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RF-84
Thunderflash
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Photo: Robert Deering
18/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio |
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The first of the
modern jets to be designed specifically for
photo-reconnaissance, the Thunderflash was
the first reconnaissance airplane equipped
with a combination of standard aerial
cameras and dicing camera for close-up
photos of individual targets. It was also
the first fighter-type aircraft to be
equipped with the Tri-Metrogon camera which
could take horizon-to-horizon pictures.
Unlike the Thunderstreak, the Thunderflash
had its air-intake ducts located in the wing
roots rather than the nose, which was
elongated and enclosed to permit
installation of a sweeping variety of camera
and electronic equipment. It was the first
reconnaissance fighter to have a camera
control system and a viewfinder for the
pilot, who also acted as the cameraman. The
aircraft was first tested in February 1952,
and 715 of the aircraft were produced. |
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Photo:
Robert Deering 1971
Pate Museum of
Transportation
Cresson, Texas |
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SPECIFICATIONS: |
PERFORMANCE:
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Span:
33 ft. 6 in.
Length:
47 ft. 6 in.
Height:
15 ft. 0 in.
Empty Weight:
Gross Weight:
25,390 lbs. maximum takeoff
Crew:
One
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Maximum
speed:
629 mph
Cruising
speed:
542 mph
Range:
2,000 miles
Service
ceiling:
39,390 ft.
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Engines:
Wright "Sapphire" J-65-W-7 of 7,800 lbs.
thrust
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Armament:
Four .50-cal. machine guns mounted in the
wings
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SOURCE:
National Museum of the United States Air
Force |
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VARIANTS:
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F-84
Thunderjet |
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XF-84 |
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1959 DOD Aircraft
Recognition
Manual Page |
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