Aircraft Photo of 52-7259 / 27259 | Republic RF-84K Thunderflash | USA - Air Force | AirHistory.net #568979
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:52-7259
Alternate Serial:27259
Military Code:FS-259
Aircraft Original Type:Republic F-84 Thunderjet
Aircraft Generic Type:Republic F-84 Thunderjet/Thunderstreak/Thunderflash
Aircraft Version:Republic RF-84K Thunderflash
C/n (msn):215
Operator Titles:USA - Air Force
Location
City / Airport:Dayton - Wright-Patterson AFB / Patterson AFBMap
Region / Country:Ohio, United States
Airport Codes:ICAO: KFFO   IATA: FFO   Local: FFO   Other: -
Collection:National Museum of the United States Air Force
 
Photo Date:22 November 2022
Photo by:Arjun Sarup
Photo ID: 568979
Photo Comment

On display in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. This SAC Thunderflash of the 91st SRS, 71st SRW(F) based at Larson AFB in 1956 is one of 25 that were modified as parasite aircraft to hook up with ten GRB-36 FIghter CONveyers (FICON), which were modified strategic bombers. The concept was to carry the fighter or recce aircraft near the target, drop and recover the same so that the range of the fighter could be extended at a time when aerial refuelling was unproven. Separating and hooking back was hazardous.

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

It was added on 3 May 2023, and has since been viewed 101 times.


Submit Correction
Contact Photographer