“Trio” 178th FIS McDonnell F-101B Voodoo

Description

“Trio” is a 18X24 inch fine art print that features three McDonnell F-101B Voodoo interceptors of the 178th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS). They were better known as “The Happy Hooligans,” who were based at Hector ANGB in Fargo, North Dakota. The Hooligans in this setting are flying in formation over broken clouds with the plains of North Dakota beneath them.

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation originally designed the F-101 Voodoo as a long range escort for Strategic Air Command bombers. When faster bombers entered service, such as Boeing’s B-47 Stratojet and B-52 Stratofortress, the Voodoo was re-purposed as a tactical fighter/bomber, a tactical reconnaissance fighter, and as a long-range interceptor. The B-model, featured here in my artwork, was the interceptor. USAF Air Defense Command (ADC) squadrons used the Voodoo to intercept and investigate potentially hostile aircraft.

The F-101B carried missiles launched from a rotary armament door covering a weapons bay under the rear cockpit. Two missiles were attached to recessed slots on each side of the door. After launching the first pair of missiles, the door flipped over and exposed the other pair.

Built in St. Louis, Missouri, Voodoo aircrews claimed several records after they entered service. Those included a transcontinental speed record (Los Angeles, to New York, and back in six hours and 46 minutes), and an absolute speed record (1,207.6 MPH). The aircraft had an initial climb rate of over 35,000 feet per minute!

“Trio” is limited to only 20 hand-signed and numbered limited editions. Each is printed on 60 lb. acid-free archival paper so colors stay vivid for many years with proper care. Each limited edition giclee print comes with a Certificate of Authenticity bearing my signature, the print number, and other information.

All prints are shipped free via USPS Priority Mail.

For more information about the F-101B Voodoo, visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

How did The Happy Hooligans get their nickname? Read about it here.

Check out my other McDonnell F-101B Voodoo artwork, such as “Heart of Texas,” featuring the 111st Fighter Interceptor Squadron (“The Texans”).