The F-84E were post-Korean War models utilizing a similar J35-A-17D engine inside of an elongated fuselage affording a bigger cockpit and the inclusion of the Sperry AN/APG-30 radar-ranging gunsight. Additionally, "wet wings" were incorporated to add more fuel and thus increase the aircraft's operational range. Fuel vents were therefore added to the rear fuselage underside and many of these aircraft were later given the canopies of the improved F-84G models. An impressive 843 systems were produced. At least two F-84E models served as modified test beds for in-flight refueling, these falling under the designation of EF-84E.
The F-84G was the first Thunderjet to be cleared for carrying a nuclear payload. This aircraft was a fighter-bomber type, becoming the first such single-seat fighter aircraft class to be nuclear-capable. The G-models were given autopilot, the J35-A-29 series turbojet engine, LABS and a redesigned canopy that was later added to existing F-84E models. In-flight refueling was made standard to this model and could be accomplished through the traditional refueling probe along the portside of the aircraft and via drogue directly to the wingtip tanks. Nearly 1,000 of this model (no doubt due to its nuclear capabilities) were shipped off to Europe for service with NATO forces stationed there. In all, 3,025 G-models were produced. The G-model was briefly considered as a quick-launch interceptor in the EF-84G, fitting a MGM-1 Matador cruise missile booster rocket for propulsion.
The final straight-winged Thunderjet served as conversion target drones for the United States Navy. Falling under the designation of F-84KX, at least 80 F-84B models were used as such.
Variants - the "Swept-Wings"
The F-84F "Thunderstreak" began the family of swept-wing fighter-bombers for the Thunderjet line. These differed not only in the refinements and improvements of preceding systems, they also incorporated the definitive use of swept wings and the Wright J65 turbojet engine - the latter an axial-flow system produced under the Curtiss-Wright banner under license from the British firm of Armstrong-Siddeley. The J65 was essentially a development of the Sapphire engine and went on to power other American designs in her life time. The F-84F production version was developed from the short-lived designation product of YF-96A which became the XF-84F in one example. Two XF-84F prototypes were then developed with improvements throughout, an enlarged fuselage and the Wright J65 series engine and flown on June 3rd, 1950. At least 2,711 examples of this model were ultimately produced with 2,112 under the Republic banner and 599 built by General Motors. Deliveries began in 1954 with most going to Tactical Air Command (TAC).
The "Thunderstreak" Births the "Thunderflash"
The F-84F spawned a conversion reconnaissance platform family in the RF-84F "Thunderflash". While somewhat similar to the swept-wing F-models they represented, these aircraft had side-mounted triangular air intakes in the wing roots while making room in the nose for camera equipment. Additionally, these F-84's were distinguished further by making use of a covered nose assembly. Production totaled 715 units including 386 for American allies.
The Others
Final F-84 forms included the XF-84H "Thunderscreech" representing an experimental supersonic-turboprop powered derivative (prop fitted to the nose) and the YF-84J, two examples fitted with the General Electric J73 engine developed from the J47 turbojet.
Dreaming of Parasites
The F-84F (designated here as the GRF-84) and RF-84F (designated here as the RF-84K) were also evaluated in the aforementioned parasite fighter role attached to a Convair B-36 Peacemaker bomber (designation series of GRB-36) through "Project Tom-Tom". The experiment envisioned the belly-mounted F-84 in a strike-oriented role. The B-36 could use its long range and high-flying capabilities to then release the waiting F-84 from outside the enemy's defense perimeter. The F-84 would be armed with a nuclear payload and make a quick delivery of the munition using its maneuverability and agility to counter any threats or defenses and ultimately make it back to its "mothership" for the journey home. As advancements in in-flight refueling were being progressively made during the lifespan of the F-84 series, the idea of parasite fighters was eventually dropped.
The F-84 Over Korea
Operationally, the F-84 led a distinguished career especially when considering its exploits in the Korean War. When initially delivered on December 7th, 1950, F-84's were charged with the protection of the Boeing B-29 Superfortresses against North Korean fighters. These early delivery batches to the front consisted of F-84D and F-84E models. The F-84B and F-84C models were also available though their limited engine lives precluded any participation in the theater.
Though essentially outmatched in the early 1950's by new generation fighters, the F-84 claimed to damage or down no fewer than 105 MiG-15's (officially, F-84s were credited with 8 MiG-15 kills in the conflict). The first F-84 air kill occurred on January 21st, 1951. However, when MiG-15's were flown by the more experienced and well-trained Soviet pilots, any advantage that the F-84 held was gone. As a result, the aircraft was transferred to ground strike operations - a throwback to the World War 2 Republic P-47 Thunderbolt service record - and excelled equally well in that role. Head-to-head action against MiG-15's now fell to the newly unveiled North American F-86 Sabres coming online.
On May 13th and May 16th of 1952, the F-84 took part in major air raids resulting in the destruction of the Sui-ho Dam, causing a blackout over all of North Korea. It was these types of ground strikes against dams, bridges, railroads, supply depot and enemy troop concentrations that went on to solidify the legacy that was the F-84 - a multi-faceted performer seemingly outmatched by the advancing technologies around her but maintaining her edge at a time when the free world needed her most. By the end of the conflict, the F-84 was responsible for dropping 50,427 tons of ordnance (including bombs, rockets and napalm) on North Korean positions and targets, this accomplished through 86,408 recorded sorties for the type. The aircraft did earn a blemish on its otherwise excellent combat record, with losses totaling some 335 aircraft encompassing F-84D, E, and G models.
Spreading the Wealth
The Mutual Defense Assistance Program ensured the world would get a taste of the F-84. No fewer than 2,000 of the aircraft were delivered to US-friendly nations supportive of NATO and would include Belgium, France, Netherlands, Norway, Italy and Turkey among others.
A Story of Firsts and Lasts
The F-84 achieved many "firsts" for the United States. It became the first post-World War 2 fighter to enter production, the first USAF jet fighter to carry a nuclear payload (F-84G), the first aircraft utilized by the Thunderbirds acrobatic team (F-84G and F-84F) and the first aircraft to make use of a refueling probe for in-flight refueling. The USAF Thunderbirds flew the F-84G from 1953 to 1955 while the F-84F Thunderstreak was selected from 1955 to 1956. The F-84 was the last USAF subsonic fighter to feature straight wings. The Air National Guard was the last American user of the F-84, discontinuing use of the type in 1971 (F-84F). Greece became the last operator of the aircraft when it discontinued use in 1991, operating the RF-84F.
Notable F-84 Performance
On September 7th, 1950, two EF-84E models journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean, from the UK to the US, in just over 10 hours. This flight resulted in the loss of one of the aircraft due to lack of fuel and was assisted by in-flight refueling three times. Similarly in August of 1953, F-84G model Thunderjets were accompanied by KC-97 tankers from Strategic Air Command and flown 4,485 non-stop miles from Turner AFB in Georgia in the US to an RAF base at Lakenheath in the UK in Operation Longstride. This operation was used to showcase the reach of the new fighters and show the Soviets the NATO capability to move about waves of fighters to no locations in record time. At the time, this exercise marked the longest distance ever flown by a single-seat jet-powered fighter and the largest such move of fighters from one place to another.
The F-84 Versus the P/F-80 and Operating Units In Between
In head-to-head competition trials against her primary American foe - the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star - the F-84 held an advantage in overall speed, range, high-altitude performance and payload capacity. Conversely, the P-80 Shooting Star could best the F-84 in the take-off, climb-rate and maneuverability categories not given either design the true advantage. The F-84 fighter series was inevitably replaced by the high-performance Mach 1 capable F-100 Super Sabre in the fighter / fighter-bomber role while the RF-101 Voodoo replaced it in the reconnaissance role. In all, the F-84 served with the 27th Fighter Wing, the 27th Fighter Escort Wing, the 27th Strategic Fighter Wing, the 31st Fighter Escort Wing, the 127th Fighter Day Wing, the 127th Fighter Escort Wing, the 127th Strategic Fighter Wing, the 407th Strategic Fighter Wing and the 506th Strategic Wing of the Strategic Air Command (SAC).
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