Chrome Lightnings and a fast Thunderchief
Chrome Lightnings and a fast Thunderchief
The Navy is flying Lightnings with mirror like coatings and an F-105 sets a speed record in the 1950s
No tradition is worth having in a fighting force except a tradition of success.
-MRAF Sir Arthur Harris
Mission Briefing
We’ve seen chrome or mirror like coatings on F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightings, and even F-117 Nighthawks. The Nighthawk was recently brought out of retirement (or did it every really retire?) and has been used as a testbed. The Raptors and Lightnings with these chrome coatings have also been used as testbeds, in the case of the Lightning having been spotted flying with VX-9 aka the Vampires. One of the Navy’s evaluation squadrons. More recently a Navy F-35C has been seen with chrome coatings operating off of a carrier (the USS Abraham Lincoln), which has led to some speculation that these coatings may become operational sooner rather than later.
I’m working on a video about this and will share my thoughts and predictions as to what these coatings could really be for. I hope to have this to you by Friday evening, stay tuned!
This week in aviation history
11 December 1959: Let's dive into a remarkable story from the annals of aviation history. Imagine the year is 1959, a period marked by fierce competition in the race for air superiority. It was December 11th when Brig. Gen. Joseph H. Moore, a distinguished combat pilot with a legacy from World War II, etched his name into this competitive saga.
Flying the formidable Republic F-105 Thunderchief, a jet that was more than just a piece of machinery but a symbol of technological advancement, Moore set out to break the world airspeed record. His aircraft, the F-105, was a marvel of engineering. Known for being the largest single-seat, single-engine combat aircraft of its time, it was designed for tactical nuclear strikes and as a fighter-bomber. The Thunderchief's unique “wasp waist” shape, a result of the "area rule" design, was not just for aesthetics but contributed significantly to its aerodynamic efficiency.
On that day, over the skies of Edwards Air Force Base, Moore didn't just fly; he roared through a 100-kilometer closed course, breaking not only the sound barrier but also the existing record held by France. His achievement was staggering – reaching speeds of 1,216 mph, a clear leap from the French record of 1,100.426 mph. But Moore wasn't done yet. In his quest for excellence, he recorded even higher speeds, touching a phenomenal 1,400 mph at one point.
This was no ordinary flight. Moore flew at an altitude of 38,000 feet, navigating the circular course with precision, guided by advanced radio and scientific instruments. His Thunderchief was a production model, combat-ready with ammunition and a cannon, a testament to its prowess not just in record-setting but in potential combat scenarios.
The Thunderchief's heart was its Pratt & Whitney J75-P-19W engine, a powerhouse that propelled it to incredible speeds. With its complex multi-stage compressor and turbine sections, and the capability for afterburning and water injection, this engine was a significant factor in Moore's record-setting flight.
The F-105 was not just about speed. It was armed with a 20 mm General Electric M61 Vulcan Gatling gun and had the capacity for an extensive payload, including tactical nuclear weapons. Its maximum speed and service ceiling were astounding for its time, making it a formidable asset in the U.S. Air Force's arsenal.
Sadly, the F-105 would also be known for its losses in Southeast Asia. Of the 833 Thunderchiefs built, 372 were lost in enemy action. But the legacy of the F-105, and pilots like Moore, live on in aviation history. The record-setting F-105B, a testament to this legacy, eventually found its resting place as a trainer for battle damage repair.
Brig. Gen. Moore's story is not just one of breaking records. It's a narrative of courage, technological triumph, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of aviation. This chapter from 1959 is a vivid reminder of the strides we've made in aeronautics and the undying spirit of those who push the boundaries of what's possible.
In case you missed it
An interview with an F-15 pilot who was the mission commander for the opening Eagle sorties in the first Gulf War:
Photo Outlet
Here’s a picture I took of the Lone Star Flight Museum’s B-25 Mitchell medium bomber, which has been restored in the Dolittle Raiders paint scheme:
Post Flight Debrief
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading! If you know a fellow aviation enthusiast that would enjoy these weekly newsletters, then please forward this along. Now you know!
-Tog