American postwar aircraft

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Republic F-84 Thunderjet

The F-84, the USAF's first post-war fighter, made its initial flight on February 26, 1946. It began rolling off the production lines in June 1947, and by the time production ceased in 1953, approximately 4,450 "straight-wing" F-84s (in contrast to the swept-wing F-84F) had been built. In addition to being used by the USAF, many were supplied to allied nations participating in the Mutual Security Program. During its service life, the F-84 became the first USAF jet fighter able to carry a tactical atomic weapon.

The airplane gained its greatest renown during the Korean Conflict where it was used primarily for low-level interdiction missions. Almost daily the F-84 attacked enemy railroads, bridges, supply depots and troop concentrations with bombs, rockets and napalm.

General characteristics F-84E
Power plant	One Allison J35-A-17 turbofan
Thrust	4,900 lb		21.8 kN
Max. speed	613 mph		986 km/h
Initial climb rate	6,063 ft/min		1,848 m/min
Ceiling	43,240 ft		13,180 m
Range	normal	1,485 miles	2,390 km
	maximum	1,950 miles	3,137 km
Max. takeoff weight	22,455 lb		10,185 kg
Wingspan	36.4 ft		11.10 m
Length	37.43 ft		11.41 m
Height	12.8 ft		3.91 m
Armament	Six .50-cal. machine guns and eight 5 in. rockets or 2,000 lbs. of bombs or napalm tanks

Jirka Wagner