First flown as a prototype in 1950, various design challenges meant the aircraft wouldn’t be certified operational until mid-1954.
Production of the F-84F—the first swept-wing F-84 variant—began in 1954. This airframe filled the role of a ground support fighter-bomber for Tactical Air Command and Allied countries. Soon after the F-84F hit the skies, the supersonic F-100 replaced it as jet aircraft technology quickly advanced. However, the US Air Force called several F-84Fs back for temporary service to assist with the Berlin Crisis during the Cold War.
In 1952, a mobile training detachment from Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, came to Hill Air Force Base to provide installation employees technical instruction concerning repair and overhaul of F-84 engines. The following year, several F-84s arrived at Hill Air Force Base for specialized maintenance. Hill Air Force Base personnel also performed minor jet engine repairs on various F-84 variants over the years.
The F-84F on display served on installations across the globe. This airframe served at five different installations in the United States. This impressive career included Fighter Wings, Bomber Groups, and even a Combat Crew Training Wing! In 1983, the Hill Aerospace Museum acquired the aircraft for permanent display.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 51-1640
Manufacturer: Republic Aviation Corporation
Primary Function: Fighter-Bomber
Crew: One
Engines: One Wright J65-W-3 turbojet; 7,220 pounds thrust
Wingspan: 33 ft 7 in
Length: 43 ft 5 in
Height: 14 ft 5 in
Weight: 14,014 lbs (empty); 27,000 lbs (maximum takeoff weight)
Speed: 535 mph (cruising); 685 mph (maximum)
Range: 810 miles
Service Ceiling: 46,000 feet
Armament: Six .50-cal machine guns
Payload: 6,000 lbs. external ordnance
Cost: $769,000
Years of Service: 1954 – 1957
Starting in 1952, Hill Air Force Base began its extensive depot maintenance and supply support for the F-84s. Some of the more specialized maintenance included repairs on the RF-84F and F-84F engine, the Buick-Wright J-65. Hill Air Force Base personnel accomplished depot maintenance on the F-84s until 1959. In total, more than 800 F-84s passed through the installation for repairs and were sent to back into service with units across the country. The F-84F on display was manufactured in 1954 and served on installations in the US and France. In 1983, Hill Aerospace Museum acquired the aircraft for permanent display.
First flown as a prototype in 1950, various design challenges meant the aircraft wouldn’t be certified operational until mid-1954.
Due to engine and other aircraft issues, the Thunderstreak was not predominately used during the Vietnam War.
By the mid-1960s the F-84F was predominately relegated to use by the Air National Guard, being replaced by the F-100 Super Sabre in the United States Air Force.