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| The XF-85 parasite aircraft was developed to protect B-36 bombers flying beyond the range of conventional escort fighters. In theory, a B-36 penetrating enemy territory would carry its protecting fighter in the bomb bay. If attacked by enemy aircraft, the bomber would lower the Goblin on a trapeze and release it to combat the attackers. After the enemy had been driven away, the parasite fighter would return to the bomber, hook onto the trapeze, fold its wings and be lifted back into the bomb bay. Two Goblins were built. Flight of the No. 1 aircraft was delayed by ground test damage, so on Aug. 23, 1948, the No. 2 aircraft (S/N 46-524) made the first flight.
Although the XF-85 was successfully launched and flown from an EB-29B on several test flights, it was never successfully recovered in flight or flown from a B-36. The test program was canceled in late 1949 when mid-air refueling of fighter aircraft for range extension began to show greater promise. SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 21 ft. 1 in. Length: 14 ft. 1 in. Height: 8 ft. 3 in. Weight: 4,550 lbs. Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns Engine: One Westinghouse J-34 of 3,000 lbs. thrust Crew: One PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 650 mph Combat speed: 581 mph Maximum endurance: 1 hr. 20 min. Combat ceiling: 46,750 ft. |
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| Bibliography: National Museum of the USAF |