Two test aircraft were ordered in October 1945, and flight testing took place in 1948. The aircraft were launched and retrieved several times from an EB-29B, but one never flew from a B-36. This unusual program ended in late 1949 when aerial refueling of conventional fighter aircraft showed greater promise.
McDonnell XF-85
Goblin
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.