F-84 Thunderjet

F-84 Thunderjet
USAF · Public domain · source
Name	F-84 Thunderjet
Caption	A Republic F-84E Thunderjet in flight.
Type	Fighter-bomber
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Republic Aviation
Designer	Alexander Kartveli
First flight	28 February 1946
Introduction	November 1947
Retired	1974 (Hellenic Air Force)
Primary user	United States Air Force
Number built	7,524
Developed into	F-84F Thunderstreak, XF-84H Thunderscreech, XF-91 Thunderceptor

F-84 Thunderjet. The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet-powered fighter-bomber developed by Republic Aviation in the immediate post-World War II era. As the first production fighter aircraft from the company and the United States' first post-war jet, it became a cornerstone of early Cold War United States Air Force and NATO tactical air power. Although initially hampered by performance limitations, successive variants evolved into capable ground-attack platforms, seeing extensive combat during the Korean War and serving with numerous allied air forces.

Development and design

The Thunderjet's genesis stemmed from a 1944 United States Army Air Forces proposal for a day fighter to utilize the new General Electric axial-flow turbojet engines. Led by chief designer Alexander Kartveli, the team at Republic Aviation's Farmingdale, New York facility created a conventional straight-wing design centered on the Allison J35 engine. The prototype XP-84 first flew from Muroc Army Air Field in 1946, but early production models, like the F-84B, were plagued by structural weaknesses and inadequate J35 power, leading to a grounding order from the newly formed United States Air Force. Subsequent engineering refinements, including a strengthened wing and the more powerful J35-A-29 engine in the F-84D and F-84E models, rectified many issues. The definitive F-84G introduced an in-flight refueling capability via a flying boom system, an autopilot, and a canopy that was jettisoned with explosive cord, representing the peak of the straight-wing Thunderjet's development.

Operational history

Entering service with the USAF's 14th Fighter Group in 1947, the Thunderjet initially equipped Air Defense Command units before finding its true calling as a fighter-bomber. During the Korean War, F-84E and G models flown by units like the 27th Fighter Escort Wing and the 49th Fighter Bomber Wing conducted the majority of the USAF's ground-attack missions, striking targets such as the Sinuiju airfields and bridges across the Yalu River. While outclassed in air-to-air combat by the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, it proved rugged and effective in interdiction roles. Beyond Korea, the aircraft was a primary tool for the Mutual Defense Assistance Program, equipping many founding members of NATO, including the French Air Force, Italian Air Force, and Royal Netherlands Air Force. It also saw service with the Republic of China Air Force and was used in the Suez Crisis by French Air Force and Israeli Air Force squadrons.

Variants

The initial production variant was the F-84B, though its structural problems led to the improved F-84C with updated electrical systems. The F-84D featured a more robust wing and the J35-A-17 engine, while the F-84E extended the fuselage for additional fuel and avionics. The final and most produced straight-wing model was the F-84G, which was built as a nuclear-capable fighter-bomber with full all-weather and aerial refueling equipment. Several one-off experimental types were derived, notably the swept-wing XF-96A, which evolved into the radically different F-84F Thunderstreak. Other notable experiments included the turboprop-driven XF-84H Thunderscreech and the mixed-powerplant XF-91 Thunderceptor.

Operators

The primary operator was the United States Air Force, which deployed the type with Strategic Air Command, Tactical Air Command, and Air National Guard units. Through extensive military aid programs, it was exported to over a dozen nations. Significant NATO operators included the Belgian Air Force, Royal Danish Air Force, French Air Force, Italian Air Force, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Portuguese Air Force, and Royal Netherlands Air Force. Other key operators were the Republic of China Air Force on Taiwan, the Hellenic Air Force, the Turkish Air Force, and the Yugoslav Air Force. The Israeli Air Force and the French Air Force both employed the aircraft during the 1956 Suez Crisis.

Specifications (F-84G Thunderjet)

* **Crew:** 1 * **Length:** 38 ft 1 in (11.61 m) * **Wingspan:** 36 ft 5 in (11.10 m) * **Height:** 12 ft 7 in (3.84 m) * **Empty weight:** 11,095 lb (5,033 kg) * **Powerplant:** 1 × Allison J35-A-29 turbojet, 5,600 lbf (24.9 kN) thrust * **Maximum speed:** 622 mph (1,001 km/h) at sea level * **Range:** 1,000 mi (1,600 km) (internal fuel) * **Service ceiling:** 40,500 ft (12,350 m) * **Armament:** 6 × .50 in (12.7 mm) M3 Browning machine guns; Up to 4,000 lb (1,814 kg) of ordnance on underlying pylons, including bombs, High Velocity Aircraft Rockets, and nuclear weapons.

Category:Military aircraft of the United States Category:Fighter aircraft