F-84 Thunderstreak

The swept-wing F-84F Thunderstreak evolved from the straight-winged F-84 Thunderjet. Its first prototype flew on June 3, 1950, and deliveries began in 1954, primarily to the Tactical Air Command as a ground support fighter-bomber. Republic Aviation built 2,112 F models, and General Motors fabricated 599 more, with 1,301 delivered to NATO air forces. The reconnaissance RF-84F totaled 718 aircraft, including 386 for allied countries, and featured engine air intakes at the wing root and cameras in the nose. F-84Fs were gradually replaced by the supersonic F-100 in the late 1950s and transferred to Air National Guard units, though some returned to temporary USAF service during the early 1960s Berlin Crisis. Aircraft serial number 51-9495 is shown in the colors of the 401st Fighter-Bomber Wing, which was stationed at England AFB, Louisiana, and deployed to Eglin AFB, Florida. The F-84F brought the 401st prominence when eight of its aircraft were painted blue with MIG-15 markings to portray enemy aircraft in the aerial combat scenes of The McConnell Story during the Korean conflict.

Florida · United States