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.

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.