Republic F-84 Thunderjet

Rare card · No. 68397

The Republic F-84 Thunderjet is an early turbojet fighter-bomber aircraft designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Republic Aviation. Originating as a 1944 United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) proposal for a "day fighter", Republic was selected to meet the requirement without a competition. On 28 February 1946, the F-84 performed its maiden flight. Although it entered service in 1947, the Thunderjet was plagued by such a large number of structural and engine problems that a 1948 United States Air Force (USAF) review declared it unable to execute any aspect of its intended mission and considered canceling the program. The F-84's issues brough financial hardship to Republic, which had to be paid early in order to keep both the company and the aircraft alive. A key reason for its rescue was that evaluators determined the F-84D's performance to be in excess of the rival Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. The aircraft was not considered fully operational until the F-84D arrived...

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