 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | |||
| Manufacturer: | Republic | ||
| Designation: | F-84 | ||
| Version: | F | ||
| Nickname: | Thunderstreak | ||
| Type: | Fighter | ||
| Crew: | Pilot | ||
| First Flew: | 1952 | ||
| Specifications | |||
| Length: | 43' 5" | 13.23 M | |
| Height: | 14' 5" | 4.39 M | |
| Wingspan: | 33' 7" | 10.24 M | |
| Empty Weight: | 13645.0 lbs | 6188.00 Kg | |
| Gross Weight: | 26998.0 lbs | 12244.0 Kg | |
| Max Weight: | 27000.0lbs | 12244.0 Kg | |
| Propulsion | |||
| No. of Engines: | 1 | ||
| Powerplant: | Wright J65-W-3 | ||
| Thrust (each): | 7220 | 3274 | |
| Performance | |||
| Range: | 1650 miles | 2657.00 Km | |
| Max Speed: | 685.00 Mph | 1103.00 Km/H | 596.22 Kt |
| Ceiling: | 44450.0 Ft | 13548.0 M | |
The F-84F "Thunderstreak" was introduced in 1949, as a competitor to North American Aviation's F-86 "Sabre". The "F" model differs from the "C" model in that its wings are swept back 40 degrees; its tail and elevator are swept back and it has a smaller canopy and redesigned windscreen. First flown in November of 1952, it was built too late for the "F" model to see combat in Korea. Some "Thunderstreaks" did see combat while serving with England and France in the 1956 "Suez Crisis". The "Thunderstreak" was also produced as the RF-84F "Thunderflash". This version had an extended nose that was capable of carrying 6 cameras for use in the photo-reconaissance role. The jet intake scoops were moved from the nose to the wing roots on the RF-84F model.
Although the F-84F Thunderstreak was a modified F-84E, it only utilized 15% of its ancestor's airframe. With the addition of swept wings and tail, and improved engines, the new aircraft matched anything flying in 1954. The F-84F became the front line fighter bomber of NATO throughout the 1950's. US Air National Guard F-84F's were deployed to Europe to provide close support during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. Turkey and Greece did not retire their F-84F's until the mid 1970's. A reconnaissance version of the aircraft, the RF-84F Thunderflash had a lengthened nose and modified air intakes, making it the first aircraft capable of night photography. It carried fifteen cameras in the elongated nose structure. An RF-84 was also modified for testing for the fighter conveyor program. The RF-84 was carried aboard a B-36 bomber on a retractable trapeze like hook. When the bomber neared the target, the RF-84 would be released to perform reconnaissance after the attack. The little fighter was then retrieved by the trapeze and returned to base with the bomber. The program, although somewhat successful, was very tricky to perform and never caught on.
In 1964, the "Thunderstreak" was transferred to Air National Guard units while front line squadrons re-equipped with the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 "Phantom". The F-84F was operated by Air National Guard units until final type phase out in 1971.
Our F-84F flew with the Indiana Air National Guard until flown to storage on September 18th, 1971.
The aircraft at the March Field Museum is serial number 54-9432. This aircraft is on loan from the USAF.
According to the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA/RSA), Maxwell AFB, AL, the museum's F-84F has the following history:
F-84F, s/n 54-9432, was manufactured by General Motors, Kansas City KS and delivered to the USAF on 25 Oct 1954. Its assignments were:
Oct 1954 - To 12th Strategic Fighter Wing (SAC), Bergstrom AFB TX
Sep 1955 - To Ogden Air Materiel Area UT
Dec 1955 - To 31st Strategic Fighter Wing (SAC), Turner AFB GA (assignment to Ramey AFB PR)
Apr 1957 - Unit became 3lst Fighter-Bomber Wing (TAC)
Jul 1957 - To ll9th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (ANG), McGuire AFB NJ
Aug 1958 - Unit moved to Atlantic City AP NJ
Nov 1958 - Unit became ll9th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Aug 1962 - To 12th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Macdill AFB FL
Sep 1962 - To 15th Tactical Fighter Wing (TAC), Macdill AFB
Apr 1964 - To 181st Tactical Fighter Group (ANG), Hulman Fld IN
Sep 1971 - To Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center AZ
Apr 1972 - Dropped from inventory as surplus
