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Dates |
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Event |
1950 |
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Constructed as a YF-84F.
Originally ordered on F-84E contract as YF-96A, but redesignated YF-84F before completion as the prototype for the F-84F. Completed with swept wings and tail surfaces, and a 5200 lbst XJ35-A-25. |
3 June 1950 |
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First flight. |
1950 |
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Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force with s/n 49-2430. |
Circa 1950 |
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Photographer: USAF |
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Transferred to NACA High-Speed Flight Station. |
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Flight tests using the YF-84F Thunderstreak (49-2430) on loan from the Air Force studied the aileron effectiveness of the aircraft before spoilers were incorporated. |
1951 |
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Transferred to Wright Air Development Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. |
By 1953 |
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Converted to a YRF-84F.
Modification included retractable hook in the nose weapons bay, anhedral tail plane, and hard points on the rear fuselage for connecting to the B-36 trapeze. |
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The YRF-84F FICON (Fighter Conveyor) was developed as a parasite fighter for carrying on a B-36. Per NMUSAF: 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. Upon reaching the edge of the enemys territory, the fighter would be released to conduct reconnaissance or bombing missions on its own. however, subsequent development of mid-air refueling for range extension of fighter aircraft proved so successful that experiments with parasite fighters were discontinued. |
30 March 1953 |
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First flight.
First flight after conversion. |
May 1953 |
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First airborne launch and recovery in FICON program, replacing an earlier F-84E. The YRF-84F was briefly designated GRF-84F. |
2 October 1953 |
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Transferred to Edwards AFB, CA.
Used for tests to support the evaluation of the parasite jettison mechanism. |
From 12 May 1954 to 1 July 1954 |
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Transferred to Air Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. |
9 June 1954 |
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Last flight in FICON project. |
1 July 1954 |
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Transferred to Wright Air Development Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. |
July 1954 |
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Used in testing of emergency landing barriers. Landing gear doors were removed and the aircraft did high-speed taxi into the barriers strung across the runway. |
27 September 1954 |
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Transferred to Williams AFB, AZ.
Served as training aid. |
By 1967 |
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To United States Air Force Museum, Patterson Field (East Side), Dayton, OH.
 View the Location Dossier |
March 1968 |
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Photographer: Chris Kennedy by permission |
October 1970 |
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Transported by ground. Delivered to National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright Field, Dayton, OH.
View the Location Dossier |
1 June 1972 |
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Photographer: Unknown |
21 May 1973 |
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Photographer: Peter Nicholson
Notes: YRF-84F FICON as displayed at the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in May 1973. |
21 May 1973 |
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Photographer: Peter Nicholson
Notes: YRF-84F FICON as displayed at the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in May 1973. |
19 September 1987 |
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Photographer: Glenn Chatfield |
30 March 1991 |
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Photographer: Glenn Chatfield |
18 July 1996 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio. |
14 May 2010 |
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Photographer: Glenn Chatfield |
16 May 2018 |
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Photographer: Glenn Chatfield |
