| 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 196 times. |