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 jet was to be a long range bomber escort. Eventually, that idea was dropped. Without air-to-air refueling, it 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 version.
The first McDonnell F-101 flew on Sept. 29, 1954 and production of the aircraft continued through March of 1961. Almost 800 aircraft were produced in all.
Originally the 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, 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, F-101 aircraft flew pathfinder duties.
In September 1967 faster, more maneuverable aircraft took over their missions over North Vietnam due to vulnerability to attack by MIG fighters. They continued to operate in the safer areas over southern Vietnam and Laos through November 16, 1970.
Total loses of 33 F-101 aircraft were incurred in Southeast Asia; 24 due 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.
Pictured above and immediately below is the immaculate rc McDonnell F-101 Voodoo scratch built by Alex Ripley. Wingspan is 53.5" and the length is 78". Alex powers it with a PST J600 turbine.
In the picture below is Daniel Mendoza's scratch built rc F-101 Voodoo EDF rc. It has a wingspan of 32" with an overall length of 49". The driving force are a pair of HET-4W motors spinning Wemotec 480 minifan units.
The third picture below is the rc F-101 Voodoo scratch built by the Italian RC Jet Team. All up weight is 21 lbs. It has a wingspan of 63" and a length of 98". Power is by a Jet Cat 120 turbine.
The bottom picture is of the rc F-101 Voodoo kit for sale from Green Air Designs. Its wingspan is 31" and length is 45". Weight is about 2 lbs. You will need a motor and from 64 mm to 70 mm ducted fan for propulsion.
We have seen some great looking McDonnell F-101 rc airplanes. It would appear that there aren't any of the plans for sale. If you know of any, please email us.
McDonnell F-101
