Aircraft Photo of 49-2430 / 92430 | Republic YRF-84F Thunderstreak | USA - Air Force | AirHistory.net #20321
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:49-2430
Alternate Serial:92430
Aircraft Original Type:Republic F-84 Thunderjet
Aircraft Generic Type:Republic F-84 Thunderjet/Thunderstreak/Thunderflash
Aircraft Version:Republic YRF-84F Thunderstreak
C/n (msn):[ 49-2430 ]
Operator Titles:USA - Air Force
Location
City / Airport:Dayton - Wright-Patterson AFB / Wright AFBMap
Region / Country:Ohio, United States
Airport Codes:ICAO: KDWF   IATA: -   Local: DWF   Other: -
Collection:United States Air Force Museum
 
Photo Date:August 1973
Photo by:Richard Vandervord
Photo ID: 20321
Photo Comment

This is the unique FICON (FIghter CONveyor) modification of the prototype Thunderflash, designed to operate as a parasite fighter from a mother-ship B-36 (in fact GRB-36F) using a trapeze mechanism. Whilst technically successful, the operation was very challenging even for experienced pilots with several near disasters while unhooking or recovering. After a number of RF-84Ks were trialled by SAC in 1955-56, the project was dropped. The aircraft is now displayed indoors in the 91st SRS markings carried in the mid-1950s

This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 20 November 2017, and has since been viewed 521 times.


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