View source for Republic F-84 Thunderjet

{{Short description|1946 fighter-bomber family}}
{{Redirect|F-84}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name=F-84 Thunderjet
 |image=File:F-84E of 9th Fighter-Bomber Squadron in Korea.jpg
 |caption=USAF F-84E Thunderjet
 |type=[[Fighter-bomber]]
 |manufacturer=[[Republic Aviation]]
 |first_flight=28 February 1946
 |introduction=November 1947
 |retired=1964 (USAF)<br /> 1974 ([[Yugoslav Air Force|Yugoslavia]])
 |status=
 |primary_user=[[United States Air Force]]
 |more_users=
 |produced=
 |number_built=7,524
 |developed_into= [[Republic F-84F Thunderstreak]] <br />[[Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech]] <br> [[Republic XF-91 Thunderceptor]]
}}

The '''Republic F-84 Thunderjet''' is an American [[turbojet]] [[fighter-bomber]] aircraft. Originating as a 1944 [[United States Army Air Forces]] (USAAF) proposal for a "day fighter", the F-84 first flew in 1946. Although it entered service in 1947, the Thunderjet was plagued by such a large amount of structural and engine problems that a 1948 U.S. Air Force review declared it unable to execute any aspect of its intended mission and considered canceling the program. The aircraft was not considered fully operational until the 1949 F-84D model and the design matured only with the definitive F-84G introduced in 1951. In 1954, the straight-wing Thunderjet was joined by the swept-wing [[F-84F Thunderstreak]] fighter and RF-84F Thunderflash photo [[reconnaissance aircraft]].

The Thunderjet became the USAF's primary strike aircraft during the [[Korean War]], flying 86,408 sorties and destroying 60% of all ground targets in the war as well as eight Soviet-built [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15|MiG fighters]]. Over half of the 7,524 F-84s produced served with [[NATO]] nations, and it was the first aircraft to fly with the [[U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds]] demonstration team. The [[USAF]] [[Strategic Air Command]] had F-84 Thunderjets in service from 1948 through 1957.

The F-84 was the first production fighter aircraft to utilize [[inflight refueling]] and the first fighter capable of carrying a [[nuclear weapon]], the [[Mark 7 nuclear bomb]]. Modified F-84s were used in several unusual projects, including the [[FICON project|FICON and Tom-Tom]] dockings to the [[B-29 Superfortress]] and [[B-36]] bomber motherships, and the experimental [[XF-84H Thunderscreech]] [[turboprop]].

The F-84 nomenclature can be somewhat confusing. The straight-wing F-84A to F-84E and F-84G models were called the Thunderjet. The [[F-84F Thunderstreak]] and RF-84F Thunderflash were different airplanes with swept wings. The XF-84H Thunderscreech (not its official name) was an experimental turboprop version of the F-84F. The F-84F swept wing version was intended to be a small variation of the normal Thunderjet with only a few different parts, so it kept the basic F-84 number. Production delays on the F-84F resulted in another order of the straight-wing version; this was the F-84G.

==Design and development==
[[File:F-84g-51-1231-48fbg-chm-0853.jpg|thumb|An F-84G at [[Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base]], France, in 1953]]

In 1944, [[Republic Aviation]]'s chief designer, [[Alexander Kartveli]], began working on a [[turbojet]]-powered replacement for the [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt|P-47 Thunderbolt]] piston-engined [[fighter aircraft]]. The initial attempts to redesign the P-47 to accommodate a jet engine proved futile due to the large cross-section of the Thunderbolt's [[fuselage]]. Instead, Kartveli and his team designed a new aircraft with a much-slimmer fuselage housing an [[axial compressor]] turbojet engine in the rear fuselage, and an air intake in the nose of the fuselage, with air ducts running from the nose to the engine and taking up much of the fuselage volume. Fuel was mainly stored in [[fuel tank|tanks]] in the thick, but [[laminar flow]] airfoil, unswept wings.{{sfn|Kinzey|1999|p=4}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=133}}

On 11 September 1944, the USAAF released General Operational Requirements for a day fighter with a top speed of {{convert|600|mph|kn km/h|abbr=on|lk=out}}, a combat radius of {{convert|850|mi|nmi km|abbr=on|lk=out}}, and armament of either eight {{cvt|.50|in|mm|sigfig=3}} or six {{cvt|.60|in|mm|sigfig=3}} machine guns. In addition, the new aircraft had to use the [[General Electric]] TG-180 axial turbojet which entered production as the [[Allison J35]]. These specifications proved to be too ambitious, however, and the radius requirement was reduced to {{convert|705|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} and the armament suite was reduced to six .50-caliber or four .60-caliber machine guns in order to reduce weight.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=23}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=132}}

On 11 November 1944, Republic received an order for three prototypes of the new XP-84—known to Republic as the Model AP-23.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=23}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=133}} Since the design promised superior performance to the [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]]-built [[Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star|P-80 Shooting Star]] and Republic had extensive experience in building single-seat fighters, no competition was held for the contract. The name "Thunderjet" was chosen to continue the Republic Aviation tradition started with the P-47 Thunderbolt, while emphasizing the new method of propulsion.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=133}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=23–24}} On 4 January 1945, even before the aircraft took to the air, the USAAF placed an additional order for 25 service test YP-84As and 75 production P-84Bs (later modified to 15 YP-84A and 85 P-84B).{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=134}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=24}}

Meanwhile, [[wind tunnel]] testing by the [[National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics]] revealed longitudinal instability and stabilizer skin buckling at high speeds.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=24}} The weight of the aircraft, a great concern given the low thrust of early turbojets, was growing so quickly that the USAAF had to set a gross weight limit of {{convert|13400|lb|kg|abbr=on|lk=on}}.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=134}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=24}} The results of this preliminary testing were incorporated into the third prototype, designated ''XP-84A'', which was also fitted with a more powerful J35-GE-15 engine with {{convert|4000|lbf|kN|abbr=on|2}} of thrust.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=134}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=24}}

The first prototype XP-84 was rolled out in December 1945,{{sfn|Kinzey|1999|p=5}} but availability of suitable engines delayed flight testing.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=24}} The first prototype was transferred to Muroc Army Air Field (present-day [[Edwards Air Force Base]]) where it flew for the first time on 28 February 1946 with Major Wallace A. "Wally" Lien at the controls. It was joined by the second prototype in August, both aircraft flying with J35-GE-7 engines producing {{convert|3750|lbf|kN|abbr=on|2}}.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=25}} On 8 September 1946, the second XP-84 set a US national airspeed record of {{convert|607.2|mph|kn km/h|abbr=on}}, but failed to match the world speed record of {{convert|612.2|mph|kn km/h|abbr=on}} set the day before by a British [[Gloster Meteor]].{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=134}} The effort to break the speed record delayed the test program with the second prototype.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=25}} The 15 YP-84As, which were delivered to Patterson Field (present-day [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]]) for service tests from January 1947, differed from XP-84s by having an upgraded J35-A-15 engine, carrying six 0.50&nbsp;in [[M2 Browning machine gun]]s (four in the nose and one in each wing root), and having the provision for wingtip fuel tanks holding {{convert|226|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on|lk=on}} each.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=135}}

Due to delays with delivery of jet engines and production of the XP-84A, the Thunderjet had undergone only limited flight testing by the time production P-84Bs began to roll out of the factory in 1947. In particular, the impact of wingtip tanks on the aircraft's structure was not thoroughly studied. This proved problematic later.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=135}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=25–26}} After the creation of the [[United States Air Force]] by the [[National Security Act of 1947]], the "Pursuit" designation was replaced with "Fighter", and the P-84 became the F-84.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=27}}{{sfn|Kinzey|1999|p=6}}

==Operational history==
The F-84B, which differed from the YP-84A only in having faster-firing [[M2 Browning#AN/M3, GAU-21/A, and M3P|M3]] machine guns (later F-84s also had provision to carry eight {{convert|5|in|mm|abbr=on}} [[High Velocity Aircraft Rocket]]s (HVAR) underwing{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=26}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=135}}), became operational with [[14th Fighter Group]] at [[Dow Field]], [[Bangor, Maine]], in December 1947.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=26}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=135}} Flight restrictions followed immediately, limiting maximum speed to [[Mach number|Mach 0.8]] due to [[control reversal]], and limiting maximum acceleration to 5.5&nbsp;[[g-force]] (54&nbsp;m/s<sup>2</sup>) due to wrinkling of the fuselage skin. To compound the problem, parts shortages and maintenance difficulties earned the aircraft the nickname, "Mechanic's Nightmare".{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=26}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=135}} On 24 May 1948, the entire F-84B fleet was grounded due to structural failures in the aircraft's wings.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=26}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=135}} The F-84C featured a somewhat more reliable J35-A-13C engine of the same power as the A-15-C used by the F-84B,{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=136}}{{sfn|Bowers|Angelucci|1987|p=402}} and modified fuel and electrical systems.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=136}} Beyond these modifications, the F-84C was virtually identical to the F-84B, and suffered from the same defects.{{sfn|Kinzey|1999|p=6}}

[[File:14fw-f-84-1948.jpg|thumb|P-84Bs of the 48th Fighter Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, 1948]]

A 1948 review of the F-84 program discovered that none of the F-84B or F-84C aircraft could be considered operational or capable of executing any aspect of their intended mission. The program was saved from cancellation because the F-84D, whose production was well underway, had satisfactorily addressed the major faults. A fly-off against the F-80 revealed that while the Shooting Star had a shorter takeoff roll, better low altitude [[Rate of climb|climb rate]] and superior maneuverability, the F-84 could carry a greater bomb load, was faster, had better high altitude performance and greater range.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=30}} As a compromise, the USAF in 1949 committed US$8&nbsp;million to implement over 100 upgrades to all F-84Bs and F-84Cs, most notably reinforcing the wings to a similar standard to the F-84D.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=136}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=27–28}} Despite the resultant improvements, both the F-84B and F-84C were withdrawn from service during 1952.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=27, 29}}

The structural improvements were factory-implemented in the F-84D, which entered service in 1949. Wings were covered with thicker aluminum skin, the fuel system was winterized and capable of using [[JP-4]] fuel, and a more powerful J35-A-17D engine with {{convert|5000|lbf|kN|abbr=on|2}} was fitted. It had been discovered that the untested wingtip fuel tanks contributed to wing structural failures by inducing excessive twisting during high-g maneuvers. To correct this, small triangular fins were added to the outside of the tanks.{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=136–137}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=29}} The F-84D was phased out of USAF service in 1952 and left [[Air National Guard]] (ANG) service in 1957.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=30}}

The first effective and fully capable Thunderjet was the F-84E model which entered service in 1950. The aircraft featured the J35-A-17 engine, further wing reinforcement, a {{convert|12|in|mm|abbr=on}} fuselage extension in front of the wings and {{convert|3|in|mm|abbr=on}} extension aft of the wings to enlarge the cockpit and the avionics bay, an A-1B gunsight with [[List of military electronics of the United States#AN/APG-30|AN/APG-30]] [[fire-control radar]], and provision for an additional pair of {{convert|230|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}} fuel tanks to be carried on underwing pylons.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=137}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=32}} The latter increased the combat radius from {{convert|850|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} to over {{convert|1000|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=32}}

One improvement to the original F-84 design was rocket racks that folded flush with the wing after the 5-inch HVAR rockets were fired, which reduced drag over the older fixed mounting racks. This innovation was adopted by other US jet fighter-bombers.{{sfn|Popular Science August 1948|p=92}}
[[File:Js-municiamento f-84.jpg|thumb|A Portuguese F-84 being loaded with ordnance in the 1960s, at Luanda Air Base, during the [[Portuguese Colonial War]].]]

Despite the improvements, the in-service rates for the F-84E remained poor with only half of the aircraft operational in April 1950.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=34}} This was primarily due to a severe shortage of spares for the Allison engines. The expectation was that F-84Es would fly 25 hours per month, accumulating 100 hours between engine overhauls. The actual flight hours for Korean War and NATO deployments rapidly outpaced the supply and Allison's ability to manufacture new engines.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=34}} The F-84E was withdrawn from USAF service in 1956, serving with the [[Air Force Reserve]] until 1957 and lingering with ANG units until 1959.{{sfn|Kinzey|1999|p=26}}

The final straight-wing F-84 was the F-84G, intended as a stop-gap until the swept wing F-84F entered service, but ordered in large numbers to build-up NATO air forces.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=137}} It introduced a [[Aerial refueling#Flying boom|refueling boom receptacle]] in the left wing,{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=137–138}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=36}}{{sfn|Popular Mechanics September 1951|p=98}} [[autopilot]], [[Instrument Landing System]], J35-A-29 engine with {{convert|5560|lbf|kN|abbr=on|2}} of thrust, a distinctive framed canopy (also retrofitted to earlier types), and the ability to carry a single [[Mark 7 nuclear bomb]].{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=137–138}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=36}} The F-84G entered service in 1951, although deliveries were slowed by shortages of engines. Production continued until July 1953 with 3,025 F-84Gs delivered, with 789 going to the USAF and 2,236 to US allies as part of US military aid.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=138}} The F-84G was retired from the USAF in mid-1960.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=38}}

===Flying the Thunderjet===
Typical of most early jets, the Thunderjet's takeoff performance left much to be desired. In hot Korean summers with a full combat load, the aircraft routinely required {{cvt|10000|ft|m}} of runway for takeoff even with the help of [[JATO|RATO]] bottles (two or four of these were carried, each producing 1,000&nbsp;lbf (4.4&nbsp;kN) of thrust for 14 seconds).{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=138}} All but the lead aircraft had their visibility obscured by the thick smoke from the rockets. F-84s had to be pulled off the ground at 160&nbsp;mph (140&nbsp;kn, 260&nbsp;km/h) with the control stick held all the way back.{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=68}} Landings were made at a similar speed. For comparison, the [[North American P-51 Mustang]] landed at approximately 120&nbsp;mph (100&nbsp;kn, 190&nbsp;km/h).{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=71}} Despite the "hot" landing speeds, the Thunderjet was easy to fly on instruments and crosswinds did not present much of a problem.{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=70}}

[[File:F-84E launchs rockets.jpg|thumb|An F-84E launching rockets.]]

Thanks to the thick straight wing the Thunderjet rapidly reached its [[Mach number|Mach]] 0.82 limitation at full throttle and low altitude. The aircraft had sufficient power to fly faster, but exceeding the Mach limit at low altitudes resulted in a violent pitch-up and structural failure causing the wings to break off.{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=68}} Above {{convert|15000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, the F-84 could be flown faster but at the expense of severe buffeting. However, the airspeed was sufficiently easy to control to make safe dive bombing from 10,000&nbsp;ft possible.{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=68–69}} 

The top speed limitation proved troublesome against Soviet [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]]s in Korea. Slower than the MiG, the F-84 was also unable to turn tightly with a maximum instantaneous-turn load of only 3&nbsp;gs followed by rapid loss of airspeed. One F-84E pilot {{who|date=July 2025}} credited with two MiG kills achieved his second victory by intentionally flying his aircraft into [[pitch-up]]. The MiGs chasing him were unable to follow the violent maneuver and one crashed into the ground. Luckily for the F-84E pilot {{who|date=July 2025}}, the aircraft did not disintegrate, but the airframe did suffer heavy warping.{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=69}} 

The F-84 was a stable gun platform and the [[Gyro gunsight|computing gunsight]] aided in accurate gunnery and bombing. Pilots praised the aircraft for Republic's legendary ruggedness.{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=69–70}}

Pilots nicknamed the Thunderjet "The Lead Sled".{{sfn|Davis|2017}} It was also called "The Iron Crowbar", "a hole sucking air", "The Hog" ("The Groundhog"), and "The World's Fastest Tricycle", "Ground Loving Whore" as a testament to its long takeoff rolls.{{sfn|McLaren|1998|p={{page needed|date=July 2023}}}} F-84 lore stated that all aircraft were equipped with a "sniffer" device that, upon passing [[V speeds|takeoff safety speed]], would look for the dirt at the end of the runway. As soon as the device could smell the dirt, the controls would turn on and let the pilot fly off the ground. In the same vein, it was suggested a bag of dirt should be carried in the front landing gear well. Upon reaching takeoff safety speed, the pilot would dump the dirt under the wheels, fooling the sniffer device.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=138}}

===Korean War===
The Thunderjet had a distinguished record during the [[Korean War]].{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=138}} After the entry of the [[People's Republic of China]] into the war in October 1950, the US [[Fifth Air Force]] requested that a wing of F-84s be sent to Korea.{{sfn|Thompson|1982|p=44}} While the F-84B and F-84C could not be deployed overseas because their J35 engines had a service life of only 40 hours, the F-84D and F-84E were more suitable,{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=31}} and so the F-84E-equipped [[27th Special Operations Wing|27th Fighter Escort Group]] was sent to the Far East aboard the aircraft carrier {{USS|Bataan|CVL-29|2}}, which arrived in Japan on 30 November 1950. After maintenance, the F-84s moved to [[Daegu International Airport|Taegu airfield]] (known as K-2), flying its first operational missions on 7 December 1950.{{sfn|Thompson|1982|p=44}} The aircraft were initially tasked with escorting the B-29 Superfortress bombers. The first Thunderjet air-to-air victory was scored on 21 January 1951 at the cost of two F-84s.{{sfn|McLaren|1998|p={{page needed|date=July 2023}}}}{{sfn|Thompson|1996|pp=4, 22}} The F-84 was outmatched by the swept-wing Soviet [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15]], which was both faster and more manoeuvrable,{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=69}} and the MiG counter-air mission was soon given to the [[North American F-86 Sabre|F-86 Sabre]]. The F-84 switched to the ground attack role at which it excelled.{{sfn|Thompson|1982|p=48}}

[[File:KB-29 refueling F-84E over Korea c1952.jpg|thumb|A KB-29M tanker refueling an F-84E over Korea. F-84Es could only refuel the wingtip tanks separately.]]
[[File:Republic F-84G-26-RE Thunderjet 51-16719.jpg|thumb|F-84G-26-RE Thunderjet 51-16719 while assigned to the 3600th Air Demonstration Team (USAF Thunderbirds), 1954.]]
The number of units operating the F-84 over Korea gradually increased, both by bringing over Air National Guard Groups from the US, and converting F-80 squadrons already in theater.{{sfn|Davis|Menard|1983|pp=41, 44}} The F-84 flew a total of 86,408 missions,{{sfn|Higham|Siddall|1975|p=70}} dropping 55,586&nbsp;tons (50,427&nbsp;[[metric ton]]s) of bombs, 6,129&nbsp;tons (5,560&nbsp;metric tons) of [[napalm]], and firing 22,154 rockets.{{sfn|Davis|Menard|1983|p=45}} The USAF claimed F-84s were responsible for 60% of all ground targets destroyed in the war.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=139}} Notable F-84 operations included the 1952 [[attack on the Sui-ho Dam]]. During the war, the F-84 became the first USAF fighter to utilize [[aerial refueling]]. In aerial combat, F-84 pilots were credited with eight MiG-15 kills against a Soviet-claimed loss of 64&nbsp;aircraft. The total losses were 335 F-84D, E and G models.{{sfn|McLaren|1998|p={{page needed|date=July 2023}}}} According to the USAF FY1953 statistical digest, during the Korean war, 305 F-84s were lost, including 249 in combat missions and 56 non-combat losses.{{sfn|United States Air Force Statistical Digest 1953|p=28}}

===USAF service in Western Europe===
A notable [[Air battle over Merklín|incident occurred on 10 March 1953]], when two Czech MiG-15 fighters intercepted two US Air Force F-84Es that were claimed to have strayed from German to Czechoslovakian airspace and shot one down. It crashed on the German side of the border and the pilot successfully ejected.{{sfn|O'Conner|2004}}{{sfn|The Times|1953}}

{{sectstub|date=July 2025}}

===Portugal===
Portugal received its first F-84s in January 1953, with 25 new build F-84Gs later supplemented by USAFE stocks and from other European operators, with deliveries eventually reaching 125 F-84Gs.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}} They were the [[Portuguese Air Force|''Força Aérea Portuguesa'']]'s first operational jet fighters.{{sfn|Lopes|1986|pp=43–44}} Two squadrons were formed in Portugal, operating the F-84 in both air-defense and ground attack roles,{{sfn|Lopes|1986|pp=46–47}} with the Thunderjet also equipping an aerobatic display team, the [[Dragões (Portuguese Air Force)|''Dragões'']].{{sfn|Lopes|1986|pp=48–50}} In 1960, the two operational F-84 squadrons were disbanded and the remaining F-84s transferred to training units.{{sfn|Lopes|1986|p=50}} In 1961, however, an [[Angolan War of Independence|uprising against Portuguese rule]] began in [[Angola]], and as a result, 25 F-84Gs were refurbished by [[OGMA]] and sent to Angola, with the first aircraft arriving at [[Luanda]] in August that year. There, they formed the ''Esquadra 91'' (91st Squadron), carrying out bomb, rocket and gun attacks against separatist forces.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=152}}{{sfn|Lopes|1986|pp=50–53}} In 1966, after [[Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence]], and the imposition of the [[Beira Patrol]] by the British [[Royal Navy]] to attempt to stop the flow of fuel to Rhodesia via the port of [[Beira, Mozambique]], a detachment of eight F-84s was sent from Luanda to Mozambique to guard against potential clashes with British forces, with the aircraft returning to Angola when the threat of military action receded.{{sfn|Lopes|1986|p=53}} Attrition of the F-84s was heavy, and by 1973, only five F-84s remained operational, with the last examples withdrawn from use that year, although the F-84G nominally remained in Portuguese service until October 1975.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=152}}{{sfn|Lopes|1986|pp=53–54}}

=== Republic of China ===
[[File:ROCAF F-84G Crew 1954.jpg|thumb|Pilots of the ROCAF 4th Squadron at Chiayi Air Base following the "21 July Matsu Air Battle" in 1956. From left to right: Lieut. Ouyang Yi-Fen, Capt. Tsai Yun-Hui, Lieut. Yu Chu, and Maj. Niu Hsun. During the mission, Lieutenant Ouyang single-handedly shot down two MiG-17 fighters and damaged two others, securing a major aerial victory for the Republic of China Air Force.]]

The [[Republic of China Air Force]] (ROCAF) began operating surplus F-84G Thunderjets acquired from the [[United States Air Force]] in 1953,{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}} with the aircraft serving in both ground-attack and interceptor roles amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Following their introduction, F-84G Thunderjets were primarily employed for low-level strafing missions against [[People's Liberation Army]] (PLA) ground and maritime targets along the Chinese coastline. Meanwhile, RF-84 variants were tasked with tactical reconnaissance operations, gathering intelligence on coastal regions of mainland China.

On 21 July 1956, four ROCAF F-84G aircraft from the 4th Squadron, based at Chiayi Air Base, undertook an escort mission over the [[Matsu Islands]] to protect an RF-84 reconnaissance aircraft. The formation was led by Major '''Niu Hsun''' ({{lang-zh|t=牛迅}}), and included Lieutenant '''Yu Chu''' ({{lang-zh|t=于礎}}) as No.2, Captain '''Tsai Yun-Hui''' ({{lang-zh|t=蔡雲輝}}) as No.3, and Lieutenant '''Ouyang Yi-Fen''' ({{lang-zh|t=歐陽漪棻}}) as No.4 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web
 |title=雷霆九霄殲米格，青天白日耀銀翼 永遠的空戰英雄–歐陽漪棻
 |url=https://www.airdefensenews.com/post/%E9%9B%B7%E9%9C%86%E4%B9%9D%E9%9C%84%E6%AE%B2%E7%B1%B3%E6%A0%BC%EF%BC%8C%E9%9D%92%E5%A4%A9%E7%99%BD%E6%97%A5%E8%80%80%E9%8A%80%E7%BF%BC-%E6%B0%B8%E9%81%A0%E7%9A%84%E7%A9%BA%E6%88%B0%E8%8B%B1%E9%9B%84-%E6%AD%90%E9%99%BD%E6%BC%AA%E6%A3%BB
 |website=Air Defense News 空防新聞網
 |publisher=Fackbook「IDF經國號」粉絲專頁
 |language=zh-Hant
 |date=2021-07-21
 |access-date=2025-04-27
}}</ref> During the mission, the formation encountered [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17|MiG-17]] fighters from the 45th Regiment, 15th Division of the [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]] (PLAAF). In the ensuing engagement, Lieutenant Ouyang Yi-Fen distinguished himself by shooting down two MiG-17s—one piloted by '''Song Yi-Chun''' ({{lang-zh|s=宋义春}}) and the other by '''Liu Ye-Chen''' ({{lang-zh|s=刘叶臣}})—and damaging two additional MiG-17s. PLAAF records later confirmed that both enemy pilots were killed in action. None of the five ROCAF Thunderjets, include the RF-84 reconnaissance aircraft, were lost or damaged. The engagement, later known as the "21 July Matsu Air Battle," was regarded as a major aerial victory for the ROCAF, showcasing the effective use of the F-84G when operated with tactical flexibility and strong leadership.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.matsu-news.gov.tw/news/article/178335 |title=721馬祖空戰大捷 痛殲共軍守護臺海 |last=黃 |first=獻忠 |website=馬祖日報 (Matsu Daily News) |date=21 July 2022 |language=zh-hant |access-date=27 April 2025}}</ref>

F-84G units remained active during the [[Second Taiwan Strait Crisis]] in 1958, engaging PLA MiG-15 and MiG-17 fighters in a series of aerial skirmishes. Although both sides sustained losses, the F-84G continued to play a vital role until late 1958, when it was gradually replaced by the more advanced [[North American F-100 Super Sabre|F-100 Super Sabre]].{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=151–152}}

===Notable achievements===
* The F-84 was the first aircraft flown by the [[United States Air Force Thunderbirds|U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds]], which operated F-84G Thunderjets from 1953 to 1955 and F-84F Thunderstreaks from 1955 to 1956.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=38}} The F-84E was also flown by the {{ill|Skyblazers|ja|スカイブレイザーズ}} team of [[United States Air Forces Europe]] (USAFE).{{sfn|Kinzey|1999|p=19}}
* On 7 September 1946, the second XP-84 prototype set a national speed record of 607.2&nbsp;mph (527.6&nbsp;kn, 977.2&nbsp;km/h), slightly slower than the world record 612.2&nbsp;mph (532.0&nbsp;kn, 985.2&nbsp;km/h) held by the British [[Gloster Meteor]].{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=134}} None of these records exceeded the April 1941 wartime achievement of an Me 163A rocket plane at some 624.2&nbsp;mph;{{sfn|Stüwe|1999|pp=207, 211–213}} itself first exceeded by the American [[Douglas D-558-1 Skystreak#Operational history|Douglas D-558-1]] ''Skystreak'' in August 1947, using basically the same Allison J35 turbojet engine as the F-84.{{sfn|Francillon|1979|pp=437–438}} 
* On 22 September 1950, two EF-84Es, flown by [[David C. Schilling]] and Col. William Ritchie, refuelled using the [[Aerial refueling#Probe-and-drogue|probe and drogue]] system from [[Avro Lincoln]] tankers operated by the British company [[Flight Refuelling Limited]], flew across the [[Atlantic Ocean|North Atlantic]] from Great Britain to the United States. Ritchie's aircraft ran out of fuel over [[Newfoundland and Labrador|Newfoundland]], but the other successfully made the crossing, which took 10 hours and 2 minutes and three aerial refuelings. The flight demonstrated that large numbers of fighters could be rapidly moved across the Atlantic.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=35}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=145}}
* The F-84G was the first fighter with built-in aerial refueling capability and the first single-seat aircraft capable of carrying a nuclear bomb.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=36}}
* On 20 August 1953, 17 F-84Gs of the [[508th Aerospace Sustainment Wing#Strategic Air Command|508th Strategic Fighter Wing]] using aerial refueling flew from the United States to the United Kingdom. The {{convert|4485|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} journey was the longest-ever nonstop flight by jet fighters at the time.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=35}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=145}}
* In 1955, an F-84G became the first aircraft to be [[zero-length launch]]ed from a trailer.{{sfn|Popular Mechanics March 1955|p=108}}

===Costs===

{|class="wikitable"
!|Costs, US$|||F-84B{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=27}}||F-84C{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=28}}||F-84D{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=31}}||F-84E{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=34}}||F-84G{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=37}}||F-84F{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=44}}||RF-84F{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=48}}
|-
|Airframe||||||139,863||139,863||150,846||562,715||482,821
|-
|Engine||||||41,654||41,654||41,488||146,027||95,320
|-
|Electronics||||||7,165||7,165||4,761||9,623||21,576
|-
|Armament||||||23,559||23,559||37,433||41,713||63,632
|-
|Ordnance||||||||||2,719||9,252||4,529
|-
|Flyaway cost||286,407 for the first 100<br />163,994 for the next 141||147,699||212,241||212,241||237,247||769,300||667,608
|-
|Cost per flying hour||||||||||||390||
|-
|Maintenance cost per flying hour||||||||||||185||185
|}
Notes: ''The costs are 1950 estimates and have not been adjusted for inflation.''
<!-- Approximately an eight-fold increase from 1950 to 2005 -->

==Variants==

===Straight-wing variants===
[[File:Republic XP-84A and YP-84As.jpg|thumb|The XP-84A (foreground) and YP-84As]]

;XP-84: The first two prototypes. Powered by {{convert|3750|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} J-35-GE-7 engine,{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=24–26}} and armed with four .50 in (12.7mm) machine guns.{{sfn|Kinzey|1999|p=13}}
;XP-84A: The third prototype with a more powerful ({{convert|4000|lbf|kN|abbr=on}}) J35-GE-15 engine.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=25}} This airframe was subsequently modified with a pointed fairing over the intake and lateral NACA intakes were installed into the intake trunks.{{citation needed|reason=need to confirm what aircraft was actually fitted with these inlets - Willis suggests one of the YF-84As|date=June 2022}} <!---Other than two photographs, no other information has been found about this project.---this needs a ref---->
;YP-84A: Service test aircraft with J35-A-15 engines and six guns; 15 built.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=135}}
;P-84B (F-84B):First production version, J35-A-15 engine; 226 built.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=26–27}}
;F-84C: Reverted to the more reliable J35-A-13 engine, improved fuel, hydraulic and electrical systems; 191 built.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=28–29}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=136}}
;F-84D: J35-A-17 engine, various structural improvements. The [[pitot tube]] was moved from the tail fin to the splitter in the air intake with fins added to the wingtip fuel tanks; 154 built.{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=136–137}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=29–32}}
[[File:F84E&G-frenchweb.jpg|thumb|F84 E&G Thunderjet French Air Force 1951–1955]]
;EF-84D: Two F-84Ds, EF-84D 48-641 and EF-84D 48-661 were modified with wing-tip coupling devices to allow them to link in-flight with the wingtips of a B-29 bomber and extend the range of the fighters. The B-29 and one of the EF-84s were lost in an accident on 24 April 1953, when the F-84s automatic flight controls were activated after link-up.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=140}}{{sfn|Anderson|1981|p=80}}
;F-84E: J35-A-17D engine, [[Sperry Corporation|Sperry]] [[List of military electronics of the United States#AN/APG-30|AN/APG-30]] [[fire-control radar]], retractable attachments for [[JATO|RATO]] bottles, inboard wing hardpoints made "wet" to permit carrying an additional pair of {{convert|230|USgal|impgal L|abbr=on}}. Stretched fuselage and enlarged cockpit.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=137}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=32–35}} Most aircraft were retrofitted with F-84G-style reinforced canopies.{{sfn|Kinzey|1999|p=31}} 843 built.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=33}} Some aircraft used as interim reconnaissance aircraft, with cameras in the wingtip fuel tanks, by Netherlands and Norway until RF-84Fs became available.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=156}} 
;EF-84E: F-84Es modified for testing - examples included testing of air-to-air refuelling systems,{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=145}} use as a FICON test aircraft with a B-36 host{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=141}} and use as test aircraft for the ZELMAL (Zero-length launch, Mat landing) experiments for operations away from airfields vulnerable to nuclear attack using the booster rocket from the [[MGM-1 Matador]] cruise missile.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=146}}
;F-84G: Single-seat fighter-bomber capable of delivering the [[Mark 7 nuclear bomb]] using the LABS, J35-A-29 engine, autopilot, capable of inflight refuelling using both the boom (receptacle in left wing leading edge) and drogue (probe fitted to wingtip fuel tanks), introduced the multi-framed canopy which was later retrofitted to earlier straight-winged F-84s.{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=137–138}}{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=36–38}} A total of 3,025 were built (789 for the USAF for other users under MAP).{{sfn|Knaack|1978|p=36}} Some used by Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy and Yugoslavia as interim reconnaissance aircraft with cameras in the wingtip fuel tanks.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=156}} 
;F-84KX: Conversion of ex-USAF F-84Bs into target drones for the [[United States Navy]]. Sometimes claimed that 80 aircraft converted but programme may have been cancelled prior to conversion or use of the aircraft.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=160}}
;Tip-Tow: See EF-84D above, did not become operational.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=140}} See [[FICON project]]
;Tom-Tom: Two RF-84K and B-36 wingtip coupling experiment, did not become operational.{{sfn|Miller|1979|p=42}} See [[FICON project]]
;FICON: F-84E and GRB-36D trapeze system, became operational.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=141}} See [[FICON project]]
;B.Kh.16: ({{langx|th|บ.ข.๑๖}}) [[Royal Thai Air Force]] designation for the F-84G.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

===Swept-wing variants===
{{Main|Republic F-84F Thunderstreak|Republic XF-84H}}
;YF-96A aka YF-84F aka YRF-84K: F-84E 49-2430 converted to swept wing configuration, and powered by J35-A35. The "first prototype" for the F-84F Thunderstreak.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=38–39}}{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=153}}
;YF-84F: Modified prototypes with [[Wright J65]] engine and deeper fuselage. Two built.{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=153–154}}
;F-84F Thunderstreak: Production version with [[swept wing]] and J65 engine.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=41–42}}
;RF-84F Thunderflash: Reconnaissance version of the F-84F, 715 built.{{sfn|Knaack|1978|pp=46–49}}
;RF-84K [[FICON project]]: Reconnaissance version of the F model, 25 built to hang from the Consolidated [[Convair B-36|B-36 Peacemaker]].{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=141}}
;[[Republic XF-84H|XF-84H Thunderscreech]]: Experimental supersonic-turboprop version.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=142}}
;YF-84J: Two conversions with the [[General Electric J73]] engine.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=154}}

==Operators==
[[File:RMM Brussel Republic F84 Thunderjet 2.JPG|thumb|Republic F-84 Thunderjet in the Royal Military Museum at the Jubelpark, Brussels.]]
[[File:F-84G of the Golden Crown.jpg|thumb|Imperial Iranian Air Force F-84G of the [[Golden Crown]] aerobatic team.]]
[[File:Thunderjet.JPG|thumb|Republic F-84 Thunderjet at the [[Italian Air Force Museum]], Vigna di Valle in 2012.]]
[[File:Norwegian Air Force Republic F-84G Thunderjet Bidini-1.jpg|thumb|Royal Norwegian Air Force Republic F-84G Thunderjet.]]
[[File:F-84 Portugues.jpg|thumb|Portuguese Air Force F-84 Thunderjet.]]
[[File:Самолёт в Пивке (40983243861).jpg|thumb|Yugoslav F-84 [[Pivka Park of Military History|Pivka]]]]
;{{Flagu|Belgium}}
*[[Belgian Air Force]] operated 21 F-84Es and 192 F-84Gs, with deliveries from April 1951.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=162}} Replaced by F-84Fs and RF-84Fs in 1956. 54 Thunderjets were destroyed in crashes in Belgian service, with 23 pilots killed.{{sfn|Wauthy|de Néve|1996|p=45}}
;{{Flagu|Denmark}}
*[[Danish Air Force]] operated 240 Republic F-84G from April 1952 until January 1962 and 6 Republic F-84E.{{sfn|Schrøder|1991|p=22}}
;{{Flagu|France}}
*[[French Air Force]] received about 140 F-84E and F-84Gs.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=162}}
;{{flagu|Greece|old}}
*[[Royal Hellenic Air Force]] received about 200 F-84Gs from 1952 until June 1960.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=163}}
;{{flagicon|Iran|1964}} '''Iran'''
*[[Imperial Iranian Air Force]] operated 34 Republic F-84G from May 1957 until February 1965.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=163}}
;{{Flagu|Italy}}
*[[Italian Air Force]] operated 254 Republic F-84Gs.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=163}}
;{{Flagu|Netherlands}}
*[[Netherlands Air Force]] operated 21 F-84Es and 179 F-84Gs. They equipped the 306, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315 and 316 Squadrons.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
;{{Flagu|Norway}}
*[[Norwegian Air Force]] operated 6 F-84Es and 200 Republic F-84G from 1951 to 1960.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
;{{Flagu|Portugal}}
*[[Portuguese Air Force]] operated 125 Republic F-84Gs from January 1953 until 1973.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
;{{TWN-ROC}}
*[[Republic of China Air Force]] operated F-84Gs from 1953 until 1964.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
;{{Flagu|Thailand}}
*[[Royal Thai Air Force]] operated 31 F-84Gs from 1956 until 1966.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=165}}
;{{Flagu|Turkey}}
*[[Turkish Air Force]] operated 479 F-84Gs from 1952{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=165}}
;{{Flagu|United States}}
*[[United States Air Force]] operated 226 F-84Bs, 191 F-84Cs, 154 F-84Ds, 743 F-84Es and 789 F-84Gs.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
;{{Flagu|Yugoslavia}}
*[[Yugoslav Air Force]] operated 219 F-84Gs from June 1953 until 1974.{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=165}} In May 1963 one Thunderjet crashed and exploded on a building in [[Slavina, Postojna]]. Two people and a pilot died in the incident. It is the only military airplane incident in Slovenia after the end of World War 2.{{sfn|Vokapić|2023}}

===Major USAF operational F-84 units===
[[File:F84 Thunderjet in Korea.jpg|thumb|Republic F-84E-15-RE Thunderjet Serial 49-2338 of the [[136th Fighter-Bomber Wing]], South Korea]]

* [[12th Fighter-Escort Wing|12th Fighter Escort Wing/Group]]: F-84E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[14th Fighter Wing|14th Fighter Group]]: P/F-84B (1947–1949){{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[20th Fighter Wing|20th Fighter Bomber Wing/Group]]:F-84B/C/D/E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=159–160}}
* [[27th Special Operations Wing|27th Fighter Escort Wing/Group]]: F-84E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[31st Fighter Wing|31st Fighter Escort Wing/Group]]: F-84C/E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[33rd Fighter Group]]: F-84C{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[36th Wing|36th Fighter-Bomber Wing]]: F-84E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=160}}
* [[48th Fighter Wing|48th Fighter-Bomber Wing]]: F-84G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=160}}
* [[49th Fighter Wing|49th Fighter Bomber Wing/Group]]: F-84E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[58th Special Operations Wing|58th Fighter Bomber Group]]: F-84E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=160}}
* [[78th Fighter Group]]/[[78th Air Base Wing|78th Fighter Interception Wing]]: F-84D (1949–1952){{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[86th Airlift Wing|86th Fighter-Bomber Wing]]: F-84E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=160}}
* [[113th Fighter-Interceptor Wing]]: F-84C{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[116th Fighter Bomber Wing]]: F-84E{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[122nd Fighter-Interceptor Wing]]: F-84C{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[123rd Airlift Wing|123rd Fighter Bomber Wing]]: F-84B/D/E{{sfn|Willis|2008|pp=159–160}}
* [[132nd Wing|132nd Fighter Bomber Wing]]: F-84B{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[136th Fighter Bomber Wing]]/Group: F-84E/D{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[137th Fighter-Bomber Wing]]: F-84B/C/D{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[312th Aeronautical Systems Group|312th Fighter Bomber Group]]: F-84E/G (1954–1955){{citation needed|date=July 2023}}
* [[406th Air Expeditionary Wing|406th Fighter-Bomber Wing]]:F-84E{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=160}}
* [[474th Tactical Fighter Wing|474th Fighter Bomber Wing]]: F-84E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=160}}
* [[506th Air Expeditionary Group|506th Strategic Fighter Wing]]: F-84G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[508th Aerospace Sustainment Wing|508th Strategic Fighter Wing]]: F-84G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[4702d Defense Wing|4702d Fighter-Interceptor Wing]]: F-84D{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[4709th Air Defense Wing|4709th Fighter-Interceptor Wing]]: F-84G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[4710th Air Defense Wing|4710th Fighter-Interceptor Wing]]{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=159}}
* [[4925th Test Group]] (Atomic): F-84E/G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=160}}

===Royal Netherlands Air Force operational F-84 units===
* [[No. 306 Squadron RNLAF|306 Squadron]]: F-84E{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
* [[No. 311 Squadron RNLAF|311 Squadron]]: F-84E{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
* [[No. 312 Squadron RNLAF|312 Squadron]]: F-84G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
* [[No. 313 Squadron RNLAF|313 Squadron]]: F-84E{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
* [[No. 314 Squadron RNLAF|314 Squadron]]: F-84G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
* [[No. 315 Squadron RNLAF|315 Squadron]]: F-84G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}
* [[No. 315 Squadron RNLAF|316 Squadron]]: F-84G{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=164}}

==Aircraft on display==
[[File:F-84 Thunderjet ZELL.jpg|thumb|An F-84 during [[Zero-length launch]] testing]]
{{main|List of surviving Republic F-84 Thunderjets}}

==Specifications (F-84G Thunderjet)==
[[File:Republic F-84 Thunderjet 3-view.svg|thumb|Line drawing of F-84C]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Thunderjets in Korea{{sfn|Thompson|1982|p=51}}
|prime units?=imp
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew=1
|length ft=38
|length in=1
|length note=
|span ft=36
|span in=5
|span note=
|height ft=12
|height in=7
|height note=
|wing area sqft=260
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=Republic R-4,45-1512-.9 (12%){{sfn|Lednicer|2010}}
|empty weight lb=11095
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=18645
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=23525
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{convert|450|USgal|L|abbr=on}} internal fuel
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[Allison J35-A-29]]
|eng1 type=[[turbojet]] engine
|eng1 lbf=5600
|eng1 note=
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed mph=622
|max speed note=at sea level
|max speed mach=
|cruise speed mph=483
|cruise speed note=at {{convert|35000|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed note=
|range miles=670
|range note=(internal fuel)
|combat range miles=
|combat range note=
|ferry range miles=2000
|ferry range note=with external tanks
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=40500
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=7.9 min to {{convert|35000|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|lift to drag=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=<!--<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->
<!--   Armament
-->
|guns=6 × [[.50 BMG|.50 in]] (12.7 mm) [[M3 Browning machine gun]]s, 300 rounds per gun
|bombs= {{convert|4000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} bombs,{{sfn|Bowers|Angelucci|1987|p=402}} including 1 × [[Mark 7 nuclear bomb]]{{sfn|Willis|2008|p=137}}
|rockets=Up to 32 5-inch rockets{{sfn|Bowers|Angelucci|1987|p=402}}
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=

|related=
* [[Republic F-84F Thunderstreak|F-84F Thunderstreak]]
* [[Republic XF-91 Thunderceptor]]
* [[Republic XF-84H|XF-84H Thunderscreech]]

|similar aircraft=
*[[Dassault Ouragan]]
*[[de Havilland Venom]]
*[[Gloster Meteor]]
*[[Grumman F9F Cougar]]
*[[Grumman F9F Panther]]
*[[McDonnell XF-85 Goblin]]

|lists=
}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|20em}}

===Bibliography===
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* {{cite book |last1 = Bowers |first1 = Peter M. |author-link1 = Peter M. Bowers |last2 = Angelucci |first2 = Enzo |title = The American Fighter |year = 1987 |location = Sparkford, UK |publisher = Haynes Publishing Group |isbn = 0-85429-635-2}}
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* {{Cite book |last = Knaack |first = Marcelle Size |title = Encyclopedia of US Air Force Aircraft and Missile Systems: Volume 1, Post-World War II Fighters, 1945–1973 |location = Washington, DC |publisher = Office of Air Force History |date = 1978 |isbn = 0-912799-59-5 |url = http://www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100526-027.pdf |access-date = 21 December 2013 |archive-date = 3 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182633/http://www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100526-027.pdf |url-status = dead}}
* {{cite web |last1 = Lednicer |first1 = David |date = 15 September 2010 |title = The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url = https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website = m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date = 16 April 2019 |archive-date = 26 March 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |url-status = live}}
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* {{cite magazine |last = Miller |first = Jay |title = Tip Tow & Tom-Tom |magazine = [[Air Enthusiast]] |issue = 9 |date = February–May 1979 |pages = 40–42 |issn = 0143-5450}}
* {{cite web |last = O'Conner |first = Coilin |date = 10 April 2004 |title = Czech fighter pilot recalls Cold War dogfight |website = Radio Prague International |url = https://english.radio.cz/czech-fighter-pilot-recalls-cold-war-dogfight-8091378 |access-date = 23 February 2023}}
* {{cite magazine |title = Mid-Air Refueling Increases Range of F-84 Thunderjet Fighters |magazine = [[Popular Mechanics]] |date = September 1951 |volume = 96 |issue = 3 |page = 98 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=49gDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA98 |ref ={{sfnref|Popular Mechanics September 1951}}}}
* {{cite magazine |title = Fighter Plane Launched Like Missile From Truck Platform |magazine = Popular Mechanics |date = March 1955 |volume = 103 |number = 3 |page = 108 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=fNwDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA108 |ref ={{sfnref|Popular Mechanics March 1955}}}}
* {{cite magazine |title = What's New in Aviation: Rocket Racks Fold into Wing |magazine = [[Popular Science]] |date = August 1948 |volume = 153 |issue = 2 |page = 92 |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=QCgDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA92 |ref ={{sfnref|Popular Science August 1948}}}}
* {{cite book |title = Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977 |last = Ravenstein |first = Charles A. |publisher = Office of Air Force History |year = 1984 |isbn = 0-912799-12-9 |location = Washington, DC |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/airforcecombatwi0000rave}}
* {{cite book |last = Schrøder |first = Hans |year = 1991 |title = Royal Danish Airforce |editor-last = Nielsen |editor-first = Kay S. |publisher = Tøjhusmuseet |isbn = 87-89022-24-6}}
* {{cite book |last = Stüwe |first = Botho |year = 1999 |title = Peenemünde West |language = German |location = Augsburg, Germany |publisher = Bechtermünz Verlag |isbn = 3-8289-0294-4}}
* {{cite book |last1 = Swanborough |first1 = Gordon |last2 = Bowers |first2 = Peter |title = United States Military Aircraft Since 1909 |place = Washington, DC |publisher = Smithsonian |year = 1989 |isbn = 0-87474-880-1}}
* {{cite news |title=The Shot-Down Thunderjet |newspaper=[[The Times]] |date=12 March 1953 |issue=52568 |page=5 |ref={{sfnref|The Times|1953}}}}
* {{cite magazine |last = Thompson |first = Warren |title = Thunderjets in Korea |magazine = [[Air Enthusiast]] |date = August–November 1982 |issue = Nineteen |pages = 44–57 |issn = 0143-5450}}
* {{cite magazine |last = Thompson |first = Warren |title = Fighter Combat over Korea: Part Two: Jet Aces |magazine = Wings of Fame |volume = 2 |year = 1996 |pages = 4–23 |isbn = 1-874023-69-7 |issn = 1361-2034}}
* ''United States Air Force Museum Guidebook''. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: Air Force Museum Foundation, 1975.
* {{cite report |title = United States Air Force Statistical Digest 1953 |year = 1953 |publisher = Director of Statistical Services, United States Air Force |location = Washington DC |url = https://media.defense.gov/2011/Apr/05/2001329931/-1/-1/0/AFD-110405-030.pdf |access-date = 19 October 2022 |ref ={{sfnref|United States Air Force Statistical Digest 1953}}}}
* {{cite book |last = Wagner |first = Ray |title = American Combat Planes, Third Enlarged Edition |place = New York |publisher = Doubleday |year = 1982 |isbn = 0-385-13120-8}}
* {{Cite web |last=Vokapić |first=Mirko |date=2023-07-23 |title=Tragedija, o kateri se ni pisalo: pred 60 leti v Slavino treščil 'Thunderjet' |trans-title=A tragedy that was not written about: 60 years ago a 'Thunderjet' crashed into Slavina |language=sl |url=https://www.24ur.com/magazin/tragedija-o-kateri-se-ni-pisalo-pred-60-leti-v-slavino-trescil-thunderjet.html |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=www.24ur.com}}
* {{cite magazine |last1 = Wauthy |first1 = Jean-Luc |last2 = de Néve |first2 = Florimond |title = Les aéronefs de la Force Aérienne belge: Septième partie: Les F-84 |magazine = Le Fana de l'Aviation |date = February 1996 |issue = 315 |pages = 44–47 |language = fr}}
* {{cite magazine |last = Willis |first = David |title = Warplane Classic: Republic F-84 Thunderjet, Thunderstreak and Thunderflash |magazine = International Air Power Review |volume = 24 |year = 2008 |pages = 132–165 |issn = 1473-9917}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Republic F-84 Thunderjet}}
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=PC0DAAAAMBAJ&dq=popular+science+1950+can+our+jets+support&pg=PA112 "Our Jets Can Support the Guys On the Ground", ''Popular Science,'' September 1950, large article on the public debate about the F-84 in the close air support role, with photos and drawings.]

{{Republic aircraft}}
{{USAF fighters}}
{{Thai fighter designations}}
{{YAF aircraft}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Republic aircraft|F-084]]
[[Category:1940s United States fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Cruciform tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1946]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]