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Republic F-84 Thunderjet

The F-84, the USAF's first post-war fighter, made its initial flight on February 26, 1946. It began rolling off the production lines in June 1947, and by the time production ceased in 1953, approximately 4,450 "straight-wing" F-84s (in contrast to the swept-wing F-84F) had been built. In addition to being used by the USAF, many were supplied to allied nations participating in the Mutual Security Program. During its service life, the F-84 became the first USAF jet fighter able to carry a tactical atomic weapon.

The airplane gained its greatest renown during the Korean Conflict where it was used primarily for low-level interdiction missions. Almost daily the F-84 attacked enemy railroads, bridges, supply depots and troop concentrations with bombs, rockets and napalm.

General characteristics F-84E
Power plant One Allison J35-A-17 turbofan
Thrust 4,900 lb 21.8 kN
Max. speed 613 mph 986 km/h
Initial climb rate 6,063 ft/min 1,848 m/min
Ceiling 43,240 ft 13,180 m
Range normal 1,485 miles 2,390 km
maximum 1,950 miles 3,137 km
Max. takeoff weight 22,455 lb 10,185 kg
Wingspan 36.4 ft 11.10 m
Length 37.43 ft 11.41 m
Height 12.8 ft 3.91 m
Armament Six .50-cal. machine guns and eight 5 in. rockets or 2,000 lbs. of bombs or napalm tanks

Jirka Wagner

 

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