The USAF ordered 25 RF-84F reconnaissance aircraft modified to operate as parasite aircraft. They were redesignated RF-84Ks. Serial numbers were 52-7254/7278. Ten B-36D bombers were modified to act as motherships, and were redesignated GRB-36D.
Republic RF-84K
Thunderflash
The RF-84K was a parasitic reconnaissance aircraft. Its primary purpose was to fly to the target slung under a GRB-36 bomber. It had a sharply downwards canted tailplane to clear the bottom of the GRB-36 mothership during launch and recovery. It would be released, fly its mission, return, and reattach to the mothership.