Airborne Aircraft Carriers

[Admiral Beez]

Who knew this was a thing?

Airborne Aircraft Carriers: Wing tip coupling giving a "free ride" to Fighters. - The Dakota Hunter

 

[GrauGeist]

It was done on several occasions, like project "tip tow" that incorporated a B-29 and F-84s, "Tom Tom" that incorporated a B-36 and F-84s.

The Germans were working on a similar concept during the war with types like the Me328 coupled with an He177 or Ju388 and the Soviets had an interesting setup with their TB-3 carrying an I-16 under each wing.

 

[Admiral Beez]

It was done on several occasions, like project "tip tow" that incorporated a B-29 and F-84s, "Tom Tom" that incorporated a B-36 and F-84s.

The Germans were working on a similar concept during the war with types like the Me328 coupled with an He177 or Ju388 and the Soviets had an interesting setup with their TB-3 carrying an I-16 under each wing.

It would have been interesting to carry a pair of P-51s on the B-17.

 

[Reluctant Poster]

Initial concept

final version

 

[GrauGeist]

Actually, the British did it first with a Bristol Scout carried by a seaplane in 1916 and the most recent would be Spaceship One/Two.

 

[SaparotRob]

Actually, the British did it first with a Bristol Scout carried by a seaplane in 1916 and the most recent would be Spaceship One/Two.

Yes but the U.S. did it with more panache and verve.