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

Ex-USAF 62-5924. Long before the V-22 Osprey came along, extensive tests were conducted with five examples of this tilt-wing design, with a first conventional flight in 9.64 and vertical take-off with transition to normal flight and back for vertical landing in 1.65. Excessive vibration and noise from the cross-linked drive shaft and wing flexing were major problems, but the concept showed promise. A joint USAF/Army/Navy project, the USN withdrew and interest faded, the last LTV XC-142A flying into the USAFM in 1970

Hayes Aircraft Corp. converted 136 surplus B-50Ds to KB-50 tankers, deliveries of the improved jet-assisted KB-50J version beginning in 1958. Replaced by KC-135s in the mid-60s, a few were still available in 1965 for use in SE Asia for emergency refuelling of fighters over hostile territory. Framed by WB-50D 0-90310, this one was soon after painted with fake serial 0-80114 and was moved to the Air Park at McDill AFB, FL in 1996

In my distant recollection, the sound of this awesome turboprop lifter was as distinctive and inspiring as that of the mighty Antonov 22. This Cargomaster, one of 50 built primarily to carry intercontinental ballistic missiles, arrived at the USAFM in March 1971 when the fleet had to be retired due to fatigue and was repainted in the white-top MATS scheme in 1986

Exhibited at Wright Patterson AFB, but later broken up.

Experimental tilt-wing transport design, only used for service tests. Ex USAF 62-5924.

A further development of the original Bell X-1, the X-1B was instrumented to study thermal heating during supersonic flight. Cracks in the fuel tanks finally grounded the rocket plane with the last flight on Jan. 23, 1958. Displayed at the US Air Force Museum.

With an impressive backdrop, here is the third prototype of Northrop's N-156F design for a simple and affordable Military Assistance Program export fighter, first flying on 31.7.63. A total of 799 were built, followed by 1166 of the more capable F-5E Tiger II. Now displayed in phoney camouflage as 64-13332 to represent a 'Shoksi Tiger' of the 4503rd TFS, which combat tested the type in Vietnam in the mid-60s

Civilian registered as NL63004 after WWII and advertised as a 6-seat executive conversion in 1952. Acquired by the USAFM in 1961 and nowadays displayed indoors, painted to represent 43-21475 "Little Joe"

North American's B-45 was the first jet bomber for the USAF, serving SAC from 1950 till 1959, but quickly superseded in the nuclear role during the early 50s by the B-47 Stratojet. A total of 143 were built, most 'C' models being completed as RB-45C reconnaissance aircraft, although this example was used latterly by Pratt & Whitney for engine testing, being flown to the Museum in 1971. Now housed inside in the marks of 47th BW (Light), which based B-45s at RAF Sculthorpe from 1952-58

Used as a test bed at Wright-Patterson AFB under the designation JB-47E in the 1960s, this was the first USAF aircraft with a fly-by-wire control system. Added to the Museum in 1969 and displayed until 2003, latterly inside, when replaced by RB-47H 53-4299. Now stored outside the Museum's Restoration Hangar

While developing the XP-84, Republic looked at installing rockets in fighters, inspired by late wartime German research. However the resulting XP-91 was quickly obsolete thanks to the rapidly increasing performance of newer jet engines and only two prototypes were built, although one was the first US fighter to exceed Mach 1 in level flight. An unusual feature was the wing planform, markedly tapered outwards from the fuselage to a wide chord at the wingtips to combat stall problems with early swept-wing designs

The proposed fleet of B-70 deep penetration nuclear bombers was cancelled in 1961 due to high costs and the introduction of ICBMs, but two prototypes of this awesome six-engined Mach 3 beauty were used in supersonic test flights from 1964 to 1969. One crashed following a midair collision with an F-104 while filming in 1966, the other became an outstanding exhibit at the USAFM, arriving on 4.2.69. One of the most memorable sights of my first visit to the USA

This Voodoo was assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB for ejection seat tests from July 1960 until its retirement to the Air Force Museum in 1970. It was displayed there till moved to the Yankee Air Museum in Michigan during the 1980s