The McDonnell F-101 Voodoo was an American military jet aircraft produced as a fighter-bomber, interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. Its origins lay in the XF-88 penetration-fighter project, but changing requirements redirected the production family into several distinct missions.[1]McDonnell F-101B VoodooNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]McDonnell RF-101C VoodooNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Changing requirements
The Voodoo was initially associated with Strategic Air Command's requirement for a long-range bomber escort. Before production began, its intended duties expanded to tactical aviation and air defence. The first F-101A flew on 29 September 1954; no separate prototype series preceded these production aircraft.[1]McDonnell F-101B VoodooNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]McDonnell RF-101C VoodooNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The F-101A entered operational service in May 1957, followed by the F-101C later that year. The two-seat F-101B interceptor followed in January 1959. Its additional crew member and interception equipment distinguished it from the single-seat tactical versions, although all shared the Voodoo family name.[1]McDonnell F-101B VoodooNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Air defence
The F-101B used two afterburning Pratt & Whitney J57 engines and carried guided missiles and nuclear air-to-air rockets for interception. It became the most numerous fighter version, with 480 built. Its mission was to meet approaching bombers, requiring a different weapons installation and crew arrangement from aircraft intended to attack targets on the ground.[1]McDonnell F-101B VoodooNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Photographic reconnaissance
Development of the RF-101 reconnaissance aircraft began in 1956. The purpose-built production versions included 35 RF-101As and 166 RF-101Cs, while later conversions created additional reconnaissance configurations. These aircraft gave tactical commanders a fast platform for obtaining photographic intelligence.[2]McDonnell RF-101C VoodooNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
RF-101s conducted low-altitude reconnaissance during the Cuban Missile Crisis and served in Southeast Asia. The museum's RF-101C participated in the 1957 Operation Sun Run speed flights, later photographed Cuban missile installations and helped establish that offensive sites were being dismantled. It subsequently flew with the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in Southeast Asia before ending its career with the Mississippi Air National Guard.[2]McDonnell RF-101C VoodooNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details