#rf-84f thunderflash

[thestonecuttersguild]

it's true....

1974 China Lake Photo Gallery

RF-84F Thunderflash s/n 53-7552

[thestonecuttersguild]

Since I know I’m not going to start/finish anything else this year, here are my model kit builds from 2022. I was focused mostly on US Air Force kits in celebration of the 75th anniversary. The RCAF Sabre was a kit started last year, but finished in early 2022. The raptor is a Christmas gift. The F-82 Twin Mustang is a brand new kit for 2021/2022 that I had shipped from Ukraine before the war started. The RF-84F Thunderflash is a vintage kit from the 60′s. I worked on a few niche kits this year that took up a lot of time, but I’m happy with the results.

[all-action-all-picture]

Warlord No. 411, cover dated 7 August 1982. Union Jack Jackson cover by Ian Kennedy (with a photo background). I thought this image was unusual as the figures seemed familiar and the faces didn't appear as detailed as Ian's normal work. On checking it turned out the figures were reused from the background of Ian's cover to Warlord No. 386, dated 13 February 1982.

The back page feature from No. 411 was of the Republic RF-84F Thunderflash. Not a plane I know very much about.

D.C. Thomson & Co. Ltd.

[thestonecuttersguild]

Always reblog Pops’ favorite

[usafphantom2]

Hermen Goud Photography

Soesterberg luchtvaartdagen 2018 : P-5 RF-84F Thunderflash

[airmanisr]

51-1944 1952 Republic RF-84F Thunderflash USAF Pima Air & Space Museum 25.06.99 by Phil Rawlings Via Flickr: Built by Republic c 1952. Served with USAF 67th TRW. USAF 6102nd ADW. USAF 67th TRW. 1959 with the Tennessee ANG 105th TRS. USAF 3510th FTW. 1962 with the Michigan ANG 107th TRS. 1964-70 with Nebraska ANG 173rd TRS. To AMARC 11.70. Currently preserved at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, AZ.

[papermodelsinternational]

RF-84F Thunderflash, Royal Dutch Airforce. Hobbymodel, 1/33, built by Eef Smitshuysen.

[pinturasdeguerra-1945-1985]

1956 Suez Republic RF-84F Thunderflash Armée de l'Air - Serge Jamois

[sdkfz000]

The RF-84F Thunderflash was a photo reconnaissance version of the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - English

[airwingspotter]

Phantom Photographers The end of a Phabulous Era

  On the 5th of May, the official ceremony of the RF-4E Phantom II retirement took place in the airfield of Larissa. Along with them, 348 Squadron ceased its operation indefinitely after 64 years of existence. George Karavantos visited Larissa, two days before the ceremony and he is offering us a small taste of this historic moment. That was the end of the last Recce Phantoms in Europe, the last Recce Phantoms of NATO. The end of the film!

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History:

Without any doubt, 348 Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron “Matia” (Eyes) was one of the oldest and most historical Squadrons of the HAF. It was the only Squadron of its kind which had as a primary role the Photo-reconnaissance.

It was initially established in 1953 and was based in Elefsina to cover the photo-reconnaissance needs of the former Royal Hellenic Air Force. It belonged to 112 Combat Wing and was initially named Flying Group, operating six modified F-84Gs which were carrying cameras to their left tip tank. In July of 1954, it was relocated to Larissa and one year later, in May of 1955,  it received 20 new RT-33A Silver Star aircraft and was officially renamed Squadron. These modified RT-33A, were carrying cameras in their nose and on the back seat where the second pilot was seated.

On August of 1956, these aircraft were replaced with the more modern RF-84F Thunderflashes. In fact the Hellenic Air Force was the first Air Force of NATO which received this kind of aircraft and the older RT-33A were given to the Armeé de l’ Air.

The RF-4Es were ordered during the second Phantom order under the name Peace Icarus II which was signed on the 22nd of October 1976. Under this “Letter Of Intend”, Greece ordered 26 extra Phantoms, 8 of them were RF-4Es.

On November the 3rd 1978, the first RF-4E Phantom II, with serial number 77-1761 landed in Larissa airfield. All the deliveries were completed by the summer of 1979. Due to the fact that both types were equipping the 348 Sq, two separate “sub-squadrons” were made. The 348Sq/RF-4E and the 348Sq/RF-84F. Each one was operating its own aircraft and had its own personnel and infrastructure. In fact these two squadrons were finally merged almost 10 years later, on July of 1987.

The Greek RF-4E was identical to its older derivative, the RF-4C, apart from some small differences in its electrical equipment and they were all Block 66. Their serial numbers were from 77-357 up to 77-358 and from 77-1761 up to 77-1766.  Their most important asset of their equipment was the KS-127A camera. These aircraft were also capable to carry 4 air to air missiles AIM-9 Sidewinders (AIM-9L, -P2 and –P4) for self-defence.

 At the beginning of 1990s, HAF was desperately looking for a solution in the aspect of photo-reconnaissance. The total number of the RF-4E had been reduced to 6 and when the HAF decided to finally withdraw the aging RF-84F, a big gap was created without any visible solution. The best solution would have been the remaining RF-4C of USAF which, were being withdrawn from active duty, after the end of the Gulf War, but most of them (if not all of them) ended up to the Spanish Air Force. On March 29th 1991, the RF-84F aircraft were finally withdrawn after 34 years of active service, leaving behind very few RF-4Es to carry out this heavy task. A way out to this dead end was offered by the German Luftwaffe. In the early 90s, due to collapse of the Soviet Union an agreement was signed under CFE (Conventional Forces in Europe) treaty amongst the NATO members and countries of the Warsaw convention for a great reduce of their armed forces. For that reason, in 1992, Luftwaffe (which was the largest export customer of the RF-4E) offered a great number of photo Phantoms to its two allies, Greece and Turkey (27 and 46 respectively). The first deliveries arrived in Tanagra airfield in May of 1993. Twenty of them were given to the squadron while the remaining 7 were kept for spare parts. Finally, after so many years, 348Sq had a fleet of only one type which of course had some minor differences but it was the same aircraft.

The fleet of the remaining Phantoms had been reduced to only three active aircraft during the last years. These were the two ex-Luftwaffe ones, the 7540 (Special Livery of the 60th anniversary) and the 7499 (Special Livery – The end of the film). The third one was the last American one, the 77-1765 with the ordinary Vietnam camo. The fate of these three aircraft has already been predetermined. In mid June, the 1765 and the 7540 will depart again for their last time from Larissa. The ex-German one will land at Tanagra to join the small collection of preserved aircraft which are being kept there, while the American one will fly to Andravida, which might be used for spare parts. The special one will take the place where it really belongs, as a gate guard next to the general headquarters of the base.

EPILOGUE:

Despite the fact that the philosophy of aerial reconnaissance concerning the utilization of special photo-reconnaissance aircraft had already been changed for many years now, nobody could argue the fact that this “dinosaur” was offering a lot of advantages compare to other multi-mission tactical fighters which were only carrying a camera pod. The RF-4E was a specialized reconnaissance platform having assumed the role of electronic reconnaissance with the ASTAC pod during the last two decades. The efficiency of 348 Mira never left any room for doubt as crews were achieving high rates of mission successes while still using pretty much the same equipment that the RF-4E carried 39 years ago!

But during the recent years the RF-4E had become very demanding but most of all, very expensive in terms of usage and maintenance costs. Back in 2012, when HAF decided to start slowly the withdrawal of the type, it had been estimated that the cost per flying hour was around €16,350!

Detail shots of the RF-4E

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Unlike its modernized brother, the RF-4E’s legendary history stops here after the completion of 39 successful years of operation while the Squadron which offered it a good care goes along with it. The Phabulous Photo Phantom will always be in our minds and in our hearts with its distinguishable shape and sound, roaring over the Greek skies.

Long Live the Legend!

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Pictures and Article from George Karavantos

Greece Last Recce Phantom RF-4E Phantom Photographers The end of a Phabulous Era   On the 5th of May, the official ceremony of the RF-4E Phantom II retirement took place in the airfield of Larissa.

[dangerousthingobservation]

USAF Republic RF-84F-25-RE Thunderflash of the 32nd TRS/10th TRW.

[thestonecuttersguild]

Workbench Wednesday: Old and New Edition.

Picked back up the Heller RF-84F Thunderflash. I’d previously scribed all of the panel lines. Back to it, I added lead to the nose, glued the fuselage halves together, and sanded and sanded and sanded.

Also wrapping up paint on the little Hasegawa F-22 Egg Plane.

[allhistorywelcome]

Republic F-84F Thunderstreak (RF-84F Thunderflash photo reconnaissance version)

Manufactured by Republic Aviation Corporation and introduced in May 12, 1954

General characteristics

Role: Fighter-bomber/Reconnaissance Aircraft Manufacturer: Republic Aviation Corporation Designer: N/A First flight: June 3, 1950 Introduction: May 12, 1954 Primary users: USAF, RNLAF, Luftwaffe (German Air Force), Belgian Air Component Number built: 3,428 Place of origin: United States

Crew: One; Pilot Length: 43 ft. 4¾ in (13.23 m) Wingspan: 33 ft. 7¼ in (10.25 m) Height: 14 ft. 4¾ in (4.39 m) Wing area: 325 ft² (30 m²) Empty weight: 13,830 lb. (5,200 kg) Loaded weight: 27,000 lb. Max. takeoff weight: 28,000 lb. (12,701 kg) Power-plant: 1 × Wright J65-W-3 turbojet, 7,220 lbf (32.2 kN)

Performance

Maximum speed: 695 mph (604 knots, 1,119 km/h, Mach .91) at sea level Range: 810 mi (704 nmi, 1,304 km) combat radius with two droptanks Service ceiling: 46,000 ft (14,000 m) Rate of climb: 8,200 ft/min (42 m/s) Wing loading: 86 lb/ft² (423 kg/m²)

Armament

Hard-points: 2

Main armament 6 × .50 in (12.7 mm) Browning M3 machine guns (4 in forward fuselage and 2 in wing roots)

Optional armament Could carry up to 6,000Ibs of externally-held ordnance Bombs: 1 x Mark 7 nuclear bomb (1,650 lb. H.E. M.C.) (nicknamed Thor)

Rockets: 24 x 127mm (5-inch) Air-to-Surface HVAR Rockets

(Source of information: 1, 2, 3, 4) (Source of images: 1, 2, 3)

[freeminimaps]

4 Norwegian Museums Everyone Should Visit

Have you ever wondered about how well the Norwegians can preserve their cultural ancestry? Well, you are about to find out that they did an outstanding job and to top it all off, they’re even affordable! Let’s explore some of the most exquisite ones together!

1. Norsk Folkemuseum: The Norsk Folkemuseum is an open-air museum of cultural history comprised of more than 150 buildings meticulously relocated from other settlements. It also contains a wide array of artefacts from all social groups of the country. The folk museum was established in 1894 by Hans Aall, a contemporary librarian and historian. The true glory of the institution came in 1907 when the collections of King Oscar II were incorporated into it along with the renowned Gol Stave Church in the middle. What’s interesting about it is that it earned the title of the world’s first open-air museum in 1881. The site holds a number of cultural treasures like the 14th-century Rauland farmhouse and many more waiting to be discovered by eager eyes. There are nine flats from which seven contain 19th-20th century modelled interiors. Some of these flats have been refurbished along the years and now they serve as proud time-withstanding bastions of grandeur to those who visit the place. Definitely a must-see!

2. Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology: The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology is a significant point of interest along the European Route of Industrial Heritage. Boasting with diverse exhibitions, the museum is a technological marvel of Norway. It even contains the first Norwegian computer called NUSSE (Norsk Universell Siffermaskin, Sekvensstyrt, Elektronisk). Interestingly enough, the establishment did not enjoy a peaceful slumber in a well-decided place. Let us explain this a little bit – founded in 1914, it was not until 1932 that the museum was first opened, in the basement of the Viking Ship Museum in Bygdøy. In 1959, the museum was moved to Etterstad, and later, in 1986, it suffered the same fate, but this time, it landed in Kjelsås, stretching upon 20,000 square metres of floor space. Provided with a library, a café, and even a historical archive, the establishment possesses objects pertaining to electricity, aviation, clocks and transport. If you are in the mood for some science-fun, this would be your perfect weekend-pastime (wink)!

3. Norwegian Railway Museum: The Norwegian Railway Museum of Hamar is the most important railway museum of Norway and it is operated and administrated by the Norwegian National Rail Administration. The institution opened in 1896 and this makes it one of the oldest railway museums in the world. It contains Norway’s oldest station building, some exquisite locomotives, and vast collection of carriages dating back to the earliest days of the national Industrial Revolution. Let us not forget about the fact that it also has a large photo collection that you absolutely must not miss! Some of these photos date back as far as 1860. The new museum building includes exhibitions of illustrations relating to Norwegian railway history, music, animations and even games. Oh, and do keep an eye out for the renowned Dovregubben (one of the largest steam locomotives in Norway).

4. Norwegian Aviation Museum: Finally we have arrived at the museum that was opened by the world-famous King Harald V on 15 May, 1994. You guessed it, we are talking about the Norwegian Aviation Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the Scandinavian countries. Located in Bodø in what appears to be like a propeller-shaped building, the establishment covers over 10.000 square meters of land area. If you wish to delve deeper into Norwegian aviation history (for it covers it all), do visit this place. Notable aircrafts on display include: a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-3/U3, a Canadair CF-104 Starfighter, a Kjeller F.F.9 Kaje I, a Supermarine Spitfire LF.Mk.IXe, a Republic RF-84F Thunderflash, a North American T-6/J Harvard, and even a North American Rockwell 1121 Jet Commander (note that that one is a civil jet, not a military one).

Did you enjoy our list? How many of the aforementioned museums have you visited and how many of them are you planning on hopping over to? Tell us all about it in the comment section below! Oh, and do check back for some regular updates (wink)!

4 Norwegian Museums Everyone Should Visit was originally published on Freeminimaps - discover authentic experiences!

[usafphantom2]

Robert Sullivan Following

Republic RF-84F "Thunderflash" (s/n xx-921) of the 154th TRS, ARK-ANG (Little Rock)

[airmanisr]

ANG RF-84F Thunderflash s/n 53-7568 by G. Verver Via Flickr: NEBR ANG RF-84F Thunderflash s/n 53-7568, Gun Butts, China Lake, circa 1974. Photo from Don Hart collection.