Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech
Republic Aviation Corporation · United States · first flew 1955 · fighter
The Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech was an American experimental turboprop fighter that attempted to combine jet-era performance with propeller efficiency, but became notorious as the loudest aircraft ever flown — its tip-supersonic propeller generated continuous sonic shockwaves that caused nausea, headaches, and hearing damage in ground crew.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboprop, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 15.67 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Turboprop-powered supersonic propeller aircraft — infamously deafening on the ground
- Tip-supersonic propeller created continuous sonic booms during ground runs
- Based on the F-84F Thunderstreak but converted to experimental turboprop propulsion
Appears as a standard swept-wing jet fighter of the F-84F family from a distance, but the enormous four-blade (or three-blade) supersonic propeller immediately identifies it — the only turboprop aircraft of the era with a swept transonic wing.
Specifications
- The Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech has a length of 15.67 m (51 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.18 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 837 km/h (520 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the F-84F Thunderstreak, the XF-84H replaced the jet engine with an Allison XT40 turboprop driving a three-blade supersonic propeller. First flown in July 1955, it suffered catastrophic vibration, handling problems, and the infamously destructive noise environment. Only twelve flights were made before the programme was cancelled; at least one crew member reportedly suffered a seizure from the sound.
Variants
Two XF-84H prototypes were built; both are now preserved in museums (USAF Museum and Planes of Fame).
Where you'll see it
Never entered service; the XF-84H is remembered as one of the most problematic and physically dangerous test aircraft ever flown in the United States, as much an audiological hazard as an aeronautical one.
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