| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 52-7259 |
| Alternate Serial: | 27259 |
| Military Code: | FS-259 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Republic F-84 Thunderjet |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Republic F-84 Thunderjet/Thunderstreak/Thunderflash |
| Aircraft Version: | Republic RF-84K Thunderflash |
| C/n (msn): | 215 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Air Force |
| Unit Markings: | 91 SRS |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Dayton - Wright-Patterson AFB / Wright AFBMap |
| Region / Country: | Ohio, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KDWF IATA: - Local: DWF Other: - |
| Collection: | National Museum of the United States Air Force |
| Photo Date: | 15 December 2024 |
| Photo by: | Richard Vandervord |
| Photo ID: | 820233 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
In 1952 the USAF was testing two YRF-84F FICON (FIghter CONveyor) prototypes, one of which is currently stored at the NMUSAF - see my 1973 photo. Orders were placed for 25 RF-84Ks, while ten B-36s were converted into GRB-36 carriers. The RF-84K now on display in the marks of the 91st SRS (with which it operated between 1955 and 1957) may have been used for a short time for deep penetration reconnaissance flights into the USSR, started and recovered from its mother ship. As more capable aircraft rendered the awkward concept obsolete, the RF-84Ks joined regular land-based RF-84Fs This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 25 June 2025, and has since been viewed 35 times. |