The first F-101A was delivered to the
United States Air Force on 2nd May 1957, to the 27th Strategic Fighter Wing which replaced the F-84F Thunderstreak. It was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-13 engines which attained maximum speeds of mach 1.52 and a range of approximately 3000 milles (4828km) nonstop. It was fitted with an MA-7 fire control radar both for air-to-air and air-to-ground use. It could carry a mix of various weapons, ranging from tactical nuclear weapons, air-to-air missiles and four 20mm M39 cannons at the nose.
It set various speed records with a world speed record of 1207.6mph (1943.4 km/h) on 12th December 1957. A total of 77 F-101A were built and were gradually withdrawn from service since 1966. Some of them were reconverted into RF-101G, a reconnaissance version and served with the Air National Guard until 1972.
Sources:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_F-101_Voodoo
2. Salamander Books - The Complete Book of Fighters
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