The official handover ceremony held at Brindisi on May 10, 1952, with the arrival of the first 19 F-84Gs for the AMI. The aircraft in front of the podium used for the symbolic hand-over of the first example is F-84G-6-RE 51-9850 which is devoid of any nationality markings but still carries USAF-style ‘buzz-number’ ‘FS-850’ on the nose.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84 Thunderjet - СШАUSA - 1946

F-84G-31-RE 52-8415/‘5-62’ in the later scheme adopted by 103° Gruppo, 5° Aerobrigata, with the individual code and unit badge on the nose. It was photographed at Villafranca on April 26, 1956.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84 Thunderjet - СШАUSA - 1946

F-84G-31-RE 52-2911/‘51-10’ of 20° Gruppo, 51° Aerobrigata about to taxi from the flight line at Aviano on May 18, 1953. The band around the air intake is red and the tip tanks are white and red.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84 Thunderjet - СШАUSA - 1946

Three-view drawing of the Republic F-84G Thunderjet.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84 Thunderjet - СШАUSA - 1946

The 1960 national aerobatic team was provided by F-84Fs of the Getti Tonanti, from 5° Aerobrigata. As the Olympic games were held in Rome that year, the team appropriately wore Olympic rings on their fins. Note the unusual serial presentation on the rear fuselage with the USAF serial 53-6591 on the nearest aircraft presented as 5-36591 while on the remainder it is abbreviated to 5- and only the last three numerals.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - СШАUSA - 1950

This classic portrait of an F-84F-66-RE, 53-6813/‘5-813’ on the strength of 101° Gruppo, 5° Aerobrigata, was taken over central Italy during 1960. Note the wingtip rail for carrying HVAR rockets.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - СШАUSA - 1950

Three-ship formation of F-84Fs from 101° Gruppo, 8° Stormo, comprising 53-6639/‘50-01', 53-6623/'50-06’ and 53-6721/‘50-15’, over the Po valley in 1970.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - СШАUSA - 1950

Preserved at Rivolto, F-84F-71-RE 53-6845 is displayed with the starboard side in the Diavoli Rossi colour scheme adopted for the 1958 air show season. The port side is painted in the colours of the Getti Tonanti team.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - СШАUSA - 1950

Taking-off from Ghedi, F-84F-61-RE, 53-6666/‘6-30’, of 154° Gruppo, 6° Aerobrigata

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - СШАUSA - 1950

Two components of the AMI’s air defence fleet, 5° Stormo F-84F-71-RE 53-6909/‘5-28’ and 51° Stormo North American/Fiat F-86K Sabre 55-4854/‘51-57’.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: North American F-86D/F-86K - СШАUSA - 1949Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - СШАUSA - 1950

Three-view drawing of the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - СШАUSA - 1950

Taxiing at Villafranca in May 1969, this RF-84F-31-RE (52-7399/ ‘3-3’) was on the strength of 18° Gruppo, 3° Aerobrigata.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic RF-84F Thunderflash - СШАUSA - 1952

RF-84F (52-7399/‘3-16’) of 18° Gruppo, 3° Aerobrigata photographed at Villafranca on September 15, 1971.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic RF-84F Thunderflash - СШАUSA - 1952

RF-84F-36-RE, 52-7474/'3-04’, of 18° Gruppo, 3° Aerobrigata on the approach to land at Villafranca in October 1973, with flaps and undercarriage lowered.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic RF-84F Thunderflash - СШАUSA - 1952

Republic RF-84F

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic RF-84F Thunderflash - СШАUSA - 1952

Three-view drawing of the Republic RF-84F Thunderflash.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Republic RF-84F Thunderflash - СШАUSA - 1952