McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo USAF

General Product Description

Our PlaneArt McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo USAF model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo USAF model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful, finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast or avid military jet aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual real life version.

There are many types of military jet aircraft, but the basic types are bombers, fighters, fighter bombers, spotter planes, transporters, patrol aircraft, trainers, and reconnaissance and observation aircraft. All these types of aircraft are used for different types of missions. If you're a fan of historic or present-day military aviation, our model aircraft will bring the excitement and character of these aircraft right into your own home.

If you require, we can also make the McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo USAF model in any other military, government or even private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary, in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military propeller, warplane jets, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimps, dirigibles, blimps, boats, and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo: A Pillar of Cold War Reconnaissance

The McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo was an iconic aircraft that played a pivotal role during the Cold War era. Developed as a reconnaissance variant of the F-101 Voodoo fighter, the RF-101C was the United States Air Force’s first supersonic, jet-powered reconnaissance aircraft. Known for its speed and camera equipment, the RF-101C served with distinction, capturing vital intelligence over hostile territories during some of the most tense decades of the 20th century.

Development and Design:

The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation developed the RF-101C based on the design of the F-101A/C fighter models. The RF-101C incorporated several modifications tailored to high-speed, high-altitude photo reconnaissance. This variant was equipped with advanced photographic equipment, including cameras capable of detailed ground imaging from high altitudes.

One of the RF-101C’s standout features was its engine power. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojets, it could reach speeds of over 1,000 mph, making it one of the fastest aircraft of its time. Its design also featured a distinctive “area rule” fuselage, which contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag at transonic speeds.

Operational History:

The RF-101C was deployed in significant numbers from the late 1950s through the 1970s. Its first operational sorties involved overflights of Cuba, where it gathered crucial intelligence during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The detailed photographs captured by the RF-101C were instrumental in confirming the presence of Soviet ballistic missiles on the island, which played a key role in the crisis’ resolution.

In Southeast Asia, the RF-101C saw extensive service during the Vietnam War. Operating from bases in South Vietnam and Thailand, these aircraft conducted pre-strike and post-strike reconnaissance missions, providing valuable information on North Vietnamese targets. Despite facing threats from ground-based anti-aircraft artillery and missiles, RF-101C pilots managed to deliver critical intelligence that aided U.S. military operations.

Technological Innovations:

The RF-101C was not only fast but also versatile in its reconnaissance capabilities. It could carry up to six cameras in its elongated nose, configured for different types of photographic missions—vertical, oblique, and panoramic. The cameras could operate at high speeds and altitudes, capturing clear, detailed images of vast areas in a single mission.

Additionally, the RF-101C’s cockpit was equipped with advanced navigation and radar equipment to assist pilots in flying at high speeds and low altitudes, navigating challenging terrain and evading enemy radar detection.

Legacy and Decommission:

By the late 1970s, the RF-101C was phased out of active service, replaced by more modern aircraft with better electronic and optical surveillance technologies. However, its legacy endures in the annals of military aviation history. Many RF-101Cs have been preserved and are on display in museums across the United States, serving as a testament to their significant role in aerial reconnaissance during the Cold War.

The McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo remains a symbol of the technological advances and strategic capabilities of the USAF during a period marked by intense global competition and technological innovation. Its contributions to aerial reconnaissance and its role in crucial historical events highlight its importance not just as a military tool but as a key player in the broader context of Cold War geopolitics.