F-84F
THUNDERSTREAK
| 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. |
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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. |
| SPECIFICATIONS |
|
| Span: |
33 ft. 7 in. |
| Length: |
43 ft. 5 in. |
| Height: |
14 ft. 5 in. |
| Weight: |
Empty: 13,645 lbs
Gross: 26,998 lbs
Maximum: 27,000 lbs |
| Armament: |
Six .50 cal guns, 6,000
lbs of bombs and 24 rockets |
| Engines: |
One Wright J65-W-3 with
7,220 lb. of thrust |
| Crew: |
One (1) |
| Cost: |
$ 769,000 |
| Tail Number: |
51-9456 |
| Years in Service: |
1952 - 1971 |
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| PERFORMANCE |
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| Maximum Speed: |
720 mph |
| Cruising Speed: |
535 mph |
| Range: |
2,200 miles |
| Service Ceiling: |
46,000 feet |
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