RF-84F Thunderflash - Birmingham, AL
N 33° 34.602 W 086° 45.210
16S E 522876 N 3715250
RF-84F Thunderflash located in Memorial Park outside the Air National Guard Base, Birmingham, AL.
Waymark Code: WMD22C
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 11/07/2011
Views: 6
The RF-84F was the first of the modern jets to be designed specifically for photo-reconnaissance. The Thunderflash was the first reconnaissance airplane equipped with a combination of standard aerial cameras and a dicing camera for close-up photos of individual targets. It was also the first fighter-type aircraft to be equipped with the Tri-Metrogon camera which could take horizon-to-horizon pictures.
Unlike the F-84 Thunderstreak, the Thunderflash had its air-intakes located in the wing roots rather than the nose, which was elongated and enclosed to permit installation of a variety of camera and electronic equipment. It was the first reonnaissance fighter to have a camera control system and a viewfinder for the pilot, who also acted as the cameraman. The aircraft was first tested in February 1952, and 715 of the aircraft were produced.
Type of Aircraft: (make/model): RF-84F Thunderflash
Tail Number: (S/N): 11279
Construction:: original aircraft
Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): Memorial Park
inside / outside: inside
Access restrictions:
The base entrance is guarded. The park is outside the fence but you must approach the guard gate. Drive slowly.
Other Information:: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of aircraft (required - will be interesting to see if the aircraft is ever repainted or progress if being restored)
Photo of serial number (required unless there is not one or it is a replica)
Photo(s) of any artwork on the aircraft (optional but interesting)
Tell why you are visiting this waymark along with any other interesting facts or personal experiences about the aircraft not already mentioned.
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