Plane of the Week and Weekly Newsletter 8/12/2025
PLANES & CHESS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
8/12/2025
Plane of the Week: The XF-84 Thunderscreech
The Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech, as its intimidating name suggests, wasn't just loud—it was the most ear-splitting aircraft ever produced. Its terrifying roar could be heard from an astounding 25 miles away!
The reason for this lay in its revolutionary, yet disastrous, propulsion. Even at idle thrust, the propeller blades' outer tips continuously broke the sound barrier, unleashing a never-ending barrage of localized sonic booms. The sheer intensity of this constant boom and its accompanying shockwave was so great it could literally knock a man off his feet. One unfortunate C-47 pilot learned this the hard way, suffering debilitating injuries when a ground run of the Thunderscreech caught him unawares in his aircraft..
For the ground crew, the experience was a living nightmare. They routinely reported severe nausea and convulsions, and in one instance, a crew member suffered a full-blown seizure, all due to the overwhelming volume and physical impact of the plane's sonic output. Beyond its auditory horror, the aircraft was notoriously difficult, almost impossible, to control. So profoundly challenging was its flight, that one test pilot famously delivered an unforgettable and defiant refusal to the formidable lead project engineer: "You aren't big enough and there aren't enough of you to get me in that thing again." The Thunderscreech was a technological marvel, but a sensory catastrophe.
Gambit of the Week: The Jerome Gambit
The Jerome Gambit is- well… really…interesting. Just click the link below.
https://www.chess.com/blog/Ethanchock7/what-the-jerome
News
Carlsen Wins Esports (8/1/2025): GM Magnus Carlsen became the first World Esports Chess Champion on August 1st after defeating GM Alireza Firouzja. GM Hikaru Nakamura came in third after defeating GM Arjun Erigaisi.
Weekly Chess Riddle
One side’s frustration, another’s delight,
I am the saving grace in a losing fight.
When things seem hopeless, I sweep in unseen,
Even rendering useless an army of queens.
What am I?
Trophies will be awarded to the first correct answer. The answer and explanation will be in the next edition.
Previous Riddle Explanation:
The answer was a square on the chess board. Member CHESSERJAMA got the correct answer.
Club Happenings
Dogfight Chess: Please join the latest Planes & Chess Dogfight Chess Tournament
Winners of Previous Tournament: Congrats to BaseballRookE (1st place) and CHESSERJAMA (2nd place) for your amazing performance in Dogfight Chess!
Vote Chess: We are playing in numerous vote chess matches against ISM Chess Crew, Baseball Chess Crew, and others. Good luck and play well!
Member Activity
Member CHESSERJAMA is once again the most active member. Great job!
Editor’s Note
Hello and welcome to the fourth edition of the Planes & Chess Weekly Newsletter! I would like to congratulate BaseballRookE and CHESSERJAMA for their performance in Dogfight Chess (Sorry for the late announcement). Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it! Again, if you want to suggest an addition, please DM me and I will consider you input.
