Bravehardt
0121 Republic YRF-84F Ficon
The Republic YRF-84F Ficon was the prototype of the standard U.S.Air Force Republic F-84F Thunderstreak.Originally designated the Republic YF-96A thunderstreak,it consisted of an Republic F-84E Thunderjet fuselage with swept-back wings and tail.As the Republic YF-96A Thunderstreak,it made its initial flight on June 3,1950.
During the early 1950s,the U.S.Air Force decided to conduct experiments on the feasibility of Convair B-36 Peacemakers carrying fighter aircraft suspened under their bellies.This would not only provide the bomber with its own fighter protection but would make it possible for the bomber to carry the fighter long distances to a combat zone.Upon reach the edge of the enemy's territorty,the fighter would be released to conduct reconnaissance mission or bombing mission on its own.
The Republic YF-96A Thunderstreak redesignated the Republic YRF-84F Ficon (a combination of "Fighter' and "Conveyer") was designed so that it could be carried be a Convair B-36 Peacemaker.As the republic YRF-84F Ficon,it made its first flight on March 30,1953;however,subsequent development of mid-air refueling for reange extension of fighter aircraft proved so successful that experiments with parasite fighters were discontinued.
0121 Republic YRF-84F Ficon
The Republic YRF-84F Ficon was the prototype of the standard U.S.Air Force Republic F-84F Thunderstreak.Originally designated the Republic YF-96A thunderstreak,it consisted of an Republic F-84E Thunderjet fuselage with swept-back wings and tail.As the Republic YF-96A Thunderstreak,it made its initial flight on June 3,1950.
During the early 1950s,the U.S.Air Force decided to conduct experiments on the feasibility of Convair B-36 Peacemakers carrying fighter aircraft suspened under their bellies.This would not only provide the bomber with its own fighter protection but would make it possible for the bomber to carry the fighter long distances to a combat zone.Upon reach the edge of the enemy's territorty,the fighter would be released to conduct reconnaissance mission or bombing mission on its own.
The Republic YF-96A Thunderstreak redesignated the Republic YRF-84F Ficon (a combination of "Fighter' and "Conveyer") was designed so that it could be carried be a Convair B-36 Peacemaker.As the republic YRF-84F Ficon,it made its first flight on March 30,1953;however,subsequent development of mid-air refueling for reange extension of fighter aircraft proved so successful that experiments with parasite fighters were discontinued.