Republic RF-84F-Thunderflash

Republic RF-84F Thunderflash

Single engine single seat reconnaissance aircraft

The RF-84F Thunderflash was the dedicated reconnaissance version of the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak fighter-bomber. The classic “Streak” intake having been moved to the wing roots a new streamlined nose housed the air reconnaissance cameras. Between 1955 and 1958 24 Thunderflashes (FR1 - FR24) were delivered to the Belgian Air Forces through the Mutual Defence Air Programme (MDAP). All Thunderflashes were operated by 42 Squadron. To cover for losses by accidents 6 additional aircraft (FR25 - FR30) were bought by the Belgian Air Force in 1963, these aircraft were former U.S.Air National Guard jets. In January 1965 another 4 aircraft (FR31 - FR34) were bought from the German Luftwaffe. After the introduction of the Mirage 5BR the remaining MDAP Thunderflashes were put into storage at Koksijde and scrapped, the 'national' aircraft were kept for preservation purposes at various locations.

Picture	*Serial*	*Date In*	*Date Out*	*History*
	FR-1	Jul 1955	Jan 1972	51-11250, FR-1/H8-A, accident 08 Nov 1971 multiple bird strike in flight near Liège, storage Koksijde (by road), scrapped
	FR-5	Dec 1956	Sep 1971	51-1949, FR-5/H8-E, storage at Koksijde, scrapped
	FR-6	Mar 1956	Jan 1972	51-1958, FR-6/H8-F, accident 21 Jul 1971 Bierset, not repaired, storage at Koksijde, scrapped
	FR-8	Oct 1955	Feb 1972	51-11257, FR-8/H8-H, storage at Koksijde, scrapped
	FR-19	Nov 1956	Nov 1971	52-7439, FR-19/H8-T, storage at Koksijde, scrapped
	FR-23	Dec 1958	Nov 71	51-1912, FR-23/H8-X, storage Koksijde, scrapped
	FR-33	Jan 1965	Sep 1971	53-7658, BD+105, EA+105, EA+305 (Luftwaffe), FR-33, storage at Koksijde, (Royal) Technical School Saffraanberg, Storage at Bierset, Preserved at Florennes,