F-105

F105D S/N 61-0069 sits on the back ramp at the museum upon its arrival from the San Bernardino Museum on January 22, 2000. This Vietnam combat veteran with 4,611.8 flying hours will be completely restored.

The aircraft has been sanded down to bare metal and all corroded skin and fasteners will be removed and replaced. All of the aircraft panels will be opened to remove bird nests and other debris.

The museum's restoration team in the process of priming the aircraft. This application process begins once the aircraft has been completely treated for corrosion, scuffed and tacked for dust particles.

The aircraft is being painted in the Vietnam Era camouflage pattern. The Museum staff uses original Air Force technical orders to determine the exact color scheme and color patterns.

The F-105D horizontal stabilizer is being painted in the Restoration Shop. All paint colors match military specifications actually used when the F-105 was operational. A three-year restoration program has been initiated for this aircraft since it will remain outside.

The F-105 has been restored, weatherized and bird-proofed. The 15,000 pound aircraft was hoisted by two cranes onto a 20-foot concrete pedestal along Interstate 80 between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska.

The aircraft, which shot down a North Vietnam Mig-17 with an AIM-9 missile on June 3, 1967 now sits as a monument honoring all the men and women who helped make the F-105 "Thud" a viable force in American aviation history.

If you are interested in becoming a Restoration volunteer, contact John McLean at (402) 827-3100, ext 201.