“Heart of Texas”

McDonnell F-101B Voodoos of the 111st Fighter Interceptor Squadron

Put on a Gene Autry record and reminisce about being deep in the “Heart of Texas!”

“Heart of Texas” is a limited edition inch fine art print that commemorates the McDonnell F-101B “Voodoo” interceptors flown by the USAF 111st Fighter Interceptor Squadron (The Texans) at Ellington Air National Guard Base in Houston, Texas. The aircraft shown in my artwork were flown by the 111st FIS, winners of multiple USAF William Tell competitions!

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 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 fuselage 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 second pair.

Built in St. Louis, Missouri, Voodoos claimed several records after entering 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!

You can now order a special edition of “Heart of Texas!” Limited to 20 editions, each fine art print is hand-signed and numbered. Each print is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity that bears my signature, print number, and other information. Each is made on acid-free 60 lb. archival paper to ensure the vivid colors of these giclee prints stay true for many years without fading or yellowing with proper care.