Flightdeck Friday: TFX — A Time for Turkeys (Pt II)

BySteeljawscribe

“Senator, there isn’t enough power in all of Christendom to make that airplane what we want” VADM Tom Connolly testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee (1968)   In Part I we explored some of the politics (and politicking) behind the TFX – the program to provide the Air Force and Navy with a common…

Flightdeck Friday: TFX — A Time for Turkeys (Pt I)

BySteeljawscribe

1959. Changes are afoot in the tactical aircraft programs for Air Force and Navy’s specific requirements. The Air Force sought to replace the F-105 with a new fighter-bomber that would address the shortcomings of the Thunderchief — it was to land in half the distance of the F-105, be able to fly unrefueled to Europe or Southeast…