Armament
The F-101A model series was the first production form of the Voodoo. The platform sported a battery of 3 x 20mm M-39 auto-firing cannons and up to 2,000lb of external stores. Cannons were placed two on the left side of the fuselage and one to the lower right. Gun firing was assisted via an automatic lead computing sight along with a radar ranging system. Bombing was assisted through LABS (Low Altitude Bombing System) and LADD (Low Angle Drogue Delivery) systems. Manual bomb release was provided for through DIRECT. Additionally, the model could carry one nuclear-tipped missile as needed. A-series models made up 3 squadrons and were produced in 75 examples. Performance allowed by the Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 (15,000lb max thrust with afterburning) turbojet included a top speed of 1,009 miles per hour, a maximum service ceiling of 55,800 feet and a range nearing 1,900 miles.
The F-101B became a two-seat model and was produced to the tune of some 479 examples. The system was fielded with an arrangement of air-to-air missiles through a four-missile internal rotary weapons bay - initially consisting of 4 x AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles (2 x AIM-4A semi-active radar-homing, 2 x AIM-4B infrared-guided). This later went on to include support for 2 x AIR-2 Genie nuclear rockets generally coupled with 2 x AIM-4C infrared-guided missiles. Missile management was through the Hughes MG-13 fire-control system. Power for the B-model was served through twin Pratt & Whitney J57-P-55 turbofan engines generating 14,880lb of thrust and offering afterburning capability. F-101B's served Air Defense Command and, at one point, made up 16 squadrons. Performance-wise, the B-model could reach speeds of up to 1,221 miles per hour with a ceiling of 54,800 feet and a range of 1,550 miles. Climb rate for the type equaled 36,500 feet per minute. Canada became the only foreign operator of the B-series Voodoo (CF-101B with the RCAF).
The F-101C model was a single-seat dedicated fighter-bomber derivative utilized by Tactical Air Command. This model served for only a short time but was still fielded in quantity, making up nine full squadrons for TAC. The F-101C entered service in May of 1957 but was already on its way out by early 1960. C-models were later upgraded (along with the A-models) with LADD and LABS bomb delivery systems for nuclear weapons deliveries at low altitudes. F-101C models never saw combat and were eventually replaced by F-4C Phantom models by 1966. However, in their converted RF-101C reconnaissance forms, F-101C models did see prolonged usage.
Operational Service
As a show of force, the Voodoo was the subject of American propaganda use in that the type was showcased in a variety of world record speed and endurance attempts. These attempts were single-minded and intended to show off to the Soviet Union the progression of American jet-powered technology. To prove the point, four RF-101A reconnaissance Voodoos launched from California, refueled in-flight, and one set of Voodoos reached the East Coast (New Jersey) while the other pair returned cross-country back to California. In another such attempt, Major Adrian Drew flew his F-101A Voodoo at speeds topping 1,207 miles-per-hour, setting a speed record in the process. Such were the capabilities of the new Voodoo that the aircraft was quickly respected by her pilots. Despite the A-model's intended 7.33 g allowance, the airframe was reportedly only able to withstand some 6.33 g forces. This inevitably led to the development of the improved and reinforced F-101C model which was physically and outwardly similar to A-models.
RF-101C "Long Bird" (USAF nickname) models (converted F-101C fighter-bombers sans armament) saw operational duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and also became the first USAF fighters to arrive in the Vietnam War. RF-101C's were also the only Voodoo models to see active combat and found success in their intended reconnaissance role throughout the conflict. Though eventually overtaken in this role by the McDonnell F-4 Phantoms, the Voodoos displayed an impressive 35,000 sortie record to just 39 losses of their own. Their speed was definitely a major consideration for their success, outplaying the various MiG aircraft it encountered. ECM pods were later added to the mix in an effort to increase the reach of the Voodoo over hostile terrain though these decreased overall speeds enough to warrant protection of these slower Voodoos with capable escort fighters.
In 1961, Canada received 56 surplus F-101B Voodoos for their Royal Canadian Air Force inventory as CF-101B's. CF-101B's operated until 1985 to which they were inevitably replaced by more capable types. Additionally, Taiwan received several reconnaissance ("RF" designation) Voodoos for their Chinese Nationalist Air Force. On the whole, the US Air Force Voodoos performed their required roles into the early 1970's to which they were retired in1971. The US National Guard - another American Voodoo operator - flew their F-101's until 1983.
Conclusion
The F-101 Voodoo was truly a testament of advanced design concerning the changing face of warfare brought about by the jet age. As a "bridge design" between the early 1950's fighters and the early 1970's hotrods, Voodoos operated with distinction in both war and peacetime, setting several aviation speed and endurance records along the way. No doubt the Voodoo design had a direct influence on the magnificent McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II to come as these physical elements can clearly be seen between the two types of aircraft when compared side-by-side. In any regard, both aircraft went on to prove their worth in more ways than can, or ever will, be documented.
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