Introducing the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo The founder of McDonnell, James “Mac” McDonnell, liked to name his aircraft for supernatural elements—Banshee, Phantom, Moonbat, Goblin, Demon, and so ...

The F-101 A-variant served until 1966 before being phased out in favor of the B-variant. The F-101B removed the A-variant’s four M39 cannons in favor of four AIM-4 Falcon air-to-air missiles.

The standard cruising speed was considerably slower, though still quite fast at 545 mph. The F-101 had a maximum ceiling of 52,100 feet, and at its maximum weight, it came in at 52,400 pounds.

By the time the F-101 was ready to enter the inventory, the U.S. Air Force needed an interceptor, and the F-101B Voodoo was picked for that purpose. The new jet was finally introduced to the Air ...