Years In Service: 1957-1986
Initial Flight: September 19, 1954
F-101s were designed as long-range twin jet fighters to escort B-36 bombers to and from their missions, attack distant targets, and provide close air support for ground troops. During the Cuban Missile Crisis RF-101s flew 82 missions over Cuba, flying low to avoid fire from Soviet surface-to-air missiles. In Operation Sun Run on November 27, 1957, RF 101As set a transcontinental speed record by racing from Los Angeles, California to New York and back to Los Angeles in 6 hours, 46 minutes-flying faster than the sun.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 18′ Wingspan: 39′ 8″ Length: 67′ 5″ Crew: 2 Armament: Four 20mm cannons, low altitude bombing systems, 1,620 pound-bomb Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 Thrust: 11,990 lbs. No. of Engines: 2 Max Speed: 1,009 mph Ceiling: 58,400 ft.