McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo – 363rd TRW, USAF, Operation Sun Run, 1957

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA9301: McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo #56-0165 of 363rd TRW, USAF, Operation Sun Run, November 27th 1957. Production run of 1,300 models.

Length 11.25 inches Wingspan 6.75 inches

On Nov. 27, 1957, four U.S. Air Force (USAF) pilots belonging to the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing successfully completed Operation Sun Run by establishing three new transcontinental speed records in a McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo aircraft. The record-breaking mission showcased the speed and range of the RF-101C, an improved version of the first supersonic photo reconnaissance aircraft, the RF-101A. The new Los Angeles to New York record was established at 3 hours, 7 minutes and 43.63 seconds, while the New York to Los Angeles record was 3 hours, 36 minutes and 32.33 seconds.

Designed to meet a USAAF requirement for a long-range turbojet powered fighter, the F-101 was first flown (as the XF-88 prototype) on October 20th, 1948. Its initial mission as bomber escort was modified during development to include that of all-weather interceptor, nuclear fighter-bomber and photo reconnaissance aircraft. Reconnaissance variants saw extensive use during the Vietnam war while interceptors remained in service with several Air National Guard units until 1982. Ultimately, the Voodoo’s career was rather short-lived although it did help pave the way towards the highly successful F-4 Phantom II that replaced it.