Space History Photo: Republic F-84F on the Ramp at Moffett Field

NACA, space history — The Republic F84F Thunderjet fighter-bomber was one of several high speed aircraft involved in flight research. (Image credit: NACA)

In this historical photo from the U.S. space agency, the Republic F84F Thunderjet fighter-bomber is seen in the 1940s. The Thunderjet was used by the United States Air Force as one of several high-speed aircraft involved in flight research. This one was at the NACA Ames Aeronautical Laboratory (now, Ames Research Center) at Moffett Field, California. The National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA) was a precursor to NASA. NACA was created by Congress in 1915.

After a series of engine and structural problems that kept the plane in limited use, eventually the F-84S because the primary strike aircraft for the Air Force during the Korean War.

Instruments inside the aircraft recorded data on the F84F’s aerodynamic performance as it was flown by a NACA scientist-pilot through a carefully planned research program. Later this data was anyalyzed and interpreted by NACA scientists and reports based on their findings will provide valuable information for designers of future aircraft. NACA (now, NASA) is the independent federal government agency responsible for research into the problems associated with flight.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the U.S. government agency in charge of the civilian space program as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. Founded in 1958, NASA is a civilian space agency aimed at exploring the universe with space telescopes, satellites, robotic spacecraft, astronauts and more. The space agency has 10 major centers based across the U.S. and launches robotic and crewed missions from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral Florida. Its astronaut corps is based at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. To follow NASA's latest mission, follow the space agency on Twitter or any other social channel, visit: nasa.gov.