F-84F Thunderstreak - Walk Around Color Series No. 59

Squadron/Signal Walk Around series #5559

by Ken Neubeck

The success of the F-86 Sabre prompted Republic to design its own swept-wing aircraft and the prototype of the Thunderstreak - designated the YF-96A - took to the skies in 1950. The F-84F could reach a top speed of 695 mph, and in March of 1955, the Thunderstreak set a transcontinental speed record by flying from Los Angeles to New York in just 3 hours and 33 minutes. On the basis of the F-84F design, a photo-reconnaissance version, known as the RF-84F Thunderflash, was also developed and placed into production in 1952. Program delays plagued the development of the F-84F, and active duty phaseout began almost as soon as it entered service in 1954. By 1958 the F-84F was relegated to the Air National Guard. The Thunderstreak did serve as NATO's front-line fighter-bomber during the 1950s, and France successfully sent F-84Fs into battle against Egypt during the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis. The F-84F remained in service with several European air forces for decades, with Greece only retiring its last Thunderstreak in 1984. Illustrated with more than 250 photographs, color art, and profiles.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009