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Designed as a day fighter and first flown in 1946, the Republic F-84 Thunderjet was initially plagued by structural-and engine-related problems. Indeed, by 1948, it was close to cancellation when the F-84D model matured as its definitive form. Following many refinements, the F-84E, followed by the ultimate F-84G, entered service in 1950, just in time to become the USAF’s primary strike aircraft during the Korean War. This F-84E was assigned to the 36th Fighter Bomber Group, home-based at Fürstenfeldbruck in the early 1950s. Yellow wingtip tanks denoted it as assigned to the 53rd Fighter Bomber Squadron. Notably, the cockpit canopy was that of an F-84G. (Artwork by Jean-Marie Guillou)