Republic F-84F and RF-84F - Warpaint Series No.100

[bootneck]

Republic F-84F Thunderstreak

&

RF-84F Thunderflash

Warpaint Series No.100

The F-84F Thunderstreak was originally planned to augment the USAF's front-line fighter requirements in the early 1950's; however, engine and aerodynamic teething problems delayed production until 1954. Although the Thunderstreak was not classed as a superior or outstanding aircraft, its performance being overshadowed by the F-86 Sabre, the aircaft was produced in large numbers and served with the USAF and many other nations air forces for many years.

The underpowered Wright J65 engine did not give the F-84F the aerodynamic ability to perform as a fighter and was therefore quickly reduced to the fighter-bomber role. As such, it served with the USAFs Tactical and Strategic Air Commands and also with numerous European air forces. It provided a much-needed deterrent during the critical early years of the Cold War and the 1960s, especially with NATO air forces.
The book has been well researched by Charles Stafrace; with both the R-84F Thunderstreak and the RF-84F Thunderflash being covered in this 100th edition from Guideline Publications.

As is usual with all the previous Warpaint Series, this book is superbly illustrated by Richard J. Caruana. Each profile image shows full colour details of the colour schemes and marking placements. In addition, there are short narratives alongside each image on the respective aircraft and, in some cases, close up details of the nose art or emblem are illustrated.

The story and history of the aircraft is supplemented with informative tables of reference data, including production numbers and allocations.

Many of the 2,000 plus airframes also served with foreign nations, mainly as part of the NATO deterrent force during the Cold War period. Details of countries allocations and squadrons can be found within the text and additonal tabulated data.

Both airframe types are covered, the F-84F Thunderstreak and the RF-84F Thunderflash, and full colour profile illustrations are provided; as with the views above of some RF-84F Reconnaissance fighters.

Included within the book are two A3 size general arrangement plans which have been drawn at 1:72 scale; a small section of the RF-84 plan has been reproduced above as an example. The plans are printed back to back; with the F-84F Thunderstreak on one page and the RF-84F Thunderflash on the other. The plans are stapled in place thereby allowing easy removal if required.

Some of the photographs, both colour and black-white, are very impressive and could provide ideas for modelling dioramas, as with the refuelling scene above.

There are quite a few tabulated lists in this edition, as shown by the list above of aircraft belonging to the Turkish Air Force; this listing also includes the origins of the aircraft transferred.

Conclusion

The Republic F-84F and its sister the RF-84F may not have been the most powerful, or best looking, aircraft in the USAF's inventory but it did fill a necessary gap; although it appeared too late for the Korean Conflict and was virtually obsolete to be of any use in Vietnam.

This book is one that should appeal to those with an interest in early jets, especially those at the forefront of the change from straight-wing to swept-wing types of the United States Air Force. Recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[Julien]

Having a copy of this book I can only agree that it is excellent.

[fatalbert]

The two Aircraft in picture on the cover of this book look like they have the external fuel tank attached to the belly of the aircraft.Is that possible or is it just the camera angle?

[Silver Fox]

The two Aircraft in picture on the cover of this book look like they have the external fuel tank attached to the belly of the aircraft.Is that possible or is it just the camera angle?

The aircraft are from the 81st FBW and are carrying the pylon for the MK 7 Nuclear bomb so they are likely to be carrying a single tank on the other wing. I think it is a photographic illusion.

[fatalbert]

Cheers,thought so ☺

[tempestfan]

Funny, I was just about to ask the same question - stimulated by looking through the AirDoc booklet on the weekend, and noticing that the (presumed) inboard tanks had a much less acute nose-down angle on many of the pics as compared to the graphics. What still strikes me is that one can see the sky between tank and belly for most of the tank's length - as drawn, their top is above the lower belly line for most of the distance.

I don't know if I would have wanted to fly the sled with a significant asymetric loading, even though the inner pylons are quite close to the center line. So really an illusion ?