One of only three surviving RF-84Ks in the world. Built by Republic in September 1955 as a stock RF-84F, it was sent immediately to Beechcraft in Wichita, Kansas, for conversion into an RF-84K. Beechcraft installed the retractable hook-on equipment and the downward-angled horizontal tail that distinguished the special FICON aircraft, then performed test flights and turned the airplane over to the Air Force. In January 1956 it went to Larson AFB in Washington state and flew with the 71st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing until the end of the FICON program. (from the museum's website)

Preserved at Norton AFB, CA then at Ontario, CA before moving to Chino for the Planes of Fame Air Museum in 1977.

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.

Converted from an RF-84F to an RF-84K for the FICON (Fighter Conveyor) program in 1955. It had retractable hookup equipment and anhedral tailplanes to better fit inside a B-36. The project was cancelled in 1956. It became a ground trainer in 1957 and ended up with the George T. Baker Aviation School at Miami. It was probably scrapped around the end of the 1970s.

Seen after recent refurbishment and repaint

Modified from RF-84F by provision of down-swept tailplanes, hook etc to permit carriage by GRB-36D mothership for specialist 'FICON' photo-recce missions with the 91 SRS, 71 SRW. Later transferred to the USAF Museum.

Modified for FICON operations with a GRB-36D mothership

The Thunderflash was the first jet to be developed specifically to fill a reconaissance role. The RF-84 had its air-intake ducts relocated to the wing roots and the nose elongated and enclosed to permit installation of camera and electronic equipment.

Built as a FICON aircraft for operation from a B-36 mother ship. Later served 91 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron and the Michigan ANG. Stored at Planes of Fame's initial Ontario site.