Read more
A comparative evaluation of the tactics and technology involved in the battles between the USAF's Republic F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bombers and their VPAF MiG-17 opponents during the Vietnam War.Fully illustrated with stunning artwork, this book shows how the F-105 and the MiG-17, totally different in design and purpose, fought in a series of duels that cost both sides dearly.
The F-105D Thunderchief was originally designed as a low-altitude nuclear strike aircraft, but the outbreak of the Vietnam War led to it being used instead as the USAF's primary conventional striker against the exceptionally well-defended targets in North Vietnam and Laos. F-105 crews conducted long-distance missions from bases in Thailand, refueling in flight several times and carrying heavy external bombloads.
The MiG-17 was the lightweight, highly maneuverable defending fighter it encountered most often in 1965-68 during Operation
Rolling Thunder. A development of the MiG-15, which shocked UN forces during the Korean War, its emphasis was on simplicity and ease of maintenance in potentially primitive conditions.
List of contents
Introduction /Chronology /Design and Development /Technical Specifications/ The Strategic Situation /The Combatants /Combat /Statistics and Analysis /Aftermath /Further Reading /Index
About the author
Peter E. Davies has specialized in the aircraft of the Vietnam and Cold War periods, analyzing tactics, background politics and technologies in combat situations. His books are always enriched by original first-hand interviews and unpublished illustrative material. Peter has also been a contributor to publications such as Aeroplane Monthly, Aviation News and Aircraft Illustrated. He lives in Bristol, UK.Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing and has also enjoyed a successful career in computer animation. He is an aviation history enthusiast and has contributed to numerous Osprey titles such as B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1992–2025
and RAF Lightning Units of the Cold War. He lives in Perthshire, Scotland.
Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing and has also enjoyed a successful career in computer animation. He is an aviation history enthusiast and has contributed to numerous Osprey titles such as B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1992–2025
and RAF Lightning Units of the Cold War. He lives in Perthshire, Scotland.
Summary
A comparative evaluation of the tactics and technology involved in the battles between the USAF's Republic F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bombers and their VPAF MiG-17 opponents during the Vietnam War.
