Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 3 June 1950 |
| Year of introduction | 1954 |
| Number produced | 3428 units |
| Average unit price | $1.6 million |
Description
The F-84F Thunderstreak was a very different aircraft from the F-84E Thunderjet from which it was developed. The essential modifications included a swept wing at 40°, a stronger metal structure, a more powerful J65-W-3 engine, an inflight refueling capability inherited from the F-84G, and an increased offensive load capacity, including nuclear weapons.
However, the development of the F-84F suffered countless problems, mainly related to the engine - initially supposed to be a British Sapphire - the strength of its structure, and the reutilization of production tools from the Thunderjet, which was only 15% instead of the planned 55%. The avionics also presented serious difficulties. Eventually, the US Air Force received its first Thunderstreaks in 1954, within the 506th Strategic Fighter Wing, with more than a year of delay and a unit cost three times higher than expected. But the aircraft was grounded as early as 1955, as many other modifications had to be made, including on the flight controls, ailerons, brakes, and the J65 engine, which almost had to be replaced with a General Electric J73. Consequently, despite being developed since 1949, the F-84F could not be engaged in Korea.
Ultimately, over 2700 examples of the F-84F were still produced, with 1301 delivered to NATO countries. While American aircraft were gradually replaced by the F-100 Super Sabre, some European countries kept their Thunderstreaks in service until 1972. For instance, Portugal received 119 F-84G, of which 70 were deployed in Angola during the 1960s. The French F-84Fs, on the other hand, participated in the Franco-British operation against Egypt in 1956, conducting low-altitude attacks on Egyptian airfields.
A reconnaissance variant called the RF-84F Thunderflash also emerged in 1955. Its development was less disastrous, and 718 examples were built, with 386 exported. This version stood out with air intakes located not in the nose (where the cameras were placed) but at the wing roots.
Technical specifications
| Version: F-84F Thunderstreak | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Maximum speed | 1060 km/h (659 mph) |
| Wing area | 30.2 m² (325.0 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 10.2 m (33.6 ft) |
| Height | 4.6 m (15.0 ft) |
| Length | 13.2 m (43.4 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 12000 m (39370 ft) |
| Empty weight | 6789 kg (14967 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 12247 kg (27000 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 42.0 m/s (137.8 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 1 × turbojet Wright J65-W-3 delivering 3275 kgp |
| Ejection seat | Martin-Baker Mk 5 |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the F-84F Thunderstreak in 2024.
All operators
Belgium • Germany • Denmark • France • Greece • Italy • Netherlands • Norway • Turkey • Taiwan • United States
Armament
Bombs payload:
- Nuclear Mark 7
Photo of F-84F Thunderstreak
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