McDonnell F-101A and C T.O. 1F-101A-1 Airplane: The F-101A and F-101C are single place supersonic fighters built by McDonnell Aircraft. The RF-101G and RF-101H are single place, supersonic, long range photo-reconnaissance airplanes modified from F-101A and F-101C airplanes by Lockheed Aircraft Service Company. Their appearance is characterized by thin, short, swept wings with triangular intake ducts in the wing roots, and swept back empennage. The horizontal stabilizer is a one-piece unit mounted high on the vertical stabilizer. The ailerons, mounted on the outer trailing edge of the wings, and the empennage control surfaces, operate through irreversible hydraulic systems which produce required control surface deflections. Aerodynamic feel is simulated by an artificial feel system. Hydraulically operated, electrically actuated wing flaps, mounted inboard of the ailerons, are deployed through a 50-degree range. Panel type speed brakes are installed on the aft portion of the fuselage and may be utilized at all speeds. The airplanes incorporate both the flying boom and probe and drogue air refueling capabilities plus the single-point ground refueling system. The pressurized cockpit is enclosed by a clam-shell canopy. A drag chute contained in the empennage significantly reduces landing roll distances. The National Museum of the United States Air Force does not have an F-101A on display; however, an F-101B is on display in the Cold War Gallery and an RF-101C is on display in the Modern Flight Gallery. Type Number built/ converted Remarks XF-88 2 Penetration fighter F-101A 77 Strategic fighter F-101C 47 Improved F-101A RF-101G 29 (cv) Converted F-101A RF-101H 32 (cv) Converted F-101C TECHNICAL NOTES (F-101A, Block 25 and later): Armament: Three automatic firing M-39 20mm guns; two guns are on the left side of the airplane and one is located on the lower right side of the airplane; an external store can be carried on a removable pylon mounted on the underside of the fuselage; an automatic lead computing sight, coupled with a radar ranging system, is provided for accurate gun firing; bombing equipment includes the LABS (Low Altitude Bombing System) and the LADD (Low Angle Drogue Delivery) system; additional features include provisions for DIRECT (manual) bomb release (T.O 1F-101A-1) Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 rated at approx. 10,200 lbs. sea level static military thrust, and at approx. 15,000 lbs. maximum thrust (with afterburner) Maximum speed: 1,070 mph/870 knots Cruising speed: 550 mph/480 knots at 35,000 ft. Service ceiling: 50,300 ft. Combat range: 690 nm. Span: 39 ft. 8 in. Length: 67 ft. 5 in. (67 ft. 11 in. RF-101G/H) Height: 18 ft. 0 in. Weight: 43,020 lbs. ramp gross weight, blocks 25 through 35, 49,070 lbs. ramp gross weight with two full external tanks (for blocks 40 through 55, weights are 43,970 and 50,270 lbs.) Click here to return to the Fighter Aircraft index.