F-105D "T-Stick II"

[Dawes]

From a USAF history:

"Another crucial modification, started in 1966 and hindered by numerous problems, would give 30 F-105Ds improved visual bombing accuracy, a more precise navigation system, and a better blind bombing capability. An overriding problem was the poor reliability and rising cost of the AN/ARN-85 LORAN system first considered. This problem persisted until new testing began at Eglin AFB in September 1969. The T-Stick II/Loran prototype aircraft was then equipped with the AN/ARN-92 (produced by International Telephone and Telegraph) and successfully flight tested. Still, modification of the 30 aircraft was not completed until late July 1971."

Although the modification program was completed in 1971, it appears that none of these aircraft saw combat in Vietnam. Or has anyone heard different?  

[shep854]

I assumed they did.  The modified aircraft were notable by the bulge down the back of the fuselage to house the equipment.

[Ol Paint]

From Joe Baugher's article:

Quote

All throughout the 1960s, the AN/ARN-85 LORAN system of the F-105D had caused severe problems during combat because of its poor reliability. In 1969, 30 F-105Ds were re-equipped with AN/ARN-92 LORAN equipment for more precise navigation. These planes could easily be identified by the presence of a long dorsal spine extending all the way from the canopy to the tail fin. They were known as Thunderstick IIs, or T-Stick II for short. With the Thunderstick II, a bombing accuracy as small as 50 feet could be obtained from an altitude of 15, 1000 feet. The first T-Stick aircraft flew on August 9, 1969. They served with the 23rd TFW in the continental US, but never saw any combat. When the F-105 was transitioned into the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve, the Thunderstick II F-105Ds were transferred to the 457th TFS of the Air Force Reserve at Carswell AFB in Texas. They stayed there until January of 1980, when they replaced by F-4DS

You might be able to trace the squadrons and aircraft assigned to confirm?

Doug