Museum makes Thunderflash progress

摘要

Denver, Colorado's Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum is continuing to restore its rare Republic RF-84K Thunderflash. The jet is one of 25 that served as 'parasite' aircraft - launched from a Convair B-36 Peacemaker to fly reconnaissance missions during the USAF's ficon (Fighter Conveyor) programme in 1955 and 1956. The museum's aircraft, 52-7266, was built in 1953 as a fighter-bomber, and was later converted into an RF-84K. One of only three of its type extant, it carried six cameras in its nose and a hook that attached it to the 'parent' aircraft. Both the cameras and hook can still be seen on the museum's example.