The XP-84 Thunderjet prototype first flew in 1946 and reached a top speed of 607.2 mph, making it the fastest American-designed aircraft of its time. It was followed by fifteen production YP-84A models, which featured a slightly improved engine, six machine guns, and wingtip fuel tanks. Beginning with the B-models, the aircraft family was redesignated as the F-84 Thunderjet by the U.S. Air Force. After early problems, the design was perfected in the F-84G, the first single-seat fighter to carry a nuclear weapon. F-84 models served during the Korean War, but poor performance against Soviet flown MiG-15 fighters led to their removal from head-to-head combat and transfer to ground strike operations. The aircraft with serial number 45-59494 is painted in Thunderbirds markings, though that team used the F-84G and F-84F Thunderflash rather than this model, and during its service history it was stationed only at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois.