Republic F-105 in Vietnam, question

marine air · **Posted:** Mon Oct 12, 2009 2:43 pm

I was talking to a retired Air Force friend about the F-105 in Vietnam. I mentioned the "golden B-B" problem and the problem they had with the old iron bombs and fuses going off prematurely in Vietnam.
I remember reading an article somewhere about a couple of Air Force Captains that testified before Congress on the bad fuses and bombs blowing up the F-105's shortly after release.
It seems like there was an article in Air and Space or some other magazine. Do any of you remember or have a copy of that article?
The Air Force Captains returned to Vietnam and were KIA before the problem of the WW II vintage fuses were resolved.
Anyone have knowledge of this?

Holedigger · **Posted:** Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:10 pm

Air and Space did have an article on 105's a few months back, I will look for it and let you know. March Issue Hmmmmm, I am not seeing anything about premature bomb detonations.

hercules130 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:56 pm

marine air wrote:

I was talking to a retired Air Force friend about the F-105 in Vietnam. I mentioned the "golden B-B" problem

Not sure if you need info on this problem, the confluence of the aircraft's hydraulic lines from each system in a small area (close to the largest source of IR signature!) but I have a few articles on the problem and the "fix".

Be happy to help if you do, no info on the fuse issue.

Tailspin · **Posted:** Mon Oct 12, 2009 5:17 pm

I don't think the premature detonation of the bombs was confined entirely to 105s. If you read "The Eye of the Cat" (?) the story of MOH winner Capt. Lance Sijan, I believe he was flying an F-4. Rather reminiscent of our dud torpedoes in WWII.
Hugh

drgondog · **Joined:** Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:50 am **Posts:** 237

I believe the issue was with the FMU-50/51 fuse and it was an electrical issue.

Billy Sparks knows about this one backward and forward.

was not 105 specific

Ken · **Posted:** Mon Oct 12, 2009 6:49 pm

There were also some AF A-1 losses - I believe due to malfunctions in the 20mm cannon.

marine air · **Posted:** Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:02 pm

I think the fuse was designed for iron bombs and platforms like the B-17 and B-24. I know they would send out five aircraft with each having one 250 lb. bomb when one aircraft could have carried all five bombs. McNamara was trying to make and show large numbers of sorties and also I think the article said they were running out of bombs and other ordinance for a while. It may have been a military history magazine, just can't put my finger on where I read it.
Thanks

Jesper · **Posted:** Tue Oct 13, 2009 3:05 am

I can't remember where , but I read that about the short supply and McNamaras 'sortie rate fixation' too.
And the US had to buy back bombs from Western Germany at a price much higher than the price they were sold for.

viking73 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 13, 2009 11:37 am

Tailspin wrote:

If you read "The Eye of the Cat" (?) the story of MOH winner Capt. Lance Sijan, I believe he was flying an F-4.

It's "Into the Mouth of the Cat" and what an inspiring if not heart breaking story. He was so close to rescue after his shoot down but it didn't happen. His will and drive were beyond belief. You should read this book if you haven't already...

-Derek

marine air · **Posted:** Tue Oct 13, 2009 8:30 pm

Thanks everyone. This gives me more info to forward to my friend.
He has a good friend that is a former POW / F-105 pilot.

Tailspin · **Posted:** Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:43 am

Derek,
Thanks for the title correction. It's been several years since I read the book. You are right, it is an inspirational story and makes one appreciate the efforts of our entire armed forces.
H

Tailspin · **Posted:** Wed Oct 14, 2009 10:43 am

Sorry, double posting

Warbird Information Exchange

Republic F-105 in Vietnam, question

Who is online