The air indoctrination course at Eglin Field, Fla., recently ushered in a heavily-armed version of the Republic F-84E, performing as a fighter-bomber. In addition to its normal armament of six M-3 .50-cal. guns, the plane carried 32 HVAR rockets, each weighing 140 lb. Alternate versions can carry 16 HVAR and two "Tiny Tim" rockets (on pylons under the center section), or 12 HVAR, two Tiny Tims and two 230-gal. wingtip fuel tanks. JATO-equipped F-84s have been taking off at Eglin at 24,000 lb. gross weight. F-84E power is supplied by an Allison J-35-17 jet engine rated at about 5000 lb. thrust.
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