Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech | |
|---|---|
| País | E.e.u.u |
| Papel | Caza experimental |
| Primer vuelo | 22 de julio de 1955 |
| Construido | 2 |
el República XF-84H "Thunderscreech" fue un avión turbohélice experimental derivado del F-84F Thunderstreak. Impulsado por un motor de turbina que estaba acoplado a una hélice supersónica, el XF-84H tenía el potencial de establecer el récord no oficial de velocidad del aire para aviones propulsados por hélice, pero no pudo superar las deficiencias aerodinámicas iniciales, lo que resultó en la cancelación del programa.
| Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotógrafos | Vladimir Yakubov |
| Localización | El Museo Nacional de la USAF |
| Fotos | 93 |
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General Characteristics and Role
The Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech was an experimental high-speed propeller-driven aircraft developed for the U.S. Air Force in the mid-1950s. Its primary role was to test the concept of a propeller-driven aircraft capable of supersonic speed (exceeding Mach 1). It was a radical modification of the F-84F Thunderstreak fuselage, replacing the turbojet engine with a powerful turboprop engine driving a supersonic propeller. The aircraft is infamous for being one of the loudest ever built, earning it the nickname “Thunderscreech” and causing physical discomfort to ground crews due to the tips of its massive propeller blades consistently exceeding the speed of sound. Only two prototypes were ever built.
| Property | Typical Value (XF-84H) |
|---|---|
| Papel | Experimental Supersonic Turboprop Fighter |
| National Origin | Estados Unidos |
| Fabricante | Republic Aviation Company |
| First Flight | 22 de julio de 1955 |
| Equipo | 1 (Pilot) |
| Longitud | 15.68 m (51 ft 5 in) |
| Envergadura | 10.21 m (33 ft 6 in) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 13,600 kg (30,000 lb) |
Powerplant and Sonic Features
- Engine: 1 x Allison XT40-A-1 turboprop engine.
- Power Output: Approx. 5,850 hp (4,360 kW).
- Propeller: A massive 12-foot (3.66 m) diameter Aeroproducts constant-speed propeller with three large blades.
- Sonic Boom: The tips of the propeller blades consistently moved at speeds up to Mach 1.18 even at rest, generating a continuous, high-intensity sonic shockwave that was audible 25 miles (40 km) away.
- Maximum Achieved Speed: The aircraft never officially exceeded Mach 1, though it was designed for speeds up to Mach 1.05. The fastest measured speed was around 837 km/h (520 mph).
- Design Challenge: The high torque from the powerful turboprop required a vertical stabilizer extension beneath the tail to counter the rotational forces, similar to what was later used on the C-130 turboprop.
Program Outcome and Legacy
- Pilot Reports: Pilots reported severe engine vibration, handling difficulties, and poor landing characteristics. The massive torque required complex rudder and aileron trimming.
- Flight History: The two prototypes completed only a total of 12 flights, none of which lasted longer than 20 minutes, due to recurring engine and mechanical issues.
- Cancellation: The program was abruptly canceled in 1956, largely due to its technical impracticality, the intense noise and vibration issues, and the successful development of conventional jet fighters.
- Legacy: The XF-84H holds the distinction of being the fastest propeller-driven aircraft in history (though not truly supersonic), serving as a unique dead-end in aviation history.
- Preservation: The sole surviving aircraft, one of the two prototypes (serial number 51-17060), is currently displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
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