Why Was the F-105 Called the Thud?

According to F-105 pilots and crews, the "Thud" nickname was inspired by the character "Chief Thunderthud" from the Howdy Doody television series. The aircraft's offensive capabilities were sarcastically referred to as a "Triple Threat" — it could bomb you, strafe you, or fall on you.

Is F-105 A good plane?

“It was a great airplane,” said one Thud pilot. “Not much of a fighter, but it was so much faster than everything else.” The 105 could go so fast down low that the canopy would start to soften or become opaque from the heat. But speed was its salvation, particularly when challenged by MiG-17s.

What was the nickname for the F-105?

Upon returning to the U.S., the plane served in USAF and Air National Guard units though the early 1980s. The F-105 Thunderchief's nickname, “Thud,” was inspired by Chief Thunderthud, a character on the Howdy Doody TV series.