Republic RF-84F Thunderflash
1952
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Republic RF-84F Thunderflash

Photo reconnaissance version of the F-84F. The first prototype flew in February 1952. 715 built.

Republic RF-84F Thunderflash

Comments 
mike1204, mike1204(@)hotmail.co.uk, 21.06.2009

The upper photo is of an RF-84F Thunerflash photo-reconnaissance aircraft, originally based in Japan in the 1950s to overfly east Soviet and possibly Chinese 'targets'; it was never used as a nuclear bomber (the F-84G was designed for this, for Tactical Air Command, with forward bases in the UK and French Morocco as part of Operation 'Longstride'.

History of FS-265 (lower picture) is an RF-84F Thunderflash that was used on the mis-named FICON program, hence the hook on the nose. FICON was originally investigated the possibilities of conveying a 'parasite' fighter (such as the XF-86 Goblin) hooked into the bomb bay of a converted bomber, with the intention of additional defence for USAAF bomber streams.
The RF-84H, on the other hand, was designed to extend the RB-36's operational range by airlifting the RF-84F to a relaese point, whereby the 'fighter' element was released to carry out high-speed espionage over the 'enemy' before returning and hooking back on to the mothership for its journey back to the USA. It could be refuelled or even re-crewed by the mothership. However, after nearly four years of experimental development (the system was never used operationally), it was found that by merely towing the RF-84F by a probe-and-drogue Tactical AF tanker, the result could be the same, without conversion of expensive reconnaissance bombers.
I am fairly certain that Misawa AFB has now placed these aircraft under cover from the elements inside what became the start of an aircraft museum
Hope this is of interest

Ray, rilsejr1(@)yahoo.com, 30.09.2008

If memory serves me right this aircraft was on the runways at Misawa AFB Japan being used as a nuclear strike aircraft. It was never used,however it was in a guarded area on the airfield 24/7. Anyone know if I am correct or does my mind defie me?

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