The F-84, the USAF's first post-war fighter, made its initial flight on February 26, 1946. It began rolling off the production lines in June 1947, and by the time production ceased in 1953, approximately 4,450 "straight-wing" F-84s (in contrast to the swept-wing F-84F) had been built. In addition to being used by the USAF, many were supplied to allied nations participating in the Mutual Security Program. During its service life, the F-84 became the first USAF jet fighter able to carry a tactical atomic weapon.

The airplane gained its greatest renown during the Korean Conflict where it was used primarily for low-level interdiction missions. Almost daily the F-84 attacked enemy railroads, bridges, supply depots and troop concentrations with bombs, rockets and napalm.

The F-84E on display at the USAF Museum was obtained from Robins AFB, Georgia, in October 1963.

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SPECIFICATIONS

• Span: 36 ft. 5 in.
• Length: 38 ft. 6 in.
• Height: 12 ft. 7 in.
• Weight: 15,227 lbs. loaded
• Armament: Six .50-cal. machine guns and eight 5 in. rockets or 2,000 lbs. of bombs or napalm tanks
• Engine: Allison J35 of 4,900 lbs. thrust
• Cost: $212,000
• Serial number: 50-1143