![]() ![]() GRB-36F 1 (cv) RB-36F modified to carry YRF-84FĪrmament: Two 20mm cannons in the tail plus an air-launchable Republic YRF-84FĮngines: Six Pratt & Whitney R-4360-53 radials of 3,800 hp each (takeoff power) and four General Electric J47-GE-19 turbojets of 5,200 lbs. Ten additional aircraft were converted for use as fighter conveyors, but all were modified from RB-36Ds. This aircraft was the prototype for the fighter conveyor program. The single GRB-36F (or YRB-36F) was modified from RB-36F S/N 49-2707. ![]() However, subsequent development of mid-air refueling for range extension of fighter aircraft proved so successful that experiments with parasite fighters were discontinued. As the FICON, it made its first flight on March 30, 1953. The YF-96A redesignated the YRF-84F FICON (which is a contraction of Fighter and Conveyer) was designed so that it could be carried by a B-36. Upon reaching the edge of the enemy's territory, the fighter would be released to conduct reconnaissance or bombing missions on its own. 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. ![]() Air Force photo)During the early 1950s, the Air Force decided to conduct experiments on the feasibility of B-36's carrying fighter aircraft suspended under their bellies. Convair GRB-36F in flight with Republic YRF-84F (S/N 49-2430).
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