1/72 Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech

Anigrand Craftswork - 1/72 Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech. In 1950, Wright Air Development Center of the U.S.A.F. had worked with Curtiss and Hamilton to study the concept of new propeller which could approach supersonic speed to a piston-engine fighter. The engineers of the Wadc needed a suitable airframe to test the concept, they selected most powerful Allison turboprop engine at the time, and chose to modify the F-84F for this new role. The concept also interested U.S. Navy to join the evaluation for a high-speed jet fighter with low fuel consumption by low take-off speed from turboprop driven propellers. In 1952, two prototypes were ordered to Republic and were designated XF-84H. Its maiden flight was made in 1955. The performance was not outstanding as it never reached supersonic speed, but still became the fastest propeller-driven fighter. After proceeded with several flights, both the Air Force and Navy lose further interest in the research as the mid-flight refuel experiment for extending the range of pure-jet fighters was being successful.