Republic F-84F Thunderstreak

The swept-wing F-84F evolved from the straight-wing F-84. The prototype first flew on June 3, 1950 and deliveries began in 1954, primarily to the tactical Air Command as a ground support fighter bomber.

Republic built 2,112 "-F"s while General Motors fabricated an additional 599. Of these, 1,301 were delivered to NATO air forces. Production of a reconnaissance version, the RF-84F, totalled 718 aircraft, including 386 for allied countries. The RF-84F featured engine air intakes at the wing roots plus cameras in the nose.

F-84Fs gradually were replaced by supersonic F-100s in the late 1950s and were turned over to Air National Guard units. However, some F-84Fs were called back to temporary USAF service in the early 1960s due to the Berlin Crisis.

SPECIFICATIONS

Span: 33 ft. 7 in.
Length: 43 ft. 5 in.
Height: 15 ft.
Weight: 27,000 lbs. max.
Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns and 24 five-inch rockets; 6,000 lbs. of bombs externally
Engine: One Wright J65 of 7,220 lbs. thrust
Cost: $769,000
Serial number: 52-6526

PERFORMANCE

Maximum speed: 685 mph.
Cruising speed: 535 mph.
Range: 1,900 miles
Service Ceiling: 44,450 ft.