Lex van Eck

The Republic F84F Thunderstreak is an American-built jet fighter. This type served with the RNLAF as an air defense fighter in the days of the cold war from 1955 to 1970.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the “Streak” was the backbone of NATO's Tactical Air Forces and the Netherlands in particular.

The last official flight with a RNLAF “Streak” took place on December 21, 1970. After that, a number of aircraft got a new career as gatekeepers and instructional devices.

The plane painted here still flies with the old colors that were used until 1959, for after 1959 all “Tunderstreaks” flew in camouflage colors.