McDonnell F-101 Voodoo

McDonnell F-101 Voodoo
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Name	F-101 Voodoo
Type	Fighter, Fighter-bomber, Reconnaissance
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	McDonnell Aircraft
First flight	29 September 1954
Introduction	May 1957
Retired	1972 (USAF), 1987 (RCAF)
Primary users	United States Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force
Number built	807
Developed from	McDonnell XF-88 Voodoo

McDonnell F-101 Voodoo was a supersonic jet fighter developed and manufactured by McDonnell Aircraft for the United States Air Force. Initially conceived as a long-range bomber escort, its mission evolved to include nuclear strike, air superiority, and reconnaissance roles. The Voodoo served as a critical component of NORAD and SAC during the Cold War, known for its speed and distinctive twin-engine, single-seat design.

Development and design

The Voodoo's origins trace to the earlier McDonnell XF-88 Voodoo, a prototype penetration fighter designed for the United States Air Force in the late 1940s. In 1951, SAC issued a requirement for a long-range escort fighter to protect its B-36 and later B-52 fleets, leading to a significantly enlarged and more powerful design. The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 turbojet engines, which enabled supersonic performance. Key design features included a low-mounted wing, a distinctive T-tail, and a large internal fuel capacity for extended range. The program was managed by McDonnell Aircraft under the leadership of engineers like Herman D. Barkey.

Operational history

Entering service with the United States Air Force in May 1957, the F-101A initially equipped the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Bentwaters in the United Kingdom. Its primary mission quickly shifted from escort to nuclear strike as part of SAC's Quick Reaction Alert forces in Europe. The RF-101 reconnaissance variant saw extensive combat during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War, flying hazardous low-level missions over North Vietnam and Laos. The two-seat F-101B interceptor, equipped with the MG-13 fire control system and AIR-2 Genie nuclear rockets, became a mainstay of NORAD, defending North America alongside the Royal Canadian Air Force. The type was gradually phased out of USAF service by 1972.

Variants

The primary production variants included the **F-101A** single-seat fighter-bomber, the **RF-101A** and **RF-101C** unarmed photographic reconnaissance aircraft, and the **F-101B** two-seat all-weather interceptor. The **TF-101B** was a dual-control trainer version of the interceptor, later redesignated **F-101F**. A dedicated trainer variant, the **F-101C**, was also produced. The Royal Canadian Air Force operated the **CF-101B** and **CF-101F**, which were essentially USAF F-101Bs and F-101Fs. Experimental versions included the **NF-101A** used for flight testing and the **RF-101G/H** conversions of older airframes for the Air National Guard.

Operators

The primary operator was the United States Air Force, with units in SAC, TAC, and the Air National Guard. The Royal Canadian Air Force (later the Canadian Armed Forces) acquired the Voodoo to replace the Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck as part of its air defense agreement with the United States under NORAD. No other countries operated the F-101, though it was briefly evaluated by the Republic of China Air Force.

Specifications (F-101B)

* **Crew:** 2 (pilot and radar intercept officer) * **Length:** 67 ft 5 in (20.55 m) * **Wingspan:** 39 ft 8 in (12.09 m) * **Height:** 18 ft 0 in (5.49 m) * **Empty weight:** 28,495 lb (12,925 kg) * **Max takeoff weight:** 45,665 lb (20,715 kg) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Pratt & Whitney J57-P-55 turbojet engines * **Maximum speed:** 1,134 mph (1,825 km/h) at 35,000 ft (10,700 m) * **Range:** 1,550 mi (2,490 km) * **Service ceiling:** 52,100 ft (15,900 m) * **Armament:** 2× AIR-2 Genie nuclear rockets & 4× AIM-4 Falcon missiles (typically 2× AIM-4C Infrared & 2× AIM-4D Semi-active radar homing)

Aircraft on display

Numerous Voodoos are preserved in museums across North America. Notable examples include an F-101B at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, an RF-101C at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, and a CF-101B at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa. Others are displayed at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base, and the March Field Air Museum in Riverside.

Category:McDonnell aircraft Category:United States fighter aircraft 1950–1959 Category:Cold War fighter aircraft of the United States