McDonnell F-101 Voodoo

1954

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McDonnell F-101 Voodoo

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.

3-View 
McDonnell F-101 VoodooA three-view drawing (1685 x 1015)

Specification 
 CREW1
 ENGINE2 x P+W J-57-P-13, 52.0kN
 WEIGHTS
  Take-off weight18000-22250 kg39683 - 49053 lb
  Empty weight12700 kg27999 lb
 DIMENSIONS
  Wingspan12.1 m40 ft 8 in
  Length20.6 m68 ft 7 in
  Height5.5 m18 ft 1 in
  Wing area43.2 m2465.00 sq ft
 PERFORMANCE
  Max. speed1940 km/h1205 mph
  Cruise speed950 km/h590 mph
  Ceiling15800 m51850 ft
  Range w/max.fuel4800 km2983 miles
 ARMAMENT4 x 20mm machine-guns, 15 missiles

Comments1-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-100 101-120 121-140 141-160 161-180 181-200 201-220
Bob Quinn, e-mail, 11.04.2013 21:23

The 52nd FMS hydraulic shop was my workplace at Suffolk Co. AFB in 1965 /66. We serviced 2 squadrons of F-101B's. If my memory serves they were the 2nd & 98th. Great plane, great place.

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Don Braemer, e-mail, 20.03.2013 19:02

I was a crew cheif from 1966 to 1970 at Griffis AFB in Rome N.Y. for the F-101's and T-33's

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Kathy, e-mail, 14.03.2013 18:22

I m a genealogist i am so proud of LTC Orrel Culwell is there anyone that can help me learn more about who he was.I read some articles but didnt understand.I learned he was a LTC and a Major at one time and a Pilot for the
Airforce.Any help would be Appreaicated

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John Pray, e-mail, 06.03.2013 23:46

Leo Kwiatkowski"
Yes i was in the electric shop in the 87th 1963-1964.

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LOU IANNAZZI, e-mail, 18.02.2013 18:47

I was a hydrl. mechnic at Dow AFB Bangor, Maine 1964 to 1968. We were the 75th fighter sq. last of the original flying tigers. Bangor was the coldest place on earth we used to go in the intake to stay warm.
It was some of the best times a young guy could have.

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Leland Olson, e-mail, 30.01.2013 06:14

Many memories of the F-101A from Hamilton Field CA 59-60 and the RF-101c at Misawa AB Japan 60-62. Aircraft maintenance was great and like a dummy I only stayed in four years. I went on the first Able Mable Mission to Thailand Nov-Dec 61. I have a large picture of the Able Mable Team from a later date that Royce Colding sent to me. I will send it if somebody wants it. Our numbers are thinning out but not quite ready to check out yet.

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debra cordes, 24.01.2013 20:10

My dad passed last year ewald cordes he was maintenance on the voodo and in california the day it made the speed record. I have his ashtray made also by mac donnell douglas. Just wondering if anyone remembers dad. I am having a problem with my email. But I can be called. 9856889893. Debra cordes.

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Martin Waldman, e-mail, 06.01.2013 11:08

I was with Able Mable from Misawa Japan,was there in 64 and 65.Lived in tent city in a graveyard.

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Denny Nolden, MSGT USAF RET, e-mail, 06.01.2013 09:07

I was with ABLE MABLE in 64 from may to aug, I still have copies of my orders if they will help anyone. Will send you copies for whatever help they may give you.

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George, e-mail, 21.12.2012 03:49

Question. been about 46 years sense working on RF-101-C. How many Hydraulic pumps on the Aircraft and what are their locations.Just want to make sure that my mine has the right answer.. THANK YOU ALL Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2013

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BobQuinn, e-mail, 01.12.2022 George

It’s been 55 years for me and if memory serves there was 1 hydraulic pump on the starboard front of the starboard engine. Access was from the starboard intake.
There was also a Ram Air Turbine that supplied emergency hydraulic pressure. I believe it dropped out from the fuselage in front of the wheel well
I hope I haven’t shown my ignorance here.

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ted andrews, e-mail, 12.12.2012 18:54

I was in fire control systems U S AIR FORCE AND ANG

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ted andrews, e-mail, 12.12.2012 18:54

I was in fire control systems U S AIR FORCE AND ANG

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harold patterson, e-mail, 02.12.2012 17:43

I was stationed at K.I. from 1969 thru 1971 I was in 62 FIS and worked in the hydraulic shop for John b Keiser a long with Mac Mcuthion,Quinn,John C Tatum. Only way ought was to volunteer for vietnam i went to Danang then on to ubon. Enjoyed working on the VooDoo. Don,t miss the snow A.

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Ken Olinger, e-mail, 30.11.2012 01:15

MAPS AIR MUSEUM located in GREEN,Ohio has a F101 Voodoo with a tandem seating arrangement. We are looking for drawings and /or technical data for the canopy open /close mechinism so we can repair it on the VOODOO we have.
Any info,drawings,sketches,manuals or contacts you know of about this system will be appreciated! Thankyou!

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George Prine, e-mail, 14.11.2012 05:50

I was a hydraulic mechanic with the 49th FIS Griffis AFB Rome NY from 1966-1969 Worked on F101B, T-33. Was there when the change was made to the F106. Hey to Bob Gerring, we had a pretty good shop

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George Jessmer, e-mail, 03.11.2012 16:29

Does anyone remember the aircraft that went down from 52 FIG from Suffolk Co. NY from pitch up off long island or the aircraft that crashed on the runwaw these occured during the early 60's

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Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 17.08.2012 00:04

I have been collecting information for a book about the Voodoo for some time and I am currently looking for F-101 Technical Manuals covering the Fire Control System, Radar, and the Camera's in the RF's. I do not wish to keep them, only scan and copy. Photos of any F-101 aircraft, along with information is still very much welcome.

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Bob Carroll, e-mail, 28.07.2012 21:45

I believe tha acft at the top of this is acft 58297. I was stationed at Suffolk County AFB in Westhampton NY between 1960- 1964 and was a crew chief on acft F101-F 58297 when it reached its 1000 hr flight. Luckily I was offered the chance to go for the 1000 hr flight. Needless to say I jumped at the opportunity and had a hell of a ride. The pilot was the 2FIS Commander LTC Orell Culwell.

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Ronnie Swanger, e-mail, 22.07.2012 16:58

I was a crew chief on the F101-B at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina.The 444th,Fighter-Interceptor Squadron.If I remember correctly,the tail # was 57-393,could be wrong about that,it has been a few years since then.This was my first assignment in the Air Force.I thought this was a beautiful aircraft.I actually got to fly in this aircraft after winning Airman of the Quarter at Charleston AFB.My pilot was Capt.Guerry,after about 45 minutes into the flight,he let me take the controls for a few minutes,this has been the highlight of my life.A memory I will always remember,Airman 1st class,Ronnie Swanger,flying a F-101B....never would have even dreamed it.

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Dain Leadmon, e-mail, 29.09.2023 Ronnie Swanger

Found this on the net. My Brother was a VooDoo Medicine Man at
Charleston AFB in the 444th. He loved that plane. Larry Leadmon passed away April 2007. He was there in the middle 60's.

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Bob Sorrentino, e-mail, 10.07.2012 03:13

worked on the RF101C at Misawa Japan from 1960 to 1962 went to Bangkok and (Able Mable) thought the 101 was the most mechanic friendly aircraft that I ever worked on in my 21 years AF career.

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