The RF-84K was a reconnaissance and nuclear strike fighter that
was intended to be carried toward a target as a "parasite"
underneath the GRB-36 bomber. At the time, jet aircraft
possessed relatively short range and aerial refueling was not
yet proven, so this provided a method to extend their range. The
U.S. Air Force applied this parasite concept to the FICON
(FIghter CONveyer) project, which became the RF-84K. The mission
profile called for the recon aircraft or attack fighter to leave
the carrier aircraft (a modified strategic bomber) upon reaching
hostile territory, make a dash to the target and perform its
mission. The aircraft then returned to the waiting carrier,
hooked up underneath it and was carried back to a base. In 1952,
as it tested two F-84 FICON prototypes, the USAF ordered 25
RF-84Ks and began modifying 10 B-36s into GRB-36 FICON carriers.
The RF-84K design was a modification of the RF-84F, the USAF's
most numerous and advanced tactical reconnaissance aircraft at
the time. The only major dif