Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech Book Review
By David L. Veres
| Date of Review | October 2015 | Title | Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Steve Ginter | Publisher | Ginter Books |
| Published | 2015 | ISBN | 978-0-9968258-1-8 |
| Format | 40 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $14.95 |
Review
One of the Cold War’s most absorbing designs garners the Ginter treatment in Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech – no. 219 in the publisher’s popular “Air Force Legends” series.
Derived from Republic’s RF-84F Thunderflash airframe, the experimental turboprop fighter promised, among other things, better acceleration, superior stall performance and shorter take-off runs than contemporary turbojet fighters offered.
But the technology ultimately proved unsuccessful – and, literally, painfully so.
The XF-84H swiftly snagged the unofficial sobriquet “Thunderscreech”. Noise and vibration from its supersonic propeller and Allison XT-40 engine induced nausea among attending personnel. And it could be heard, author Steve Ginter reveals, “as far as twenty miles away”!
Contents span just 44 pages – including cover. The lavishly illustrated monograph sports dozens of B&W photos, drawings and tech-manual excerpts. Four color shots grace covers. A précis of the related XF-88B supersonic propeller testbed consumes one page. And a modeling section concludes contents.
When I was three, my Dad plopped me in the bang seat of a 112th FG F-84F during a base Open House. And ever since that indelible experience, I confess fervent fondness for all things Thunderstreak.
This title proves no exception. It’s an utterly enjoyable, informative introduction to Republic’s abortive, earsplitting effort. Grab Steve Ginter’s compact chronicle!
With thanks to Ginter Books!