EXHIBITIONS
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Exhibition
AircraftRepublic RF-84F Thunderflash
United States, photoreconnaissance fighter aircraft
In 1949, the Thunderjet F-84E was further developed into the YF-84F Thunderstreak. One version of this model was constructed to accommodate 6 cameras in its nose. It was given the designation YRF-84F Thunderflash, and took off for the first time in February 1952. It was a tactical photo reconnaissance plane and was intended to replace the equivalent version of the F-80.
The aircraft's spacious nose cone provided room for a varied assortment of cameras that could take photos vertically or at an angle. The Airforce received altogether 30 RF-84F aircraft. With these new acquisitions, the Armed Forces were in a position to solve new and more complex photo reconnaissance tasks. 717 Squadron was established to take charge of such tasks.
The Thunderflash was in Airforce service from 1956 until 1970, when it was replaced by the RF-5A.
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