Phone: 303.360.5360 Online Exhibit of Aircraft
1955 RF-84K Thunderflash
Reconnaissance
Manufactured by Republic
After entering the Air Force inventory in 1953, the F-84 proved to be useful
as a long range fighter-bomber. Here, we see the reconnaissance variant, the
RF-84-K, which mounted six cameras behind the transparencies you see in the
nose.
Also note the hook you see on top of the fuselage near the nose. This hook
was devised to let the F-84.K attach to a trapeze fitted below a huge B-36
bomber. The idea would permit the F-84-K to photograph parts of the world
it could not reach because orits relatively short range. Carried below the
B-36, it could be transported to a distant clime, detach from the B-36, fly
its photo mission, return to the B-36, reattach using the hook, and be carried
home. Ten B-36 bombers and ten F-84's were modified for this purpose.
So far as is known, no successful hookups were ever made. The massive downwash
from the huge B-36 wing could not be overcome by the little F-84.
The F-84 fighter flew in the Korean War. Unfortunately, it was often surpassed
by the Russian MIG-15 jets flown by North Korean, Chinese and Russian aviators.
Specifications
- Role/Category: Reconnaissance
- Powerplant: single jet engine with 7,800 pounds of thrust
- Speed: 600 mph, can climb 8,000 feet in the first minute
More Photos:
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