Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech | |
|---|---|
| 国家 | 美国 |
| 作用 | 实验战斗机 |
| 首次飞行 | 1955年7月22日 |
| 建立 | 2 |
这 共和国 XF-84H "雷尖叫"是一种实验性的涡轮螺旋桨飞机，源自F-84F雷电。XF-84H 由与超音速螺旋桨交联的涡轮发动机提供动力，有可能为螺旋桨驱动的飞机创造非官方的空速记录，但无法克服牙齿空气动力学缺陷，导致该计划被取消
| 共和国 XF-84H 雷鸣走来走去 | |
|---|---|
| 摄影师 | 弗拉基米尔·亚库博夫 |
| 本地化 | 美国空军国家博物馆 |
| 照片 | 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) |
|---|---|
| 作用 | Experimental Supersonic Turboprop Fighter |
| National Origin | 美国 |
| 制造商 | Republic Aviation Company |
| First Flight | 1955年7月22日 |
| 船员 | 1 (Pilot) |
| 长度 | 15.68 m (51 ft 5 in) |
| 翼展 | 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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