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F-101 Voodoo

McDonnell · Fighter / Attack · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

The McDonnell F-101 Voodoo was an American twin-engine supersonic jet fighter — McDonnell Aircraft's principal Cold War fighter + the only American fighter to serve as both a SAC long-range escort fighter + a TAC fighter-bomber + an Air Defense Command interceptor + a USAF photo-reconnaissance aircraft. McDonnell designed the F-101 in 1951-1954; first flight 29 September 1954. About 807 F-101s were built between 1957 and 1961 at McDonnell St. Louis. The aircraft served USAF + Royal Canadian Air Force + Republic of China Air Force 1957-1986.

The F-101B (most-numerous variant) used 2 × Pratt & Whitney J57-P-55 afterburning turbojets (15,000 lbf each). Maximum speed Mach 1.85 (1,964 km/h), range 2,490 km, service ceiling 17,800 m. Armament: 3 × AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles + 2 × AIR-2 Genie nuclear air-to-air rockets (unique American nuclear-armed air-to-air weapons). Crew: 2 (pilot + radar intercept officer). The F-101 was specifically designed as an SAC long-range bomber escort (B-36 + B-52 escort role); when SAC abandoned the bomber-escort concept in 1958 the F-101 was redirected to Air Defense Command interceptor + fighter-bomber + reconnaissance roles.

F-101 service spanned USAF + RCAF + ROC Air Force. USAF F-101B interceptors served Air Defense Command 1959-1971. USAF RF-101A/C photo-reconnaissance variants flew Vietnam War combat 1965-1979 — 39 RF-101s were lost in combat operations. Royal Canadian Air Force operated 132 CF-101B Voodoos in NORAD air-defence role 1961-1984. About 12 F-101 airframes survive in 2026 at North American aviation museums.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The McDonnell F-101 Voodoo was an American jet fighter. It flew faster than most planes of its time. Two powerful engines pushed it to nearly twice the speed of sound. It first flew on September 29, 1954.

The Voodoo could do many different jobs. It could escort big bombers on long trips. It could also take spy photos from the air. Later it helped defend the skies of North America. Very few planes in history did so many different jobs.

About 807 Voodoos were built between 1957 and 1961. The F-101B version carried two crew members. One pilot flew the plane. The other crew member ran the radar systems. The F-101B is longer than a school bus, making it a very large fighter jet.

Canada also flew the Voodoo. The Royal Canadian Air Force used a version called the CF-101B. They helped guard the skies of North America until 1984. Taiwan also flew the Voodoo for many years.

Fun Facts

The F-101 Voodoo could fly at nearly twice the speed of sound!
About 807 Voodoos were built in just four years.
The Voodoo was longer than a school bus, making it a giant jet fighter.
Canada flew the Voodoo for over 20 years to help guard North America.
The F-101B carried two crew members — a pilot and a radar officer.
The Voodoo could reach a height of about 58,000 feet — very high up!
McDonnell built every single Voodoo in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Voodoo could fly nearly 1,550 miles without stopping to refuel.

Kids’ Questions

What was the F-101 Voodoo used for?

The Voodoo did many jobs for the Air Force. It flew alongside big bombers to protect them. It also took spy photos from high in the sky. Later it helped guard the skies over North America.

How fast could the F-101 Voodoo fly?

The Voodoo could fly at nearly twice the speed of sound. That means it traveled close to 1,220 miles per hour. It used two powerful jet engines with afterburners to go that fast.

Did any other countries fly the Voodoo?

Yes! Canada and Taiwan also flew the F-101 Voodoo. Canada used its version to help defend North American skies. They kept flying it all the way until 1984.

How many people flew inside the F-101B?

The F-101B carried two crew members. One person was the pilot who flew the plane. The other person ran the radar to find enemy planes in the sky.

Variants

F-101A / C (fighter-bomber): USAF Tactical Air Command. ~150 built.
F-101B (interceptor): USAF Air Defense Command + RCAF interceptor. ~480 built.
RF-101A / C (reconnaissance): Photo-reconnaissance variants. ~170 built.

Notable Operators

USAF (1957-1979): Air Defense Command + Tactical Air Command + Strategic Air Reconnaissance.
Royal Canadian Air Force (1961-1984): 132 CF-101B Voodoos in NORAD air defence.
Republic of China Air Force (1959-1965): 8 RF-101A photo-reconnaissance airframes — Taiwan Strait + mainland China reconnaissance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the AIR-2 Genie?

An unguided air-to-air rocket with a 1.5 kt W25 nuclear warhead — the only nuclear air-to-air weapon ever fielded by the U.S. Air Force. F-101B + F-89J + F-106A interceptors carried 1-2 AIR-2 Genies for use against Soviet bomber formations. The rocket was designed to detonate at a precomputed distance from the launching aircraft + destroy multiple bombers with the nuclear blast. About 3,150 AIR-2s were built 1957-1983; never used in combat. The weapon was retired with the F-106 in 1985.

Sources

Wikipedia — McDonnell F-101 Voodoo