manufacturing capacity of Russia. So far for example, Russia has fired more artillery shells against the N@zi's, than America can produce in 3 years. I hope you don't live in Europe Frank, you are heading for a cold winter and reduced dietary intake and loss of personal transport unless the EU negotiates with the Russian Federation I reckon... in my estimation.
Definitely a sobering feeling growing up my whole life knowing my grandpa flew these in Vietnam, but as I get older, I definitely have a lot more respect and awareness for the true awesomeness of this plane.
Love this Channel, I’m a former USAF Vietnam Vet. I remember these awesome Fighters. Especially the Mighty F-4 Phantom. I used to watch them come and from the bunkers I maned on the perimeters of Tan Son Nhut AB. Along with watching our gunships workout in the night skies. Not to mention the carpet bombings of our B-52’s. It was the most incredible experience of my life. Good memory’s and not so good memory’s
What never ceases to amaze me is how most combat pilots are so alike no matter what country they are from. I guess the job weeds out any other type of character. Food for thought.
Want to mention that this war veteran looks good. He is hard as nail. Good-looking. Appreciated by his country. In my country (Russia). These people have bottom-low pensions. Obscured and forgotten by most. Since Russia is a mafia-state, everything that doesn't work for propaganda or income is obscured so the HUGE Russian aviation history rusting on the fields. Only very few enthusiasts keep everything in something resembling order. Just look (closely) at Monino, or khodynka aerodrome. We in Russia are jealous of your attention to your history.
I’m sorry to hear that. Anyone who wears a uniform in the service of their country, no matter where they are from, should be taken care of once they have given their time.
Greeting from the US. Russia's aviation legacy is rich. I have great respect for the the pilots and engineering of Russia. It's somewhat depressing to hear your perspective on Russia, but hopefully the aviation history in your country can be kept alive.
What NGO do you work for. Just look at all the Victory Day parades in Russia in most cities big and small with the younger generation carrying pictures of their countrymen who made the ultimate sacrifice. Low pensions, just look at the countless homeless vets in the USA. I dont know what your agenda is. Perhaps another mafia state is paying your salary.
Alexander Kartveli, Republic Aviation is Russian/Georgian from Tblisi; Alexander Kartveli - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Kartveli Alexander Kartveli, born Aleksandre Kartvelishvili, (Georgian: ალექსანდრე ქართველიშვილი) (September 9, 1896 - June 20, 1974) was an influential aircraft engineer and a pioneer in the United States. Kartveli achieved important breakthroughs in military aviation in the time of turbojet fighters. Nationality: Georgian Born: 9 September 1896; Tbilisi, Georgia, Rus..
Incredible interview to the pilot that literally walked or "flew" into the cats mouth! True professional warrior! RESPECT!!! Another great video Matt B!
@@botcheek482 Definitely at high altitude, but at low level the Thud with its slim airframe was faster. And other than the Phantom the 105 was designed as a low-level attack fighter-bomber.
This damn thing can carry, internal and external tanks, almost 19k pounds of fuel!!!! Small aircraft with single engine with that much gas, could stay airborne forever lol. It could carry a centerline, 750 gallon tank and 2, 450 gallon tanks on the wings and 1, 390 gallon tank in the weapons bay rack. Which counting internal fuel that's, 2,810 gallons. Just the combat range was close to 800 miles which is crazy nuts High compared to fighters today. F16 wishes it had that amount of combat range. Ferry range was 2,200 miles with the max fuel load.
Thank you! Especially to the pilot Charlie Johnson! Now I have a greater understanding of the F-105 Thunderchief like never before! The F-105 Thunderchief is my most favorite of the century series fighters!
Great video, Charlie was my Flight Instructor back in the 1970's. Flew with him in Gates Learjet Test Flights and several times with Arnold Palmer. He is what you see, one great guy and pilot! RJW Wisc.
With sacrificing more bombs, with max internal and max external fuel tanks, the F105 carried, 2,810 gallons. That's, 18,880 pounds of fuel for a small single seat, single engine. Lol nuts
If you're coming from the East on Interstate 80 You know your close to the sac Museum when you see an F 105 hanging off the right side of the road. You probably have maybe five miles to go. It's actually a good place to go. Kind of crowded with a B-36 Peacemaker in there and early B-52. It's a lot of history
I worked on these badass planes for 4 years, all after Vietnam. I've been an auto and diesel mechanic, but I loved working on this plane more than any machine I've ever touched. They were built for maintenance, 4 bolts held the whole aft section on. You could change out the batteries as fast as you could on a car. The "Thud" name came from the afterburners though. I think they were 5 stage, but they all kicked in at once and it sounded like a small bomb going off and shook the ground. Later, on planes like the F4 with the J79 engines, the afterburner rings kicked in sequence, one stage at a time and it was a smoother transition.
With sacrificing more bombs, with max internal and max external fuel tanks, the F105 carried, 2,810 gallons. That's close to, 19k pounds of fuel, for a small single seat, single engine. Lol nuts
AWESOME!!! The 'pride' of my 1/144 scale plane models is an F-105, as a 'Weasel', with a Shrike and Harm, fuel-tank (centerline), and two Aim-9's. The guys that flew these missions changed Air-warfare completely, putting the SAM's on the Defensive! Salute, to every Weasel Driver!!
@@king-amir3401 did you know that the Iranian F-14 are almost completely different in terms of instrument and spare parts which slowly dwindled the aircraft numbers but the first Ace in an F-14 is Jalil Zandi an Iranian pilot who flew during the Iraq-Iran War
Check out Peninsular Seniors video channel from the Western Museum of Flight, they have long form talks from former pilots and aerospace engineers. ruclips.net/video/SuGhndrGobY/видео.html
@@michaelquiroz5112 ill have to check that out. but amazon prime also doesnt have matthew burchette and charlie johnson! im needing to see more of these 2 guys!
I love watching the joy on their faces when these pilots get to sit in the cockpits of the aircraft they flew again. The thought of him swinging by the museum sometimes to spend some time sitting in the seat is really wholesome.
Having a real pilot of the aircraft is an absolutely fantastic addition. K hope you can do that more often. Kudos to Mr. (Captain?) Johnson for his assistance, and thank you for your service. He is obviously a fine man and a complete gentleman. A great man to have on your board- he obviously cares greatly about aviation and preserving its history. Great video. The best so far.
Years ago I was at an AirShow where the last Air National guard units 105's made their appearance! They made a low/slow pass. Then a high-speed pass over our airport! Was pretty Damn AWESOME to see/hear/ feel that rumble!
History, man what a gift to have a pilot who was there and flew that awesome plane give us the personal insight. Love these videos. I wish they were longer and we got more of an indepth piece, but I understand it can't be an hr's worth. Keep these kinds of videos coming, they are great!
There is a wreaked F-105 in the Piute mountains next to China Lake Naval Weapons Center we visit on our Dirt Bikes. The Pilot lived. It had the nuclear bomb telescoping devise on it. It was all still there ( in 2008) except the gun which I heard somebody carrier out.
I could sit and listen to this old pilot tell stories all day. Man the stories he could tell you. You can hear the calm, cool and collective appeal he has from being a pilot. These guys were purposely calling out the SAMs in order be shot at, and give away their positions. Then turn around and blow the SAM site away. Too Awesome!!
It's a true shame that the staggering 105 losses stemmed mostly from the Navy and Air Force being shackled to an overly limiting strike plan by suits in DC who were buried in spreadsheets and their fear of retaliating against the Soviet and Chinese forces aiding the North Vietnamese. Respect for the forces, shame for the suits.
Bullshit. Same "stabbed in the back" story the Germans used after being soundly defeated in the field during WWI, and as an excuse to re-arm and kick off WWII. True story: The Vietnamese people, residents of a third-world country subsisting on primitive agriculture, beat the U.S. onslaught of high-tech death by pure bravery and the sacrifice of millions of innocent lives. If you want to know the true role of the majority of the U.S. ground troops in Vietnam, read Kill Anything That Moves by Nick Turse. The slaughter launched from the air approached genocide.
Great airplane. I still remember as an eight year old, climbing that long ladder to get in that pit....Wow, what a view from up there. A couple of my dad's former USAF colleagues flew them in harm's way. Oh, the stories!
My uncle Glen Gidel flew these and so did my friends father Lt. Flom who was in the Hanoi Hilton and when he came home was so cool to his son and me and took us for a drive in his DeTamaso Pantera! Loved hearing stories from them.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks, Charlie. As a 19 year old Thud crew chief at Korat you guys had a huge positive influence on my life. Ended up being a 747 pilot at United.
From McConnell AFB, Wichita, Ks I was deployed to Korat AB, Thailand in 1965-66 with the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing’s F-105’s. As a Crew Chief I worked with some of the bravest men I’ve known! From getting them situated and strapped into their ejection seats to debriefing them about their aircraft this was amazing life & death experience! We were losing aircraft to ground fire, SAMS and occasional Mig attacks. These brave pilots had their hands full but I never heard complaints.
It always fascinates me watching these old pilots telling their stories, what a fantastic chap.
I'm going to tell him you said he's old, I don't think he'd be too happy with you.
Jack Wallace bugger
Jack Wallace
Start looking for a complete cockpit for his ejection seat.
Your grandfather is a great man and even better friend.
A chap? Isn't a chap a half of a pair of chaps? Just funnin'. You must be from Europe huh? Well, from Oakland California, peace...
If it has a bomb bay, why does it have an F designation instead of an A or B? Same goes for F-111 and F117? And why is a longhair dude so into bombing Vietnam?
What an absolute gentleman! He is so polite, a role model for all of us.
Training. You can be a smartass somewhere else, but not in a 30 million dollar plane. You comport yourself well, or you're gone.
I love the honesty, sincerity and humility of those men. A different generation.
You can say that again top fellas!👍👍
Oh I’m sure this guy was doing the same thing back then. Age and experience tempers you.
It’s one of the reasons why DT isn’t like this guy. He not only never served, but also is literally working for others for the first time in his life.
@Rombert Dillahuntsvalle ah ha ha ha spot on!
@@calvinnickel9995What has Trump got to do with this video? I am a strong supporter of Trump. When did Obama serve or work a day in his life? At least Trump wasn't showing off his ice cream like Pelosi did while the US population waited for her to vote on a relief fund or Pelosi signing Trump's impeachment form the very day he was cancelling inward bound flights from China and Europe to keep COVID out. Leave Trump alone.
@@Toncor12 Obama didn't dodge the draft five times with phony bone spurs fiction. Trump got Pearl Harbored by his own inflated ego regarding Covid-19. LOLOLOL
In the early 60's, I built models of the F100, F102, F104, & F105. This was my favorite because my uncle actually helped design the air intake on it. He was an awesome guy and was proud of his work on that. Beautiful plane. He later helped design the boosters for the Saturn 5 rockets. Uncle Don was loads of fun to sit and talk to.....so many stories. As for the guys that flew these planes.....heroes, one and all. Thank you for your service sir! And thank you for the video. Well done.
11 mid-air refuels for an 8 hours mission.. crazy!!
8 hour missions are on the short side when it comes to modern fighters flying modern sorties in OIR.
Little fuel capacity while dragging lots of external ordnance around results in lousy fuel economy and thus lots of refueling. Those old jet engines guzzled fuel.
@@everythingman987 Yes sir, very good point.
However I would still consider his missions one of the most stressful and exhausting, even though he wasn't carrier based platform.
My rational is the shear amount of casualties sustained - 40%. That's beyond awful. I would rather battle entire Luftwaffell rather than flying over Vietnam against the SAMS and Mig-17's.
I'm guessing 2 refuels and 2 hours going to the combat zone the once every half hour on station while you go into afterburner for combat then at the end once a hour for 2 hours coming home
This damn thing can carry, internal and external tanks, almost 19k pounds of fuel!!!! Small aircraft with single engine with that much gas, could stay airborne forever lol.
I have a friend who flew F-105s in Vietnam. He flew 100 missions and brought back the plane 99 times. One time he landed dead stick in Thailand, a feat no one else ever duplicated.
Did he survive the flight where he didn't bring the plane back?
@@stevenwg2360 Yes, he was picked up by Jolly Greens, under fire, as he was suspended in the trees along Thud Ridge. There is a video out there of him being interviewed after his rescue where he says the training and emergency equipment saved his life.
If you can find the old
"Wings" episode on the F-105 from the Discovery channel, i am sure you would enjoy it.
@@i.r.wayright1457 Jack Modica?
@@IC3SJC No, it was Capt. Jim Walbridge. He recently had his 90th birthday. He rose to the rank of Lt, Col. and was a squadron commander of F-111 in the UK.
Volunteering to fly into the teeth of AA fire to take out SAM sites. Talk about bravery.
well if you think about Vietnamese pilot side having to get in the mig 17 and 19/ 21 having to facing the strongest airforce in the world + a huge chance of being shot down by your own flak and sam , then having to worried about your love one below ( your wife / girlfriend / family vv ) and you fly until the war end which you don't know when , I think being American pilot during the war are way better then being a Vietnamese pilot really + our pilot fear of our own sam / aa then anything :) early during the war while defending the long bien brigde many of the mig17 were shot down by friend flak who are newbie ( early of the war ) if I remember correct during one day there were 3 or 4 mig 17 shot down by our own aa near long bien brigde while they trying to defend it from American f105/f8/a4/f4 vv
HUGE BALLS !!!!........Thank You for your Vietnam combat service !!
inoue jerry you speak the truth my friend
@@inouelenhatduy The Vietcong shot down more US and South Vietnam Planes totaling around 11,000 half being Helicopters. Vietcong only lost 100-200 planes.
The Great One I think the point he was making was that they were up against probably the most advanced and powerful nation at the time and tried to defend their homeland.......brave men indeed on both sides. BTW I think you meant NVA the Vietcong didn't have an airforce
One of my neighbors in northern Virginia was General Frank Everest, retired. He broke a flat speed record in an F-100 a while back. I was in the 7th grade when we were neighbors. He took me squirrel hunting once. He didn't talk about the USAF but he was a factor in my joining at age 21. That F-100 was displayed at Keesler AFB where I was stationed.
I have had the priveledge of meeting and talking to Mr. Johnson on several occasions about his time flying the "Thud." He is a legitimate "Sky God" in my book, and also a perfect Gentleman.
Jim Baumann
I’m very lucky that I was introduced to Charlie by my friend Frank. He is probably one of the best people I’ve ever met. I feel pretty honored that he keeps inviting me back.
Wow, that's amazing.
Volunteering for Weasel duty? YGBSM ! Hats off.
I was 388th AEMS Korat 67-69. ECM Pods.
THE 105'S DIDN'T GET AS MUCH CREDIT AS THEY SHOULD OF. GREAT AIRPLANE AND BRAVE MEN THAT FLEW THEM. THANK YOU GUYS!
Should *have* or *should've*.
"I never got hit. You either got hit and didn't survive, or didn't get hit."
Considering the attrition rate during 'Nam, and of this plane in particular, that's quite a feat. Glad he lived to tell us all about it.
Everyone who either flew or worked on this aircraft actually loved it. I am amazed just how far advanced it was for late 50s.
The F-105 Thunderchief has been a hobby abd intrest for me since 1968. I have seen many RUclips videos on it, but this one is about the best . The big difference is having a veteran who actually flew the plane do the walkaround. Great job and Thanks to the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum!
One of the largest single seat fighters ever built. The THUD is one of my favorite planes.
This damn thing can carry, internal and external tanks, almost 19k pounds of fuel!!!! Small aircraft with single engine with that much gas, could stay airborne forever lol.
_Century Series!!!_ Grew up when the Century Series aircraft were coming into service. F-100, F-101, F-102, F-104, F-105, F-106. Still my favorites.
You will never see another range of aircraft like that series.
Just think if the future , F35 F35 F35 and the odd F22
@@Hattonbankdon’t forget the f15ex. It’s part of the new crew
Dove INTO AA fire, what an absolute warrior of a chap.
Hat's off to Mr. Johnson.
Charles Johnson, the legend that survived 'Thud Ridge' ..respect
I've always admired the F-105, it's a beautiful aircraft. Thank you for the video and thank Charlie Johnson for his excellent service. Pilots are such cool people.
I remember falling in love with this air craft the moment I heard about the Wild Weasel variant and I just have to agree with Matthew when he says "the more I learn about this machine, the more I'm impressed by it". Absolutely incredible video gentlemen, keep up the good work!
I am a baby boomer of the Wonder Years, "Nam was the background to my childhood. As much as we hated our governments for conscripting so many of our people into this corrupt police action and then having them KIAed, conversely, what an adventure and how good are our veterans! I have the privilege of knowing hundreds of you socially and through my profession.
These videos are terrific. If I ever make it to America, I would very much like to visit at the Museum. Thanks!
Why bring personal political view into this?
@@nexpro6118
Why not? Don't you admire Russia's magnificent Kalibre missile that is dominating in the Special Operation in the Ukraine?
@@AussieMaleTuber you mean the few dozen that they have? Lol. And found out that the guidance system was mis managed and the software is all fucked up and old hardware for its guidance system lol. They cannot afford to put it in full production for it to be used successfully
@@nexpro6118
Cheers Frank from the NSW Outback! That's not coming from Russian sources, and it would very much seem that our fine tatooed N@zi friends have been totally Kalibrated in the last couple of months, awful daily losses. Every time a large group of Western volunteers is brought together in one place in western areas of the Ukraine, their barracks become re-Kalibrated. Now and as of today, the new SAMAT ICBM is entering full production, do you for one moment think that Russia would be building SAMATS at the expese of Kalibre and the other tactical missiles it fires historical amount s of each day? The West has only a fraction of the supplies of war material and manufacturing capacity of Russia. So far for example, Russia has fired more artillery shells against the N@zi's, than America can produce in 3 years. I hope you don't live in Europe Frank, you are heading for a cold winter and reduced dietary intake and loss of personal transport unless the EU negotiates with the Russian Federation I reckon... in my estimation.
Definitely a sobering feeling growing up my whole life knowing my grandpa flew these in Vietnam, but as I get older, I definitely have a lot more respect and awareness for the true awesomeness of this plane.
The '105 was flown by our best and bravest. My hat is off to those boys.
I enjoy the "Behind the Wing" videos that include interviews with the actual aviators that flew the aircraft.
I love this channel. For some reason I'm fascinated by the Vietnam War and the US Air Force. Those US fighter pilots are heroes. Regards from Germany.
Thanks, Ripper! MB
Love this Channel, I’m a former USAF Vietnam Vet. I remember these awesome Fighters. Especially the Mighty F-4 Phantom. I used to watch them come and from the bunkers I maned on the perimeters of Tan Son Nhut AB. Along with watching our gunships workout in the night skies. Not to mention the carpet bombings of our B-52’s. It was the most incredible experience of my life. Good memory’s and not so good memory’s
Charlie Johnson is one badass dude! What a wonderful man. Thank you Sir!
What never ceases to amaze me is how most combat pilots are so alike no matter what country they are from. I guess the job weeds out any other type of character. Food for thought.
Want to mention that this war veteran looks good. He is hard as nail. Good-looking. Appreciated by his country.
In my country (Russia). These people have bottom-low pensions. Obscured and forgotten by most.
Since Russia is a mafia-state, everything that doesn't work for propaganda or income is obscured so the HUGE Russian aviation history rusting on the fields. Only very few enthusiasts keep everything in something resembling order. Just look (closely) at Monino, or khodynka aerodrome.
We in Russia are jealous of your attention to your history.
I’m sorry to hear that. Anyone who wears a uniform in the service of their country, no matter where they are from, should be taken care of once they have given their time.
All the best to you and hello from Australia!👍😉
Greeting from the US. Russia's aviation legacy is rich. I have great respect for the the pilots and engineering of Russia. It's somewhat depressing to hear your perspective on Russia, but hopefully the aviation history in your country can be kept alive.
What NGO do you work for. Just look at all the Victory Day parades in Russia in most cities big and small with the younger generation carrying pictures of their countrymen who made the ultimate sacrifice. Low pensions, just look at the countless homeless vets in the USA. I dont know what your agenda is. Perhaps another mafia state is paying your salary.
Alexander Kartveli, Republic Aviation is Russian/Georgian from Tblisi; Alexander Kartveli - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Kartveli
Alexander Kartveli, born Aleksandre Kartvelishvili, (Georgian: ალექსანდრე ქართველიშვილი) (September 9, 1896 - June 20, 1974) was an influential aircraft engineer and a pioneer in the United States. Kartveli achieved important breakthroughs in military aviation in the time of turbojet fighters.
Nationality: Georgian Born: 9 September 1896; Tbilisi, Georgia, Rus..
Incredible interview to the pilot that literally walked or "flew" into the cats mouth! True professional warrior! RESPECT!!! Another great video Matt B!
Could be so much better without the useless interviewer!
Amazing debt of gratitude to all the vets in Vietnam
That is the definition of a Top Gun. Thank you for your service, Charlie (American Hero)
Thanks. Great Airplane, US Air Force Republic F-105 Thunderchief,and Pilot Charlie Johnson.
Great video. One of my friends was a Wild Wiesel Pilot flying the F4C. He did not talk much about it but when he did-AMAZING stories!
Maximum respect, Charlie. You've got the right stuff! 👍
What a pleasant person to talk to. Im glad he is still sharing his stories.
Phantom escort pilots use to say you couldn't catch a f105 after it dropped it's bombs. They hit the afterburner and was gone.
but the phantom is faster though lol
@@botcheek482 Definitely at high altitude, but at low level the Thud with its slim airframe was faster. And other than the Phantom the 105 was designed as a low-level attack fighter-bomber.
@@Knabber75 oh
This damn thing can carry, internal and external tanks, almost 19k pounds of fuel!!!! Small aircraft with single engine with that much gas, could stay airborne forever lol. It could carry a centerline, 750 gallon tank and 2, 450 gallon tanks on the wings and 1, 390 gallon tank in the weapons bay rack. Which counting internal fuel that's, 2,810 gallons. Just the combat range was close to 800 miles which is crazy nuts High compared to fighters today. F16 wishes it had that amount of combat range. Ferry range was 2,200 miles with the max fuel load.
These old pilots are so proud, proper & humble. Real gentleman.
Matthew I have loved all your videos, this one was special! It was wonderful Chris had so much to do with it too
Thanks, Andrew! MB
Thank you!
Especially to the pilot
Charlie Johnson!
Now I have a greater understanding of the F-105 Thunderchief like never before!
The F-105 Thunderchief is my most favorite of the century series fighters!
Great video, Charlie was my Flight Instructor back in the 1970's. Flew with him in Gates Learjet Test Flights and several times with Arnold Palmer. He is what you see, one great guy and pilot! RJW Wisc.
Now THAT is cool! MB
This is awesome. Captain Bob (my dad) refueled these 105s late '65 through '66. Mad respect for these Thud drivers.
With sacrificing more bombs, with max internal and max external fuel tanks, the F105 carried, 2,810 gallons. That's, 18,880 pounds of fuel for a small single seat, single engine. Lol nuts
BURCHETTE: *"So what was it like flying something with this much power?"*
JOHNSON: *"Fun."*
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Such a typical fighter pilot response. :) MB
@@Wings_Museum >>> 👌👌
Charlie Johnson: American Badass. Sir, from one Veteran to another; thank you for your service.
The more I watch these videos, the more I want to plan a roadtrip to come see you guys...and stop at Omaha at the SAC museum while I am at it!
If you're coming from the East on Interstate 80 You know your close to the sac Museum when you see an F 105 hanging off the right side of the road. You probably have maybe five miles to go. It's actually a good place to go. Kind of crowded with a B-36 Peacemaker in there and early B-52. It's a lot of history
Thank you for what you did for this man. Every old person should have chance to spend time with something special from their young age.
Great video, presenter and guest as well as an exceptional aircraft.
Isn’t Charlie a great guy? I enjoy every second I can spend with him.
Charlie Johnson is the coolest!
I worked on these badass planes for 4 years, all after Vietnam. I've been an auto and diesel mechanic, but I loved working on this plane more than any machine I've ever touched. They were built for maintenance, 4 bolts held the whole aft section on. You could change out the batteries as fast as you could on a car. The "Thud" name came from the afterburners though. I think they were 5 stage, but they all kicked in at once and it sounded like a small bomb going off and shook the ground. Later, on planes like the F4 with the J79 engines, the afterburner rings kicked in sequence, one stage at a time and it was a smoother transition.
With sacrificing more bombs, with max internal and max external fuel tanks, the F105 carried, 2,810 gallons. That's close to, 19k pounds of fuel, for a small single seat, single engine. Lol nuts
SIR , my respect , proud of you .....
Remarkable aircraft. Remarkable gentleman to have survived when so many other F-105 pilots didn't. Great video. Thank you.
Thanks, Bruce! MB
Gotta love the Matthew style of presentation/interviewing. These videos are awesome!
AWESOME!!! The 'pride' of my 1/144 scale plane models is an F-105, as a 'Weasel', with a Shrike and Harm, fuel-tank (centerline), and two Aim-9's. The guys that flew these missions changed Air-warfare completely, putting the SAM's on the Defensive! Salute, to every Weasel Driver!!
Awesome! Can you do the F-14 next?
in iran we still have them in service. i went to airshow few month ago and saw it in action. its fucking awesome.
@@king-amir3401 did you know that the Iranian F-14 are almost completely different in terms of instrument and spare parts which slowly dwindled the aircraft numbers but the first Ace in an F-14 is Jalil Zandi an Iranian pilot who flew during the Iraq-Iran War
@@mr.tedious7312 wasn't Tom Cruise the first F-14 Ace in 1984?
@@soundknight 😂 well played
Mr. Tedious Didn’t the Iranians make the F14 into some sort of a Frankenstein plane by taking parts from other planes and even some MiGs?
That pilot is legendary. So cool that you were able to get him to talk about the plane and his experiences.
I just moved to Aurora and I'm going to this museum today!
You should! The F-105 is still out on the hangar floor; you can get right up to it.
One of my instructors in USAF pilot training was a combat Vet Thud guy. We worshipped him.
After hearing Charlie's stories, anyone who flew the Thud has our respect. Sounds like you have the same feeling!
So this episode was about two hours too short ;). I'd love to see more talk with these two guys on this plane!!!!
We'd love to shoot longer videos too. So many planes, so little time!
@@Wings_Museum Please do, that was very well done indeed!
Check out Peninsular Seniors video channel from the Western Museum of Flight, they have long form talks from former pilots and aerospace engineers.
ruclips.net/video/SuGhndrGobY/видео.html
Amazon Prime has a documentary called Thud Pilots.
@@michaelquiroz5112 ill have to check that out. but amazon prime also doesnt have matthew burchette and charlie johnson! im needing to see more of these 2 guys!
I love watching the joy on their faces when these pilots get to sit in the cockpits of the aircraft they flew again. The thought of him swinging by the museum sometimes to spend some time sitting in the seat is really wholesome.
Love the pilot interviews! Old war stories have always fascinated me.
I can sit down ... with a bag of popcorn and listen to his combat stories all day man😳..
My favorite plane of all time and my favorite group of pilots of all time.
He sure did answer "Fun," quickly and without missing a beat! No doubt, this Pilot really enjoyed flying this Aircraft.
Brilliant video! Thanks so much!
You're welcome! It was a fun one to make.
Thank You , Both Of YOU !!!!!
I do enjoy your exuberant presentation style! 👍
Love these videos...
Having a real pilot of the aircraft is an absolutely fantastic addition. K hope you can do that more often. Kudos to Mr. (Captain?) Johnson for his assistance, and thank you for your service. He is obviously a fine man and a complete gentleman. A great man to have on your board- he obviously cares greatly about aviation and preserving its history. Great video. The best so far.
Just love that plane. My favourite Vietnam War bird. Thank you for the video.
Thunderchief was my airfix model collection.
Charlie is so humble and polite.
Years ago I was at an AirShow where the last Air National guard units 105's made their appearance! They made a low/slow pass. Then a high-speed pass over our airport! Was pretty Damn AWESOME to see/hear/ feel that rumble!
I’m an old sailor, but I love the Thud & the guts the pilots had.
This channel is great! Being Aircrew on a KC-135, I love hearing stories including A/R.
I enjoy hearing from the experienced pilots that we still have. Hats off to the pioneers and thank you for your service !!!!
Outstanding presentation. Thank you.
God bless Mr. Charlie Johnson ! amazing and inspiring first hand story and presentation.
Another beautiful vintage warbird!
History, man what a gift to have a pilot who was there and flew that awesome plane give us the personal insight. Love these videos. I wish they were longer and we got more of an indepth piece, but I understand it can't be an hr's worth.
Keep these kinds of videos coming, they are great!
Thank You for Showcasing This Great American Hero... and this beautiful Plane!!
This was one of our favorite planes to make an episode on! And Charlie was the perfect guest to tell its story. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your service Charlie
There is a wreaked F-105 in the Piute mountains next to China Lake Naval Weapons Center we visit on our Dirt Bikes. The Pilot lived. It had the nuclear bomb telescoping devise on it. It was all still there ( in 2008) except the gun which I heard somebody carrier out.
That was great. Thank you very much for a great video
Thanks for watching!
When will the Tomcat get some love?
WAIT
_THEY HAVE A TOMCAT?_
*dangerzone intensifies
Nicollas Alexandre I like _mighty wings_
It’s underrated some times
@@merlin5324 They got lots of planes, including an F-14 in VF-211 markings
Dan W I need me one of those
One of the best military aircraft videos I've seen! Great explanations, great questions, great expert interviewee!
Thank you for your service Chalie
I could sit and listen to this old pilot tell stories all day. Man the stories he could tell you. You can hear the calm, cool and collective appeal he has from being a pilot. These guys were purposely calling out the SAMs in order be shot at, and give away their positions. Then turn around and blow the SAM site away. Too Awesome!!
i salute you mr johnson , its a priviledge
Another outstanding video from Wings Over the Rockies and Charlie Johnson!
Awesome plane, and awesome pilot! Cool as they come.
Another American hero! Thank you sir!
It's a true shame that the staggering 105 losses stemmed mostly from the Navy and Air Force being shackled to an overly limiting strike plan by suits in DC who were buried in spreadsheets and their fear of retaliating against the Soviet and Chinese forces aiding the North Vietnamese.
Respect for the forces, shame for the suits.
Bullshit. Same "stabbed in the back" story the Germans used after being soundly defeated in the field during WWI, and as an excuse to re-arm and kick off WWII. True story: The Vietnamese people, residents of a third-world country subsisting on primitive agriculture, beat the U.S. onslaught of high-tech death by pure bravery and the sacrifice of millions of innocent lives. If you want to know the true role of the majority of the U.S. ground troops in Vietnam, read Kill Anything That Moves by Nick Turse. The slaughter launched from the air approached genocide.
You are so right Adam Frazier.
@@Hopeless_and_Forlorn No "approached" about it. It was genocide, and Vietnam has still not recovered.
Staggering? 290 loses in over 4 years of combat while flying a tremendous number of sorties plus all the ROE restrictions. Far from Staggering.
Awesome video. Great having an actual f105 pilot who flew sorties in vietnam tell us about the plane and his experiences.
Thank you, sir, for your service. Wow! BTW, there's an excellent doc called "Thud Pilots" on Amazon that's a must-see.
He had a fear of starting mission, but yet he got in his machine and completed the mission.
What I call a hero . So many of them .
Great airplane. I still remember as an eight year old, climbing that long ladder to get in that pit....Wow, what a view from up there. A couple of my dad's former USAF colleagues flew them in harm's way. Oh, the stories!
Love this series. Short to the point with a real interview. The subs will keep climbing
You make me want to come work for y'all. Love the videos and how far the museum has come.
My uncle Glen Gidel flew these and so did my friends father Lt. Flom who was in the Hanoi Hilton and when he came home was so cool to his son and me and took us for a drive in his DeTamaso Pantera! Loved hearing stories from them.