Hello everybody. I’d like to introduce and suggest the McDonnell F-101C Voodoo for US aviation in War Thunder. Introduced in 1957, the F-101C was an enhanced version of the F-101A, introducing a strengthened and heavier airframe capable of withstanding 7.33G compared to the 6.33G of its predecessor. It also got revised fuel systems that extended its afterburner duration in flight. Like the F-101A, the F-101C was produced in limited numbers and served primarily as a fighter-bomber with nuclear strike capability before its withdrawal in 1966. This variant embodies the USAF’s lesser-known advancements in fighter-bomber design during the early Cold War era.
Key Characteristics
Jet fighter-bomber
Strengthened the 7.33G airframe to withstand high-G maneuvers
Extended afterburner duration
Four 20-mm M39 cannons
Two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 afterburning turbojet engines
Conclusion | Why it should be in the game
The F-101C variant represented a significant upgrade over the F-101A, featuring a reinforced airframe and an improved fuel system. Although primarily a gun-only fighter, it served as a crucial nuclear strike deterrent in Europe against potential Soviet threats during its brief operational tenure before being replaced by the F-4C Phantom II. Unfortunately, the F-101C remains one of the most overlooked fighters of the Century Series during the Cold War. In contrast, the F-101B, with its interceptor roles, and other F-101 variants in reconnaissance missions have garnered more attention in military aviation history. I believe the F-101C would make a valuable addition to War Thunder, addressing the neglected Cold War aircraft content. The F-101C would be a highly appreciated jet fighter, allowing players to engage in aggressive high-G maneuvers, thanks to its strengthened airframe and extended afterburner duration for longer loitering capabilities.
Related Suggestion
Sources
F-101C Voodoo Standard Aircraft Characteristics (2 September 1958)
Also, I found an intriguing claim from two unrelated secondary sources mentioned the test firing of AIM-9B Sidewinder mounted on the F-101C Voodoo:
Pg.9-10, Voodoo (Modern Military Aircraft Series) by Lou Drendel, Paul Stevens (1985)
Pg. 100-101, McDonnell F-101 Voodoo (Osprey Air Combat) by Robert F. Dorr (1987)
However, I couldn’t find photographs or primary evidence to back up their claim. The documentation/archived record is likely curated at the Air Force Historical Research Agency with their US military aviation documents. It’s worth trying to contact and request them.
It would be nice if the F-101C could get AIM-9B Sidewinders in the game to differentiate from the F-101A gameplay-wise.
Well it would be A Sidewinder, singular. I’m really not a fan of giving the 101C a single missile it carried exactly one time, instead of having the historically accurate armament configuration used on every other flight ever.
Tell me you’re not an Air Realistic Battles player without telling me you’re not an ARB player.
It’s mind-boggling that someone voted ‘no’ to one of the most overlooked and iconic Century Series fighters just because it’s a nuke carrier with guns and nothing else. Alright, fair enough.
However, let me to point out that some sources indicate the F-101A/C could theoretically use conventional bombs as well.
Source #1 - The Encyclopedia of the World’s Modern Military Aircraft by Bill Gunston (1978)
Source #2 - F-101 Voodoo in detail & scale - D&S Vol. 21 by Bert Kinzey (1986)
1.) I didn’t include these details in the specifications because they come from secondary sources without primary source evidence to back them up. I also don’t have any photos of F-101A/Cs carrying conventional bombs.
I’ve been working to gather more information on this before adding it to the F-101C specs, but I’ve hit a dead end for now.
2.) The F-101 is not simply a second F-105. First, the F-101 doesn’t carry as many bombs as the F-105. Second, the F-101 is primarily a gunfighter and could dogfight better than the F-105. Third, the F-101 wouldn’t share the same high BR as the F-105 because it’s not as fast, meaning it wouldn’t face enemy jet fighters equipped with more advanced and lethal air-to-air missiles.
the SAC seems to say its the same as the A just states for bombs it has special stores for the nuclear variety so i see no reason it couldnt carry conventional unless the only stores are the nuclear ones
Clearly you’re just biasd towards the century series aircraft, and don’t actually care if they would work well in Warthunder. I’m not gonna bother responding anymore.
