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Republic RF-84F Thunderflash (FICON)
Republic Aviation · Parasite Reconnaissance Fighter / Deep Penetration Photo-Reconnaissance (carried by B-36) · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)
The operational parasite aircraft programme that succeeded where the XF-85 Goblin failed. The FICON concept used an RF-84F reconnaissance jet carried under an RB-36 and released to photograph targets beyond even the B-36's enormous range. Pilots could reliably hook back on. Brief operational service 1955–56 before the U-2 spy plane rendered the concept obsolete.
Specifications
Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Parasite Fighter
Domain
Defence
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Republic Aviation
Co-Manufacturer
Convair (B-36 modification)
Operator
USAF Strategic Air Command
Primary Role
Parasite Reconnaissance Fighter / Deep Penetration Photo-Reconnaissance (carried by B-36)