Republic YF-96A
     The Republic YF-96A (S/N 49-2430) was the early and brief desig-
 nation for what became the F-84F. The aircraft was built by taking
 an F-84E fuselage and adding a sweptback wing and tail assembly. The
 aircraft's first flight was on 3 June, 1950. The YF-96A, because of
 its -E model fuselage, was powered by the Allison J35. Two additional
 prototypes were built as XF-84Fs (S/N 51-1344 and 51-1345). These
 aircraft had a 7" section spliced into the fuselage to make room for
 the larger Wright J65 turbojet which also required a larger volume
 of intake air.
     The YF-96A was later modified to test the feasibility of bomber
 aircraft carrying their own escort fighters in the bomb bay. The
 FICON (FIghter CONveyor) project never passed beyond the test phase
 because in-flight refueling proved more practical and efficient for
 long-range escort of bomber aircraft.
 TYPE           Number built/Converted        Remarks
 YF-96A                  1                 Became XF-84F
 SPECIFICATIONS (as the YRF-84F)
 Span: 33 ft. 7 in.
 Length: 42 ft. 11 in.
 Height: 14 ft. 4 in.
 Armament: Designed for four .50-cal. machine guns
 Engines: Allison J35-A-25 jet engine of 5,200 lbs. thrust.
 PERFORMANCE
 Maximum speed: 670 mph
 Cruising speed: 600 mph.
 Range: 1,800 miles
 Service ceiling: 45,000 ft.
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