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To: alfa6

Looks like a jet with a propeller. I'm confused!

Sam says it was vertical take-off.

What do you know about this alfa6?


212 posted on 01/18/2007 5:29:40 PM PST by snippy_about_it (Fall in --> The FReeper Foxhole. America's History. America's Soul. WWPD (what would Patton do))
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To: snippy_about_it; SAMWolf; Iris7; alfa6; PhilDragoo; Valin; Peanut Gallery; Soaring Feather; ...
I just spent a good chunk of my commute listening to this guy.

The real one, not the actor. Very cool. Several Viet Nam vets called in to thank him, etc. He spent a good chunk of time talking about his work with DOD and POW/MIA efforts.

Finally he talked about the did his famous line. "Good" lasted about 30 seconds.

213 posted on 01/19/2007 5:49:32 AM PST by Professional Engineer (Ben Franklin, you're a genius.)
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To: snippy_about_it; colorado tanker
Okay as I recall this was an experiment by Republic Aviation at the request of the USAF to develop a long range escort fighter in the late 40s or early 50s. I found the following at...

(PUSH HERE)

F-84H Thunderscreech.That was the popular name for the Thunderstreak or Republic XF-84H. It was one of two experimental models based on the single turbine F-84. At least it used the wings and gear with a T-tail, a fatter fuselage, and two Allison turbines delivering 7400 hp. The engines were in the fuselage behind the cockpit with two driveshafts running on each side under the seat to a gear box for the propeller. The prop was an Aeroproducts 3 blade with a 12 ft diameter. The blades had a wide aspect ratio of 4:1 and turned 2100 to 3000 rpm, or about twice normal prop speed and that made the outer 1/3 of the prop run supersonic full time. Thrust was controlled by pitch. It was so noisy it would knock unconscious anyone nearby and in line with the prop disk. So the name. The tower controllers hid under the desks when it took off for fear of broken glass. Top speed was estimated at 670 mph but it was never flown above 450 as it became unstable at about 400 and it flew less than a dozen times. The Navy was interested at first. They had a problem with prop plane's carrier landings as in last minute pull ups acceleration torque caused a left and down dive into the water, not up. Jets took too long to spool up if about to undershoot. But the Navy never followed up. The F-84H is now at the Air Force Museum.

I will have to look through my old Wings/Airpower mags to see if there is an article on the F-84H. I seem to recall seeing something about the F-84H there a long time back.

Regards

alfa6 ;>}

217 posted on 01/19/2007 10:46:19 AM PST by alfa6 (Taxes are seldom levied for the benefit of the taxed.)
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