Republic XF-84H
Thunderscreech
The most radically altered of the swept-wing F-84s was the so-called
"Thunderscreech" - the XF-84H. This orignated from a naval requirement
for a turboprop attack type, although the sole aircraft to fly would be
delivered to the USAF. The XF-84H airframe was based on that of the
RF-84F, but mounted an
Allison XT-40 turboprop in place of the Thunderflash's J65. A "T" tail
was also fitted.
XF-84H on a test flight from
Edwards AFB (USAF)
The first Thunderscreech flew on July 22, 1955, but the type's career
would be quite brief. Aside from problems with the XT40 engine, the
XF-84H also experienced issues with its three-bladed propeller. This
unit would also lead to the aircraft's nickname, as its intense sound
caused physiological problems for ground crews hundreds of feet away;
indeed, during ground running the Thunderscreech could be heard for
over twenty miles.
The first prototype XF-84H only flew a dozen times before being
grounded; as evidence that the type was a dead end, the second
completed aircraft never took to the air, and a third prototype with a
much more powerful afterburning T40 was not finished.
The second airframe was apparently scrapped, but after spending decades
as a gate guard in California, the first Thunderscreech has been
restored for display at the Air Force Museum.
