The RF-84F was built to replace RF-80s and other aircraft in the
tactical reconnaissance role, but like its F-84F fighter counterpart,
was not ready in time for Korea. The Thunderstreak had a solid nose for
a carrying an array of cameras, and thus, the intakes were moved to the
wing roots. USAF RF-84Fs were replaced by RF-101s and RF-4Cs by the
early 1960s, but the ANG continued to use the type until as later as
1972. The Thunderflash was widely exported to NATO, and a few foreign
aircraft saw second-line use until the early 1990s.
AIRPLANE BY Alexander Kartveli
RF-84K Thunderflash at NMUSAF, July 2012
Bibilography:
Photo: YRF-84F at Edwards AFB.
Aviation Week August 25, 1952 p.9
Photo: Overhead view of a flight of RF-84Fs.
Air Pictorial May 1960 front cover
Photo: Color image of a US RF-84F in Southeast Asia Camouflage.
Air Classics September 1972 p.58
