Republic F-84 Thunderjet

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was developed in the immediate postwar period as one of the first U.S. jet fighters. Designed for both fighter and ground-attack roles, it entered service in the late 1940s. The aircraft saw extensive use during the Korean War.

Republic F-84B Thunderjet in flight. © Insomnia Cured Here

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Overview

Republic Aviation United States ICAO: F84 1947–1953 $237,000 (1953)

Republic F-84 Thunderjet — early jet fighter-bomberThe F-84 first flew in 1946 and entered service in 1947. It featured a straight wing and single turbojet engine. Early operational experience led to structural improvements and increased reliability.Powered by an Allison J35 turbojet producing approximately 5,000 pounds of thrust (22 kN), the Thunderjet reached speeds near 540 knots (1,000 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 23,000 pounds (10,433 kg). It carried bombs and rockets for ground attack missions.The F-84 played a major role in Korean War air operations. Later swept-wing versions evolved into the F-84F Thunderstreak. The aircraft represents a key step in U.S. jet fighter development.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Allison J35-A-29
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
5,560 lbf · 25 kN
Avionics
A-1CM or A-4 gunsight with AN/APG-30
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
38 ft 1 in  ·  11.60 m
Tail height
12 ft 10 in  ·  3.91 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Wing span
36 ft 5 in  ·  11.10 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
23,300 lb  ·  10,600 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
4,400 lb  ·  2,000 kg
Fuel capacity
Max cruise speed
541 kt  ·  623 mph  ·  1,002 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,700 nm  ·  1,960 mi  ·  3,150 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
40,500 ft  ·  12,300 m
Rate of climb
3,765 ft/min  ·  19 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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31st Fighter Escort Wing Republic F-84G-1-RE Thunderjet

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Operational Context

On September 11, 1944, a General Operational Requirement from the United States Army Air Force was released for a day fighter capable of flying on a top speed of 521 knots, with a combat range of 612 nautical miles, could be loaded with either six 12.7 mm or 15.2 mm machine guns, and powered by a single Allison J35 engine.

On November 11 of the same year, the manufacturing company Republic Aviation received three prototypes order. The prototype was designated as XP-84. On February 28, 1946, it took to the air for the first time piloted by Major Wallace A. “Wally” Lien. In November 1947, the aircraft entered into service. It was produced in several versions with a total number of 7,524 Thunderjets built.

The F-84G version is a single-seat fighter bomber with an external length of 11.61 meters, an external height of 2.7 meters, and a fuselage diameter of 1.2 meters. It has a tail height of 3.91 meters and a wheelbase of 5.4 meters. The wingspan is 11.10 meters and the wing area is 24 square meters. It has an empty weight of 5,203 kg, a gross weight of 8,201 kg, and a maximum takeoff weight of 10,587 kg. The maximum payload is 2,000 kg.

The aircraft is powered by a single Allison J35-A-29 engine. It is an afterburning turbojet with an eleven-stage axial compressor, eight tubular inter-connected combustion chambers, a single-stage axial turbine, and a dry-sump pressure system with spur gear pressure and scavenge pumps. The engine produces a maximum thrust of 5,560 lbf.

The Thunderjet has a maximum speed of 541 knots and a cruise speed of 413 knots. The combat range is 870 nautical miles, and the ferry range is 1,700 nautical miles with external tanks. It can fly up to 40,500 feet and can climb at a rate of 3,765 feet per minute.