F-105 Thunderchief as an Interceptor

[Stan in YUL]

Ok, get a new nose ;/ radar: do you have a contender for the F-101B?

Tia.

Stan.

[Weaver]

There's probably already enough space in the nose for a decent AI radar, and you don't really want to lose the cannon. For the intercept mission, I'd say replace the bomb bay with a fixed fuel tank (not the detachable one used in real F-105s) in order to free up the wing pylons for missiles. You could maybe also have a pair of conformal Sparrows on the outside corners of that fuel tank.

[kerick]

You could start with the radar from the F-4E. You already have two seaters if that's needed. And stick with what Weaver mentioned.

[sandiego89]

Keep the rotating door covered bomb bay, and stick a few Genies in there.  Cant go wrong with unguided nukes on a 1960's Air Defense Command Interceptor.  ADC gloss gray, colorful tail and IR sensor above nose.  Single seat works, 2 seater better, 

[jcf]

The weapons bay doors slide up into the bay.
You could fit one MB-1 in the bay.

Weapons bay
Length: 15 ft 10 in
Width: 32 in
Depth: 32 in

MB-1 Genie
Length: 9 ft 8 in
Diam: 17.5 in
Span: 23 in (approx wings retracted)

[Weaver]

Has anyone made a 1/72nd Thud with a detailed bomb bay and pose-openable doors?

I don't recall one, but then my main interest is in the Gs.

[jcf]

Has anyone made a 1/72nd Thud with a detailed bomb bay and pose-openable doors?

I don't recall one, but then my main interest is in the Gs.

The doors disappear into the bay when open
so there's not really anything to pose.
The F-105G still has the weapons bay.
You cannot view this attachment.

[Weaver]

Okay cheers, Jon.

I knew the -Gs always carried a fuel tank in the bay, but I'd somehow got the impression that it was sealed shut.

The question stands though: has anyone made a Thud kit with a bomb bay that can be built open?

[jcf]

Not that I've ever seen, nor an aftermarket resin weapons bay.
There's not been many kits of the F-105 in 1/72 only nine in total with seven tools from regular companies, the IMC is the only one not reboxed under other labels:
Airfix (F-101F)
Hasegawa (F-105D)
IMC (F-105D 'battle damage)
Monogram (F-105, F-101F/G)
Trumpeter (F-105D, F-105G)

[Beermonster58]

Interesting idea. I have the Hobby Boss 1/48 F-105G. I'm thinking along the lines of  2 x AIM-7s on the wingtip/outer pylons, 2 x AIM-7 on fuselage stations (the bomb bay having been permanently closed and fitted with an internal fuel tank) and, up to four AIM-9 on pylon mounted  rails for the inboard wing stations.

Aircraft will retain the internal 20mm cannon. If memory serves, the F-105 could already  carry a twin AIM-9 launcher on the outboard wing stations but, I don't know if it was ever used operationally.

[Dizzyfugu]

IIRC the bomb bay was exclusively used for fuel, since it was originally only intended for a nuclear bomb as the sole offensice ordnance. Later (D variant onwards)  the Thud was rather used as a fighter bomber with iron bombs, and there even was a ventral hardpoint that could hold a MER on the centerline, rendering the bomb bay as such useless.

[Weaver]

IIRC the bomb bay was exclusively used for fuel, since it was originally only intended for a nuclear bomb as the sole offensice ordnance. Later (D variant onwards)  the Thud was rather used as a fighter bomber with iron bombs, and there even was a ventral hardpoint that could hold a MER on the centerline, rendering the bomb bay as such useless.

Yes. The hardpoint in the bay was extended through the doors, with a U-shaped fuel tank around it.