Article number: 300060745
Product: Republic F-84G Thunderjet
Towards the end of World War II, information about advanced aeronautical
technology was captured in Germany by the U.S. Forces. One of them was
an analysis of the studies carried out by Dr. Alexander Lippisch on
delta winged aircraft. Based upon the information, the Douglas firm
developed the F4D Skyray, the only operational interceptor with delta
wings in the U.S. Navy. Starting the design in 1947, Douglas was awarded
a contract for the construction and testing of two prototypes in
December 1948. The first prototype took off on its maiden flight in
January 1951. The second prototype flew shortly thereafter, and the
airframe set two new world records, absolute speed record of 1,211 km/h
and 100km closed course record of 1,171km/h, in October 1953. Having
numerous improvements and refinements, the first production F4D-1 made
its maiden flight in June 1954 and entered squadren service in April
1956. The distinctive 50 degree sweptback wings with round tips were
equipped with leading edge slats and trailing edge elevons. A set of
trimmers were installed on the inboard trailing edges of the wings. The
outer portions of the wings could be folded upwards by oil pressure for
carrier stowage. Although the Skyray never saw any combat, it proved its
high capability as an interceptor with numerous world records and
scramble actions in Taiwan in response to crises in the late 1950's.
Detailed Plastic Kit of model
Republic F-84G Thunderjet
in scale 1:72
