externally stored ordinance load as well as gun armament. Initially the prototype aircraft was designated the XF-106, but was later changed to the XF-84H, designating it as a Republic F-84 variant.

The F-84 became the Air Force’s primary strike aircraft—and a testbed for practically any mission a military mind could invent. National Museum of the USAF An F-84E attacks a ground target ...

Determined, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation swapped out the underpowered ... a few thousand pounds of bombs or eight rockets. The F-84 also holds the title of the first fighter jet that could ...