F-86 Whif history required...

[Zeke]

So, just what kind of mad cap alternate universe would be needed to see this little beauty running all over the skies in 1950???



mad or what?...but I like it!...

[sotoolslinger]

Seems to me like this would be the early jet equivalent to a ground support AC. Excellent manuverability and low speed handling. 

[philp]

As news of the new Mig-17 was released the US needed a quick fix while new aircraft were developed.  In an effort to improve turning radius, the F-86 Biplane was developed.  The F-86 had a proven track record against the 17's predecessor and it was felt the improved maneuverability of an additional wing would help.

How's that for a lame excuse

I think it would fit right in with the Crimson Skies Universe part II.

[Madoc]

Actually, there were some proposals to add a "second wing" to some aircraft of the day in order to improve their range.  This second wing being a fuel tank in addition to providing the extra lift.  When drained dry on an operational mission, the wing was then jettisoned.

I think there was such a proposal floating around the RAF during WWII as well.

Madoc

[jcf]

A slip-wing for fuel is, as Madoc stated, a possibility.

Armand Thiebolt of Fairchild aircraft patented a swept-wing jet-powerd bomber that had a
detachable upper wing for fuel. Designs were worked out for both the USAF and Navy, one
mission profile called for the fuel-wing to be carried for the first 2,500 miles of the mission
and then dumped before attacking the target. Jared Zicheck's recent book on USN Secret Projects
has details.

http://www.google.com/patents?id=BPhyAAAAEBAJ&dq=D173772

So your slip-wing F-86 could be for long-range escort, say in a scenario where the US forces
were pushed off of the Korean Peninsula in the early stages of the war? As a result all USAF
fighters would have to fly from Japan or Taiwan.

Jon

[Weaver]

Nah, it's a 1970s barnstormer, used when these started to wear out  :