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| The McDonnell F-101 Voodoo was the inevitable follow-on to the company's XF-88 and was intended for the same purpose. Though the 1950 penetration fighter competition among XF-88, XF-90 and YF-93A resulted in no production contract, the Strategic Air Command still wanted an aircraft conceived from the outset as an escort fighter, its F-84F being seen as only an interim solution. McDonnell's design team under Herman Barkey responded with the heaviest single-seat fighter ever built. Powered by two 5307kg Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 turbojets, the F-101 would carry four 20mm cannon plus three Hughes GAR-ID or GAR-2A Falcon missiles or 127mm high-velocity aircraft rockets (HVAR) mounted on rotary bomb doors. The first F-101A flew on 29 September 1954 at St Louis, and exceeded Mach 1 on its maiden flight. This was a production craft, there being no service-test machine. SAC dropped its requirement and the 77 F-101As built went to the Tactical Air Command. The first delivery was made 2 May 1957 to the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing. Seven of these airframes were later designated JF-101A while being used for temporary tests.
The first of two YRF-101A service-test reconnaissance Voodoos flew on 10 May 1956, followed by 35 RF-101A airframes delivered to TAC's 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. The reconnaissance Voodoo had a lengthened nose with space for downward or oblique cameras and other sensors. An RF-101A was shot down during the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962.
The F-101B was the tandem two-seat all-weather interceptor version of the Voodoo for the Air Defense Command, powered by two 5438kg thrust afterburning J57-P-55 turbojets. The first F-101B flew on 27 March 1957 at St Louis. For long-range intercept, it could carry two Douglas MB-1 Genie nuclear unguided rockets as well as three Falcons. Deliveries began on 18 March 1959 to the 60th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Eventually, the F-101B equipped 16 ADC squadrons, guarding against the Soviet bomber threat to North America. The JF-101B designation was applied to two machines used for temporary tests. One NF-101B was structurally modified for development work. Very late in their careers, with reconnaissance Voodoos still needed long after the interceptor variant was retired, 22 of the two-seat airframes were converted to RF-101B. The TF-101B was a version of the interceptor with full dual controls.
ANG units operated the F-101B between 1970 and 1982. This Voodoo flew with the 179th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Minnesota ANG in 1973.
The F-101C single-seat tactical fighter differed from the F-101A primarily in having the capability to carry a US tactical nuclear weapon, and 47 were delivered to TAC. The RF-101C, the first of which was flown 12 July 1957, was an improved development of the RF-101A; 166 went to TAC squadrons. The USAF began operating the RF-101C in South East Asia in 1964 and suffered its first combat loss on 21 November 1964 when an RF-101C of the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was shot down over Laos. Though not as much publicised as other combat types, the RF-101C remained in combat until 1970. No fewer than 31 airframes were lost in battle, plus another six to operational causes. In the mid-1960s, a few RF-101Cs served with the Nationalist Chinese air force, flying clandestine missions over the mainland.
Other Voodoo variants were the F-101F, the USAF designation for the CF-101F interceptor operated by Canadian forces; the RF-101G, a conversion of high-hour RF-101A airframes for reconnaissance duties with the Air National Guard; and the RF-101H, another reconnaissance conversion. One F-101B appeared briefly on the US civil register, as N8234, used for thunderstorm research by Colorado State University. A few CF-101Fs remain in service with Canadian forces for electronic warfare operations. Total production was 807 Voodoos.
 | A three-view drawing (1685 x 1015) |
| CREW | 1 |
| ENGINE | 2 x P+W J-57-P-13, 52.0kN |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 18000-22250 kg | 39683 - 49053 lb |
| Empty weight | 12700 kg | 27999 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 12.1 m | 40 ft 8 in |
| Length | 20.6 m | 68 ft 7 in |
| Height | 5.5 m | 18 ft 1 in |
| Wing area | 43.2 m2 | 465.00 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 1940 km/h | 1205 mph |
| Cruise speed | 950 km/h | 590 mph |
| Ceiling | 15800 m | 51850 ft |
| Range w/max.fuel | 4800 km | 2983 miles |
| ARMAMENT | 4 x 20mm machine-guns, 15 missiles |
| Peter Bye, e-mail, 27.05.2014 17:44 My uncle Roger Bye was stationed in GB at Woodbridge / Bentwaters with the 78th TAC (81st) flying the F-101.
He was killed in a crash April 21, 1961 "Near Laon AB France" My research seems to lead me to believe it was F-101A-25-MC sn 54-1450
From what I understand, he also ditched one or more of them in the ocean.
Would any anybody you know, or be able to help me find out what may have happened. As a family we were told very little I am try to put the pieces together for our family history.
Regards;
Peter
pcbye2@mmm.com reply | | Eric J Miller, e-mail, 13.05.2014 19:37 Yeah my Dad flew the F-101 @ Hamilton from 1963-1966 & was with the 78th FIS. He was the one of the colonel's that ran show. I can recall in 65 when that guy from Thunderbirds lost his life. My Dad had to come get me @ the bone yard looking @ scraps of that F-105, MP's did't say a thing when he showed up!A fuel hose let go spraying the hot section & the rest is POH reply | | Roger Clark, e-mail, 25.03.2014 01:51 1966-1970 I was assigned to Griffiss AFB with the 49th FIS MSL Supply Section for the F-101 Voodoo and later the F-106 Delta Dart. Col. Freddie O'Connor was Squadron Commander for 49th FIS. reply | | Michael Lombard, e-mail, 16.03.2014 00:54 I just happened on to this sight. Saw an old friends name, Bobby Crabb. I was at Grand Forks Air Force base with him 1961 to 1963. Weapons control systems mechanic. (Voodoo Medicine Man) we were on 12 hour shifts in Oct 62 during the Cuban crisis. One of the F-101s we worked on is now at the Hill AFB museum in Utah not too far from where I live. Some times I go there so that us two museum pieces can be together again. reply | |
| | Todo, 04.02.2014 04:18 Dad flew F-101B with 2nd FIS at Suffolk County Air Firce Base, Long Island, New York in mid 60's. Col Francis Gabreski was his wing commander. The base is now called Gabreski Field after the famous Ace from WWII and Korea. Dad also flew the RF 101 in Vietnam in 1969. Dad set a good example and I followed his lead and went on to fly F-4Es and F-111Fs in my own career. Dad is 80 now, flying solo since mom passed, but has his sons checking six everyday reply | | Bob Perkins, e-mail, 19.01.2014 02:10 Spent time with 29th at Malmstrom 6 /1965 to 5 /1966. I was in missile support for the air born stuff Falcons etc. Remember the planes and a few problems. We lost one down by Billings when the pilot ran out of gas. Came home in a truck. Also remember a ground support troop gettng sucked into an engine, weird noise as the compressor stalled. He survived. Lots of bird and rabbit problems there. reply | | Roger Lloyd, e-mail, 10.01.2014 20:56 Unique sound of the Voodoo's engines? In the early 60s I was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA and occasionally could hear those jets starting up over at McChord AFB. It seemed to me that they had a very unique sound compared to other jets. Why is their sound unique? Thanks! reply | | Art Harrell, e-mail, 26.12.2013 21:33 was a C /C on a Voodoo-29th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (fighting cocks)Air Defense Command-Malstrom A.F.B.Great Fall and Det. 1--Billings Montana--May 1966-Jan, 1968--Great Air Craft reply | | david Kelly, e-mail, 07.12.2013 05:40 My father was Major Norm Kelly and retired out of Suffolk county AFB in 1965. Last assignment was with 52nd field maintenance squadron. We lived in base housing on Hamilton ave and were stationed at SCAFB 3 times- between 1952-1965. Does anyone remember him? reply |
| Ed Robie, e-mail, 27.11.2013 03:49 The Aviation Museum of Kentucky is restoring a Voodoo. Anybody know how to unlock the nose cone? Thanks reply | | Howard Wicklund, e-mail, 31.10.2013 00:11 I was a crew chief with the 75th fIS at Dow from 59 to 61 just about 13 months. Just out of tech school at Amarillo. Made us crew chiefs "57-0423" almost right away were short of people I was still an E-2. I was in B flight Tsgt Achorn was Flight chief and cms "pops" Donaugh was line chief and LT. Col Hill C.O. Great times. From there shipped out to Kadina Okinawa. reply |
| Murray B, e-mail, 19.10.2013 07:29 Everyone that worked with the Voodoo seems to speak well of the aircraft and that is fairly rare. Its performance seems exceptional for an aircraft that entered service in 1954. The range was amazing but some sources indicate it could be extended even further by removing some piece of equipment and installing an extra fuel tank in its place. Does anybody know what that was all about and if that feature was ever used in practice? reply | | Robbie Robinson, e-mail, 15.10.2013 15:31 Does anyone have any photographs of 481st Tac.Ftr.Sq.,
F-101,s, when the squadron was assigned to the 27th TFW at Bergstrom,Tx. The 481st Carried Green tails with white star markings.
Robbie. reply | | Ernie, e-mail, 12.10.2013 02:44 I was a Voodoo Medicine Man with the 60th FIS, 60-64, and worked on Autopilot and Pitch Control Systems. Great aircraft and I really enjoyed working on it. A few years ago I visited the TICO warbird museum in Titusville, FL. The have a F-101B on display with the lettering of the 60th. reply | |
| | Ralph L. Robledo, e-mail, 24.09.2013 23:29 I worked on the F-101B , 60th FIS at Otis AFB from 63 -65, MG-13 Radar Flightline. I now do volunteer work at the Castle Air Museum. Can anyone give me the size of the nose tires. We are restoring 57-0412 and have to replace the nose tires. It was originally stationed at the 75th FIS , Dow AFB, Maine. Thanks reply | | Jerry Zerm, e-mail, 14.08.2013 02:33 I was in Misawa in 63 to 65, and was in the 439th FMS in the engine shop, also worked engine conditioning (line maint) and the test cell. Went to Ton Son Nhut on an Able Mable deployment in Jan 65 to Mar 65. Loved the RF 101-C, great acft!!! reply | | phanthompxer, e-mail, 12.05.2013 23:46 Wurtsmith AFB, 1966 reply | | Andy McGraw, e-mail, 24.04.2013 06:44 Good day all, I wish to make a correction regarding my previous comment the other day regarding 425 Sqn. The bird seen in the squadron logo was not a Swift, it was a Skylark.
The anniversary Voodoo was named "Lark One". There were various nick names as well. (not everyone was in favor of the Lark One paint scheme). However, it was what it was and is part of 425 Sqn. history. Cheers, Andy reply | | Andy McGraw, e-mail, 23.04.2013 04:40 Just some further info regarding the offer of a McDonnell Douglas CF-101B Voodoo ejection seat for sale from Alberta Canada. A little history about this seat, it was removed from tail SN: 101014 (014) was one of 3 Anniversary Voodoos in the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) before they were retired.
This aircraft was specially painted in the colors of Red Yellow and Blue. This aircraft flew with 425 Sqn. called the Allouettes in Bagotville Quebec. The bird on the Sqn. logo is called the "Swift" this was painted down the side of the aircraft. The ejection seat is the weapon's officer seat from the back seat. The serial number "014" is stenciled on the seat back. This aircraft still exists, and is located in a compound with 3 other retired Voodoos at CFB. Bagotville airforce base to date. I heard the museum there plan on restoring aircraft 014 in the near future.
So if you wish to own a piece of this aircraft history, let me know thanks. reply | | Andy McGraw, e-mail, 23.04.2013 04:30 Hello everyone, I have a complete Weber Ejection seat for sale.
I live in Alberta Canada. The seat is very complete, and includes the (inert) rocket cylinder on the back of the seat.
The seat pack is there, as well as new shoulder harness group, and correct special release lap belt block buckle assembly. I will be listing it on E-Bay soon or will consider serious queries. You won't be disappointed!!! Took me 3 years to complete. I also have a few more interesting pieces left as well, including the complete "Flight Command"
HUD unit w /retractable sight glass and projector, as well as the complete intercept light assembly set, also available is the front armored windscreen glass, and anti-collision light. Shipping is extra. I prefer to sell the ejection seat locally. But if you pay for the crating and shipping, I can arrange a sale. Thanks for looking, please e-mail all queries to Andy at aerojet57@hotmail.com thanks. reply |
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Howard Wicklund
I was there with the 52nd FMS SCAFB from Sept. 1965 to Aug. 1966.
I, probably, worked the Pneudraulics on most every F-101B there at one time or another. A wonderful aircraft to work on.
I, especially, enjoyed being near the beaches during warm weather when the masses from the city invaded the area. Me, being from NC, seemed to have an advantage with the females when I turned on the charm with the southern accent.
Not bragg’n, just say’n.
Great site, I really enjoy the comments.
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