The new fighter-bomber became the F-84 Thunderjet.
A Problem-Plagued Aircraft…
It was pioneering, yet not revolutionary.
Republic F-84 Thunderjets of the 27th Fighter Escort Group are shown here in flight during the Korean War. The F-84 saw widespread use as an effective ground attack aircraft during the conflict. Image: U.S. Air Force
However, the first production model the F-84B was noted for featuring an air-conditioned cockpit and an ejection seat.
The Thunderjet also earned the unflattering nickname the Mechanics Nightmare and an update program was initiated almost immediately.
The F-84C model that followed resolved some of the issues, but introduced others.
In December 1950, these F-84 Thunderjets are parked in the snow waiting for their next mission. Image: U.S. Air Force
It reverted to a more reliable engine, and featured improved fuel, hydraulic and electrical systems.
During the Korean War, the aircraft was primarily employed in ground attack operations.
The Thunderjet proved to be a flexible design, serving as day fighter, long-range escort fighter and fighter-bomber.
Commander of all F-84 units in the Korean War, Col. Joe Davis was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in his F-84 during a raid on Chunggangjin airfield in 1953. Image: U.S. Air Force
The aircraft was typically armed with six .50-cal.
machine guns, while it could carry eight 5-inch rockets, 2,000 pounds of bombs or napalm tanks.
It was essentially a new design that also featured a new engine and transonic performance.
Republic F-84B Thunderjet fighters somewhere in Korea. In the foreground are several carts transporting bombs for an upcoming combat mission. Image: NARA
It was powered by a turbine engine that was mated with a supersonic propeller.
As a result, it never became operational.
Another notable operator of the F-84 was Yugoslavia, which although essentially a one-party socialist/communist nation, was non-aligned.
A F-84 crew chief cleans the canopy as the pilot straps in before a combat mission in the Korean War. Image: U.S. Air Force
As a result, it acquired around 219 of the G models.
Though not the most advanced combat aircraft, it helped usher in the age of jet fighters.
Moreover, F-84s were also used as testbeds for experiments, including power plant trials and aerodynamic research.
This Republic F-84 Thunderjet is fitted with a bomb and four rockets somewhere in Korea. It bears the markings of the 8th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter Bomber Group. Image: NARA
This F-84 Thunderjet is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio. Image: U.S. Air Force
Maintenance teams are the unsung heroes during combat operations. This team works on an F-84 Thunderjet during the Korean War. Image: U.S. Air Force
A ground crew swaps the engine on an F-84 Thunderjet at Taegu airfield (now Daegu International Airport) during the Korean War. The field was northwest of Busan (Pusan), Korea. Image: U.S. Air Force
This F-84E attacks a ground target with a rocket salvo. During the Korean War, the Thunderjets proved to be capable ground attack planes. Image: U.S. Air Force
Ground crews of the 49th Fighter Bomber Wing test the .50-caliber machine guns on an F-84 prior to a combat mission in Korea. Image: NARA
The RF-84F Thunderflash was a reconnaissance plane developed from the Thunderjet. It featured swept wings and a new engine. Image: U.S. Air Force
The turboprop-driven XF-84H was designed to combine the speed of jet aircraft with the long range, low fuel consumption, and low landing speed of propeller-driven aircraft. Image: U.S. Air Force
Derived from the F-84 Thunderjet, the F-84F Thunderstreak had swept wings and a more powerful engine that required an oval, not round, intake at the plane’s nose. Image: U.S. Air Force
A ground crew affixes a bomb to a Republic F-84E Thunderjet of the 8th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 49th Fighter Bomber Group at an unidentified air base in Korea. Image: NARA
Six ground crewmen fit a Republic F-84 Thunderjet with rockets somewhere in Korea. On the end of the wing is an external fuel tank. Image: NARA
This Republic F-84 Thunderjet is maintained at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Image: U.S. Air Force
This swept wing Republic RF-84 photo reconnaissance plane is on static display with the Iowa Air Guard in Sioux City, Iowa. Image: Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot/U.S. Air National Guard
