| 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 Thunderstreak, 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. Note hook on top of nose. After a number of RF-84Ks were trialled by SAC in 1955-56, the project was dropped. As of 2025, the YRF-84F is stored (although an RF-84K is on show) 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 801 times. |