15 Convair RB-36F Peacemaker
The FICON (FIghter CONveyor) project began in the early 1950s in an attempt to extend the range of fighter and reconnaissance jets by having them operate as parasites from B-36 bombers. Convair modified one of its RB-36F bombers to carry and recover a modified F-84E Thunderjet using a retractable H-shaped cradle in the modified bomb bay. In this image, a YRF-84F swept-wing Thunderstreak looks to hook onto the lowered trapeze. The Thunderstreak has a hook on the nose ahead of the cockpit. Docking could be difficult because of the vortices put out by the Peacemaker’s six propellers.
15 Convair RB-36F Peacemaker
The FICON (FIghter CONveyor) project began in the early 1950s in an attempt to extend the range of fighter and reconnaissance jets by having them operate as parasites from B-36 bombers. Convair modified one of its RB-36F bombers to carry and recover a modified F-84E Thunderjet using a retractable H-shaped cradle in the modified bomb bay. In this image, a YRF-84F swept-wing Thunderstreak looks to hook onto the lowered trapeze. The Thunderstreak has a hook on the nose ahead of the cockpit. Docking could be difficult because of the vortices put out by the Peacemaker’s six propellers.