Thunderstreak
Thunderstreaks of the K.Lu (in active service)
October 30, 2019 | Frank & Gijs & Hans
In the mid fifties the KLu (Koninklijke Luchtmacht) acquired 180 Republic F-84F Thunderstreaks, registered P-101 to P-277 and P-298 to P-300. The majority of the Streaks depicted in this album are selected out of the range P-157 to P-300, being the last of the type in operational service, flying with both 314 and 315 squadrons from Eindhoven AB. The Streak entered service in 1955 and the last ones were phased out in 1970. Last departures to other air forces (see below) took place in 1971. Read More
Belgian Thunderstreaks: Period of Active Service
October 14, 2019 | Frank & Gijs & Hans
We have seen the Thunderstreaks of the Belgian Air Force very frequently, both in operational conditions , in storage and/or as museum-pieces. This post deals with pictures of Thunderstreaks in Belgian Air Force service, while they still were operational.
USAF/ANG Thunderstreaks
October 14, 2019 | Frank & Gijs & Hans
The United States of America had large numbers of Thunderstreaks in its USAF and ANG service; numerous Tactical Fighter Wings (mainly U.S. based, but also in Europe) were equipped with this aircraft.
F-84F of the Greek/Hellenic Air Force
April 9, 2019 | Frank & Gijs & Hans
This gallery deals with the Thunderstreaks that once flew with the Greek Air Force. Most pictures were taken when Frank and Hans were invited to visit the Greek AFB Larissa to report on the Best Hit Meet in 1972: after a lot of asking we were allowed to picture some operational aircraft of 344 squadron that were based here at Larissa.
F-84Fs of the Italian Air Force
March 25, 2019 | Frank & Gijs & Hans
In ITALY the Thunderstreaks equipped 8 air force squadrons: 5th at Rimini, 6th at Ghedi, 8th at Cervia, 36th at Goia del Colle, 50th at Piacenza and the 51st at Istrana. Some Streaks were kept in service till 1972 when the 50th squadron at Piacenza was re-equipped with the F-104S Starfighter.
Thunderstreaks of the KLu (out of service)
March 14, 2019 | Frank & Gijs & Hans
After their operational service about 30 Streaks were temporarily used as eye-catchers (“decoys”) at air-bases of the KLu: about 4 aircraft were present at each airfield. They were removed and scrapped in 1980. A few Dutch F-84F’s still survive today as gate-guards, monuments ,instructional airframes or museum aircraft. In this gallery you will find a selection of the pictures we took between 1970 and today. Note that most aircraft depicted here are not present anymore at the locations as mentioned.
National Military Museum ,Soesterberg (NL)
September 5, 2018 | Hans & Frank
In 2008 Soesterberg Air Base , the Netherlands was closed for operational flying activities.
Belgian Thunderstreaks: Aircraft Out of Service
May 26, 2015 | Hans & Frank
Many Thunderstreaks of the Belgian Air Force ended their service lives at the aircraft-depot at Koksijde AB. Most of them were scrapped but some survived: at first as eye-catchers (“decoys”) – sometimes disguised as Mirages ! – and later in museums or as monuments. This gallery gives an overview on the faiths of various Belgian Thunderstreaks. Note that withdrawn a/c may not be present anymore at the given locations.
Museo dell Aviazione, June 2014
November 8, 2014 | Frank
In June 2014 Frank visited the Museo dell Aviazione in Italy.
Kleine Brogel (B) Open Day / Tiger Meet, June 1978
March 12, 2014 | Hans & Frank
The 1978 Tiger Meet was held at Kleine Brogel AB (Belgium) from 19-26 June. Participating were the air arms of 10 different countries including Norway, Greece and Portugal. On 23 June KB was open to the public and on Saturday 24 June the 31 squadron ‘Tiger’ area was open to the public. Both Frank and Hans visited the event.
