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Republic RF-84 Thunderflash

1954 COLD WAR

History

The original Republic F-84 "Thunderjet" was born out of a wartime requirement of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in 1944. Originally presented as a straight-wing jet fighter, the model went through a long period of development and did not enter service until after World War II in 1946, and did not reach operational status until 1949. Despite its flaws, the design later became the framework for other related aircraft programs, including the swept-wing F-Type "Thunderstreak" and the development-oriented XF-84H "Thunderscreech" and XF-91 "Thunderceptor" versions (all shown on this website elsewhere) detailed description of the place). ).

Another key development of the product line was the F-84F "Thunderflash", the reconnaissance variant of the F-type line. The shape was born out of the third of three fighter-oriented YF-84F prototypes that relied on nose-mounted triangular air intakes rather than nose air intakes to draw in a single-engine unit in the rear of the fuselage . This change resulted in a loss of thrust, which in turn caused the USAF to stop the approach. However, the design makes sense for a dedicated reconnaissance platform, as the new aircraft allows a hollowed-out nose section to be fitted to the aircraft, allowing camera equipment to be carried inside - and the Browning M2 is still a 4x.50 caliber of heavy machine guns for combat purposes.

The final form became the "YRF-84F" and this model appeared in February 1952 - when the Korean War (1950-1953) was in full swing.

The new aircraft has the same swept airfoil as the production Thunderstreak fighter to aid in high speed flight. The main-wing aircraft features double boundary layer fencing and blends seamlessly with the wing root inlet guards.

The original retractable tricycle landing gear was retained, and the pilot was positioned near the front of the aircraft. A fuel tank can be installed under each wing root to increase combat range.

Inside, the camera equipment has been enhanced with earlier digital setups to take into account the aircraft's speed and operating altitude, as well as current lighting conditions, to provide more accurate images.

Eventually, approximately 715 Thunderflash aircraft were built, and the series entered service in March 1954. Due to the same engine issues and production delays as the original Thunderstreak line, the line was somewhat cursed until 1957 when it managed only one front-line service.

In 1961, the series went live again, but its contribution officially ended in 1972 - the units were operated by the Air National Guard (ANG).

The FICON (FIghter CONveyor) program is a related Thuderflash initiative by the United States Air Force (USAF) of New Thinking, adapted to the current idea of ??bringing the Parasite Fighter into the theater mother ship path .In this particular case, they are RF-84K Thunderflash models operating (in converted form) with the CONVAIR B-36 "Peacemaker" jet heavy bomber. From 1955 to 1956, the concept worked with the U.S.

Strategic Air Command (SAC) and proved to be feasible. The RF-84K is from the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron at Larson AFB, while the Peacemaker is from the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Fairchild AFB.

The main changes to the RF-84F model are the retraction of the "hook" probe and the added lower angle in the horizontal stabilizer. Despite limited success, the concept was eventually abandoned by the USAF. About 25 RF-84Ks were used during the program, and all but three were eventually dismantled.