Republic F-84 Thunderjet

Republic F-84 Thunderjet
USAF · Public domain · source
Name	F-84 Thunderjet
Type	Fighter-bomber
Manufacturer	Republic Aviation
Designer	Alexander Kartveli
First flight	28 February 1946
Introduced	November 1947
Retired	1974 (Hellenic Air Force)
Primary user	United States Air Force
Number built	7,524
Developed into	Republic F-84F Thunderstreak

Republic F-84 Thunderjet. The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American turbojet fighter-bomber developed by Republic Aviation in the immediate post-World War II era. It became the United States Air Force's primary strike aircraft during the Korean War, where it flew extensive ground-attack missions. Although initially hampered by performance limitations, later variants proved to be rugged and effective weapons platforms, serving as a cornerstone for NATO air forces and influencing subsequent designs like the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak.

Development and design

The Thunderjet was designed by a team led by Alexander Kartveli at Republic Aviation's Farmingdale, New York facility, intended to meet a 1944 United States Army Air Forces requirement for a day fighter. Its design centered on a straight wing and was initially powered by an Allison J35 turbojet, with air intakes located in the wing roots. Early testing, conducted at Muroc Army Air Field, revealed significant problems, including structural weaknesses and poor performance at high altitudes that nearly led to the program's cancellation. Persistent development, including a redesigned wing and the more powerful Allison J35-A-15 engine, eventually yielded a serviceable aircraft. The design philosophy emphasized simplicity and durability, featuring a robust airframe capable of carrying a heavy ordnance load, which proved decisive in its later combat role.

Operational history

Entering service with the United States Air Force's 14th Fighter Group in 1947, the F-84B and C models were initially plagued by technical issues. The aircraft's major proving ground was the Korean War, where it served extensively with units like the 27th Fighter Escort Wing and the 49th Fighter Bomber Wing. Primarily used for low-altitude interdiction and close air support, Thunderjets flew over 86,000 sorties, destroying bridges, Korean People's Army supply depots, and Chinese People's Volunteer Army troop concentrations. While outclassed in air-to-air combat by the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, it scored several aerial victories. Post-Korean War, it equipped numerous NATO air forces under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program, forming a key part of the alliance's tactical air power throughout the 1950s before being supplanted by newer designs.

Variants

The initial production model was the **F-84B**, which introduced an ejection seat and six M3 Browning machine guns. The **F-84C** featured minor electrical system improvements. The definitive straight-wing variant was the **F-84E**, which had an extended fuselage for more fuel, an A-1CM gunsight, and underwing hardpoints. The **F-84G** was the first fighter capable of aerial refueling and could carry a Mark 7 nuclear bomb, serving as a strategic deterrent in Europe. The **RF-84F Thunderflash** was a dedicated reconnaissance variant with a redesigned nose housing cameras. The radical redesign with a swept wing and a more powerful Wright J65 engine resulted in the **F-84F Thunderstreak**, which is considered a distinct aircraft type.

Operators

The primary operator was the United States Air Force, including the Strategic Air Command and Air National Guard units. Through Military Assistance Program deliveries, it was widely exported to NATO allies. Significant operators included the French Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the Belgian Air Force, and the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Other operators included the Republic of China Air Force on Taiwan, the Portuguese Air Force, and the Hellenic Air Force, which retired its last examples in 1974. The aircraft was also used by the Yugoslav Air Force after being supplied by the United States.

Specifications (F-84E 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-17D turbojet, 5,200 lbf (23 kN) thrust * **Maximum speed:** 622 mph (1,001 km/h) at sea level * **Range:** 1,000 mi (1,600 km) * **Service ceiling:** 40,500 ft (12,350 m) * **Armament:** 6 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) M3 Browning machine guns; up to 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) of bombs, rockets, or nuclear weapons on underwing pylons

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