True, these things can easily take on a life of their own.

However, was the F-105 too big for one engine? Not particular agile? Should it have had a “B” designation instead of “F”? Would SAC have liked it (although it did not have 4 engines or more (as one put it))?

Another comment was that the F-105 was a dangerous a/c: it could strafe you, bomb you or fall on you. The losses in Vietnam must have played a serious role.

Patrick, Thanks for your reply. Yoguslavia? that is a surprise.

I heard about Canada, Germany and a British/French/German consortium looking at it. Maybe even Israel.

The level of sophistication ought not to be a problem, but I could imagine the losses in Vietnam would be.

Also with Switzerland going for Mirage, the Thud would be up against European competition.

And. of course the “incentive” offered on the F-104 deal should be taken into account as well.

HOWEVER: it still does not really add up to more than good reasons, nothing clear-cut.

Yours.