The RF-84F was the first jet aeroplane designed specifically for aerial reconnaissance. It was developed from the F-84F fighter but given a new nose capable of containing a wide range of aerial cameras.

The Republic F-84F fighter was already in production when a reconnaissance version was ordered.

The major difference between the fighter and reconnaissance versions was that the intake was moved from the nose to split intakes on the fuselage sides, reducing performance a little but allowing the large nose to carry a wide range of aerial cameras.

This allowed the RF-84F to be flown in a number of roles ranging from close observation of individual targets to horizon-to-horizon photography.

The first RF-84F was ordered in June 1952 and in all 715 were produced.

As well as serving with the United States Air Force they were flown by many allied air forces.

This model represents RF-84F 28723 of ERC2/33 ‘Savoie’ at Lahr in 1961.

Italeri 1/72 kit with Model Art decals completed by Leigh Edmonds in October 2009.