The swept-wing F-84F evolved from the straight-wing F-84. The prototype
first flew on June 3, 1950 and deliveries began in 1954, primarily to
the Tactical Air command as a ground support fighter.
Republic built 2,112 "-Fs" while
General Motors fabricated an additional 599. Of these, 1,301 were delivered
to NNATO air forces.
Production of a reconnaissance version, the RF-84F, total led 718 aircraft,
including 386 for allied countries. The RF-84F featured engine air intakes
at the wing roots plus cameras in the nose.
The F-84Fs were gradually
replaced by supersonic F-100s in the late 1950s and were turned over
to the Air National Guard units. However, some F-84Fs
were called back to temporary USAF service in the early 1960s due to
the Berlin Crisis.
In the 1950s more than 1,200 F-84F and RF-84F aircraft
were winterized in the maintenance shops at Robins AFB in preparation
for ferry flights
to Europe under Project High Flight. The F-84F on display was delivered
to USAF in January 1956 and served with various units in the United
States and was finally retired from the 104th Tactical Fighter Group
(ANG) at
Barnes Field, Westfield, Massachusetts in August 1971. It was moved
to the Museum in 1988.
SPECIFICATIONS |
Serial # : |
52-6701 |
Wingspan: |
33 feet, 7 inches |
Cost: |
$769,000 |
Length: |
43 feet, 5 inches |
Max. Speed: |
685 mph |
Height: |
15 feet |
Cruising Speed: |
535 mph |
Weight: |
27,000 lbs. |
Range: |
1,900 miles |
Engines: |
One Wright J65 of 7,220 lbs. thrust |
Service Ceiling: |
44,450 feet |
Armament: |
(6) .50-cal. machine guns
and 24 five-inch rockets; 6,000 lbs. of bombs externally |
