B-52 "FICON": B-52 carrying F-104's *finished*

sandiego89 · March 18, 2018, 11:33:13 AM

With Soviet defenses improving, Strategic Air Command desired a follow on to the Fighter Conveyor (FICON) concept that had been employed by the GRB-36/RF-84 combination. Much higher performance than achieved by the earlier concepts was needed. To extend their range the fighters would be carried by the launch aircraft, and three primary roles were specified: reconnaissance, nuclear strike, and fighter escort for the Bombers.

Making an existing fighter, or a purpose built fighter, fit partially into the bomb bay of the B-52 was deemed too expensive and unwieldy, but after some design work on the B-52 mother ship launchers for the X-15 program, it was soon determined that a F-104 could be fitted in a similar underwing fashion. It was further determined that some of the same components being developed for the for the Hound-Dog missiles could also be used....

The kits:
1/72 Monogram B-52D
(x2) 1/72 Esci F-104

Has been in my mind for years- going to be a big one, wish me luck!

JayBee · March 18, 2018, 12:55:11 PM

I do indeed wish you luck with this one.
A rather wonderfull idea, but why only two 104's? OK one under each wing, maybe, and another in the belly like the B-36/XF-85 Goblin system.
Get on with it, I will watch this one with extreme interset.

Jim

kitnut617 · March 18, 2018, 03:32:06 PM

Quote from: JayBee on March 18, 2018, 12:55:11 PM
and another in the belly like the B-36/XF-85 Goblin system.
Jim

There is not enough room in the belly because the wing spar runs right above the bomb bay area. One of the reasons why the B-52 couldn't carry the Mk.17 fusion bomb without removing the bomb bay doors and then it was very tight.

https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&biw=1334&bih=703&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=WeiuWr7WFNesjwP957CQAg&q=Mk.+17+nuclear+bomb&oq=Mk.+17+nuclear+bomb&gs_l=psy-ab.12...39391.41439.0.44243.6.6.0.0.0.0.178.884.0j6.6.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.5.739...0i7i30k1.0.gqui9LYeZno#imgrc=juHs2M0OaZjHrM:&spf=1521412231493

Snowtrooper · March 19, 2018, 03:44:32 AM

This is going to be EPIC

nighthunter · March 19, 2018, 03:47:48 AM

1/144 would've been a simpler scale choice, lol

ysi_maniac · March 19, 2018, 11:14:13 AM

Brave choice indeed.

sandiego89 · March 19, 2018, 02:43:03 PM

Thanks everyone- off we go!

Must be a great kit, this guy just loves his!

Opening the box with anticipation.

Ohh it is going to be big....

Yes, really big when the external tanks are Harrier GR.3 fuselage sized. 1/72 Harrier.

Hmmm Kit, longer wings.....

Impressed with the kit- really crisp and nicely detailed. Primer on. I usually paint after some assembly, but think this one calls for some pre-painting.

sandiego89 · March 19, 2018, 02:49:27 PM

Quote from: nighthunter on March 19, 2018, 03:47:48 AM
1/144 would've been a simpler scale choice, lol

Indeed- but what's the fun in that!

My very rough proof of concept in 1/144, with a very tired B-52H and a TF-104.

Engines 3&4 must have been hit by a SAM....

Plenty of room under the wing!

1/144 vs 1/72

PR19_Kit · March 19, 2018, 03:37:38 PM

Is that the version with the 'Jet Engine Sound Module'?

If so you'll be fitting it of course, and maybe another one for the F-104 as well.

The wings are OK, but could do with another 6" or so added, on BOTH sides........

Captain Canada · March 19, 2018, 03:57:29 PM

Quote from: nighthunter on March 19, 2018, 03:47:48 AM
1/144 would've been a simpler scale choice, lol

Or 350 lol.

Great idea ! Can't wait to see more.

Snowtrooper · March 20, 2018, 03:49:46 AM

Quote from: salt6 on March 19, 2018, 05:35:52 PM
I wonder what the pilot's state of mind is after a mission stuffed under the wing of the BUFF. How many hours?

To make things more "interesting" for the pilot one could of course design a way for him to transfer from the crew cabin of the BUFF to the 104 in-flight...

loupgarou · March 20, 2018, 06:02:15 AM

And, important, an heating system must be provided for the F-104 pilot, else he would be frosen solid.

I remember having read something about this concerning the real FICON tests.

PR19_Kit · March 20, 2018, 10:08:57 AM

Quote from: loupgarou on March 20, 2018, 06:02:15 AM

And, important, an heating system must be provided for the F-104 pilot, else he would be frosen solid.
I remember having read something about this concerning the real FICON tests.

On the production FICONs the RF-84F pilot stayed in the B-36 until it was time to launch, and then climbed down into the cockpit of the Thunderflash. I' m not sure that'd be possible with a wing mounted F-104.

loupgarou · March 20, 2018, 10:26:38 AM

Quote from: PR19_Kit on March 20, 2018, 10:08:57 AM
Quote from: loupgarou on March 20, 2018, 06:02:15 AM

And, important, an heating system must be provided for the F-104 pilot, else he would be frosen solid.
I remember having read something about this concerning the real FICON tests.

On the production FICONs the RF-84F pilot stayed in the B-36 until it was time to launch, and then climbed down into the cockpit of the Thunderflash. I' m not sure that'd be possible with a wing mounted F-104.

Iwas really thinking of earlier attempts: Earlier wingtip coupling experiments included Tip Tow, which were attempts at carrying fighters connected to the wingtips of bombers.

See here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FICON_project

In some magazine I had read more detailed reports that included the cold problem, with the fighter engine shut off.

sandiego89 · March 20, 2018, 02:33:59 PM

Don't worry folks, our intrepid 104 drivers will be supplied with heat and air- worked for the X-15 and even the Hound Dogs could be topped off with fuel after they were used to assist with the B-52 take off.

Forward basing, launch and egress routes were also carefully considered with the B-52/F-104 FICON program to minimize time in the cockpit and return profiles

No jet engine sound maker supplied with this one Kit- think that was only with the first pressings. I will have to make my own jet engine sounds after Mrs.Sandiego89 goes to bed....