NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
McDonnell F-101 Voodoo aircraft trace their origins back to 1948 and the development of the XF-88 interceptor.
At conception, the McDonnell F-101 was to be a long range escort for the Convair B-36 bomber. Eventually, that idea was dropped. Without air-to-air refueling, the aircraft didn't have near the range necessary.
The fastest aircraft of its time, the McDonnell F-101 set a absolute speed record of 1,207.34 mph.
There were several McDonnell F-101 versions including a low altitude fighter/bomber, interceptor, trainer, and photo reconnaissance aircraft.
The first McDonnell F-101 flew on Sept. 29, 1954 and production of the aircraft continued through March of 1961. Almost 800 of the aircraft were produced in all.
Originally the McDonnell F-101 flew in the role of an interceptor aircraft. Later, it became the first supersonic U.S. aircraft used for reconnaissance.
From October 1961 through April 1964, McDonnell F-101 reconnaissance aircraft flew numerous missions over Vietnam and Laos out of Tan Son Nhut AFB near Saigon.
On February 8, 1965, in the first USAF missions against North Vietnam, McDonnell F-101 aircraft flew pathfinder duties.
In September 1967 faster, more maneuverable aircraft took over for the McDonnell F-101 over North Vietnam due to vulnerability to attack by MIG fighters. McDonnell F-101 aircraft continued to operate in the safer areas over southern Vietnam and Laos through November 16, 1970.
Total loses of 33 McDonnell F-101 aircraft were incurred in Southeast Asia; 24 to anti aircraft fire, 5 to SAM'S, 1 in air-to-air combat, 1 while on the ground, and 2 for unknown reasons.
The McDonnell F-101 remained in active service with the United States Air Force through 1971. After that it served with the United States Air National Guard through 1983.
In 1961 a total of 56 McDonnell F-101 aircraft were put in service with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Canada continued flying the aircraft through 1985.
