The Republic F-84 Thunderjet was an American military jet fighter-bomber with straight wings. It became a major ground-attack aircraft during the Korean War and also equipped allied air forces. The later swept-wing F-84F Thunderstreak was a substantially different development of the family.[1]Republic F-84E ThunderjetNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Republic F-84G ThunderjetHill Aerospace Museum · aerospaceutah.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Development and design
The first Thunderjet flew in February 1946. Early versions suffered from weak wing spars, excessive weight and problems associated with engines and spare parts. The F-84E resolved many of these difficulties and became an important operational version. Its armament comprised six .50-calibre machine guns supplemented by external bombs or rockets.[1]Republic F-84E ThunderjetNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The F-84G added tactical nuclear delivery capability and equipment for aerial refuelling. Hill Aerospace Museum's F-84G-25-RE illustrates this later configuration: a single-seat aircraft powered by an Allison J35-A-29 turbojet. The refuelling provision expanded the deployment possibilities of a fighter whose internal fuel otherwise imposed demanding limits on long flights.[2]Republic F-84G ThunderjetHill Aerospace Museum · aerospaceutah.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Korea
Thunderjets initially escorted B-29 bombers in Korea, then concentrated on close air support and interdiction. Their targets included railway infrastructure, bridges, dams and supply depots. This shift made the type's ability to carry weapons against ground targets more important than its performance against the newest enemy fighters.[1]Republic F-84E ThunderjetNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Production and support
Approximately 4,450 straight-wing Thunderjets were built, including prototypes and the B, C, D, E and G versions; production ended in 1953. Fourteen foreign countries operated the type. Hill Air Force Base began extensive F-84 depot maintenance and supply support in 1952, supporting several versions through 1959. Its museum aircraft served in both the United States and England before retirement and eventual restoration for display.[1]Republic F-84E ThunderjetNational Museum of the United States Air Force · nationalmuseum.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Republic F-84G ThunderjetHill Aerospace Museum · aerospaceutah.org · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details