Scale jets turbine
F-84F Thunderstreak

In Of the 197 Republic F-84F Thunderstreaks delivered to Belgium as of 1955, some 180 were acquired in the framework of the Mutual Defence Assistance Programme (MDAP). Most of these aircraft were delivered by aircraft carrier to the port of Rotterdam, as were Streaks destined for the Dutch Koninklijke Luchtmacht. From the port the aircraft were transported by road to Avio-Diepen at Ypenburg (Nl.) were the protective covers were removed and the aircraft made flyable. During several months some Belgian pilots have transferred in flight the fighter-bombers to the operational bases in Belgium. In August 1955 the first Belgian Thunderstreak was delivered to N° 3 Squadron of the 2nd Wing based at Florennes. Towards the end of the same month two Belgian pilots had the honour to break the sound-barrier, something which made it on the front cover of all national newspapers. In the hands of pilots such as Marette and Dupont, Belgian Thunderstreaks executed fascinating solo displays all over Europe.