Just two prototypes were built before the program was canceled.

Yet, the concept remains one that has earned almost mythical status among Cold War aviation buffs.

This could allow a parasite fighter to provide protection for a bomber well beyond the range of conventional escorts.

A historical image of the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin parasite fighter jet secured beneath a B-29 Superfortress bomber. The tiny, egg-shaped aircraft was built to be carried and launched mid-flight as a defense measure for bombers. Its unique, compact design reflects the innovation of late 1940s aviation technology. This image highlights the experimental vision of the U.S. Air Force to protect long-range bombers during missions.

The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin, a prototype “parasite” fighter jet, is shown attached to the belly of a B-29 bomber. This compact aircraft was designed to defend bombers on intercontinental flights. Image: U.S. Air Force

Development of the XF-85 Goblin coincided with the bomber that would carry it: theConvair B-36 Peacemaker.

It could even refuel and be rearmed.

Thus, a small, stout aircraft like the Goblin seemed well-suited to the proposed task.

Test pilot Edwin Foresman Schoch is seen standing beside the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin at Edwards Air Force Base. Schoch was responsible for testing the parasite fighter, designed to be deployed mid-flight from bombers like the B-29. The compact size of the aircraft is evident next to the pilot, showcasing its unique design. This image reflects the courage and skill of test pilots involved in Cold War aviation experiments.

In this 1948 photograph, test pilot Edwin Foresman Schoch stands next to the XF-85 Goblin. Four of the seven flights of the XF-85 ended with emergency landings. Image: U.S. Air Force

Enter the Goblin

Two single-seat XF-85 prototypes were built for the testing.

The Goblins were unique aircraft and might have seemed to be a leap forward in aviation technology.

It featured five tail surfaces, including one vertical, two angled, and two ventral.

The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin is displayed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This small, egg-shaped aircraft, with its short wings and streamlined fuselage, was developed as a parasite fighter to be launched mid-air from large bombers. The image highlights its compact design, which was intended to allow easy housing inside bomber bays. This experimental jet represents the U.S. Air Force’s innovative efforts to protect long-range bombers during Cold War missions.

A McDonnell XF-85 Goblin at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. Image: National Museum of the Air Force

The aircraft also featured swept-back wings that could fold upward.

machine guns, the Goblin would have been reasonably armed for its day.

However, the Superfortress proved to be an ideal platform for the tests, which began in 1948.

This image features the second McDonnell XF-85 Goblin built for testing and development. The aircraft’s compact fuselage and short wings are clearly visible, showcasing its role as a parasite fighter meant to be carried by bombers. This second prototype was critical for refining the design and handling of the innovative jet during experimental flights. The photo highlights the engineering challenges and ambition of late 1940s aviation research.

Shown here is the second McDonnell XF-85 built for testing and development. Image: National Museum of the Air Force

The higher speed actually made the air even more turbulent.

In one final attempt, the fighters hook missed the trapeze, but the canopy struck it and shattered.

Fortunately, while he made several rough landings, Schoch walked away from each one.

This photo shows the first McDonnell XF-85 Goblin built, with clear visibility of the vertical winglets at the ends of its short wings. These winglets were designed to enhance stability and control for the compact, egg-shaped jet during flight. As a parasite fighter, the Goblin needed precise handling to connect and disconnect mid-air from its bomber host. The image highlights the careful engineering and innovative design of this experimental 1940s aircraft.

Shown here is the first McDonnell XF-85 Goblin that was built. At the end of each wing, you can see the vertical winglets. Image: National Museum of the Air Force

Testing was ended in late 1949 after just seven flights, totaling two hours and 19 minutes.

Aerial refueling of conventional fighter aircraft was seen as offering greater promise, and the Goblin was grounded.

Could It Have Worked?

A test model of the McDonnell XP-85 is displayed, representing the early stages of parasite fighter research. Designed to be carried and deployed by large bombers, the XP-85 was the world’s smallest jet-powered aircraft at the time. The model demonstrates the precision and challenges faced in creating a functional, compact fighter jet. This innovative design marked a bold step in experimental aviation during the post-WWII period.

Front view of McDonald XP-85 model used for testing. At the time of its development, it was the smallest jet powered airplane in the world. Image: NASA

None of the subsequent efforts proved any more effective, however.

The program ended with the conflict and was put on the back burner.

By contrast, the XF-85 was a major leap forward in technology.

A preserved McDonnell XF-85 Goblin parasite fighter is showcased inside the National Museum of the Air Force. The aircraft is compact, with a rounded fuselage and short wings, reflecting its unique design as a deployable fighter for bombers. Positioned prominently, the Goblin serves as a historical example of experimental aviation technology from the late 1940s. Visitors can admire its innovative shape and engineering up close.

A preserved McDonnell XF-85 Goblin parasite fighter at the U.S. Air Force museum. This compact experimental jet showcases post-WWII aviation innovation. Image: National Museum of the Air Force

Yet, many unanswered questions remain.

As testing didnt progress with the B-36, it remains unclear how any of this could have been accomplished.

Likewise, refueling and rearming in flight was probably easier said than done, especially in the air.

A detailed close-up of the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin’s cockpit shows its compact and streamlined layout. The small space contains essential controls, gauges, and a narrow pilot seat, reflecting its role as a parasite fighter. The design emphasizes simplicity and efficiency due to the limited space available. This image highlights the ingenuity of engineering in the late 1940s aviation industry.

An interior view of the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin’s cockpit reveals its compact design. The tiny workspace highlights the aircraft’s advanced engineering for its role. Image: Ken LaRock/National Museum of the Air Force

Yet, the Fighter Conveyor (FICON) program did move past the testing stage.

Unlike the Goblin, the Thunderflash was too large to be carried internally but hooked underneath the mother plane.

The museum is also home to one of three surviving RF-84K Thunderflash reconnaissance planes.

A B-29 Superfortress bomber is seen taking off with the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin attached underneath its fuselage. The compact Goblin, secured in a recessed position, was designed as a parasite fighter to defend bombers mid-mission. The image showcases the engineering challenges and innovative concepts tested in post-WWII aviation. The scene emphasizes the scale difference between the large bomber and the small, experimental jet.

The XF-85 Goblin, designed for mid-flight deployment, is shown attached to a B-29 bomber during takeoff. Image: National Museum of the Air Force

The other XF-85 Goblin is now on display at the Strategic Air and Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska.

And perhaps a fitting name for those future drone parasites would be Goblin II!

The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin is captured mid-deployment as it drops from the underside of a B-29 Superfortress bomber. The tiny parasite fighter, designed to launch in flight, detaches from its housing to test its ability to defend the bomber. This image highlights the innovative yet challenging engineering of late 1940s aviation experiments. The Goblin’s compact size contrasts with the massive bomber, showcasing the bold concept of airborne fighter deployment.

The XF-85 Goblin is seen deploying from its housing beneath a B-29 bomber. This maneuver tested the feasibility of mid-air fighter deployment for bomber defense. Image: National Museum of the Air Force

A pilot sits patiently in the small cockpit of the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin, preparing for a test flight. The Goblin, with its rounded fuselage and compact size, is awaiting attachment to a B-29 Superfortress for an experimental mission. The photo showcases the aircraft’s tight workspace and the precision required for testing such advanced concepts. This moment reflects the ambitious attempts to innovate bomber defense in the late 1940s.

The XF-85 Goblin pilot is ready for action, seated in the compact cockpit as the aircraft awaits attachment to a B-29 bomber. Image: National Museum of the Air Force

A detailed close-up of the wing and hook controls in the cockpit of the XF-85 Goblin parasite fighter. These controls were used by the pilot to manage the aircraft’s small folding wings and docking hook for mid-air attachment to the B-29 bomber. The intricate levers and switches reflect the precision required for a successful retrieval operation. This image highlights the advanced and innovative engineering of late-1940s military aviation.

A close-up view of the wing and hook controls inside the XF-85 Goblin cockpit highlights the precision engineering needed for mid-air deployment and retrieval. Image: National Museum of the Air Force

The YRF-84F fighter jet is shown flying directly underneath a B-36 Peacemaker bomber during a test mission. This experimental setup was part of a Cold War effort to test the feasibility of parasite fighters, small jets carried and deployed by large bombers. The sleek YRF-84F contrasts with the massive, imposing B-36 above it. The image captures a moment of aviation innovation as engineers sought to extend bomber protection capabilities over long ranges.

The YRF-84F flying underneath its B-36 carrier aircraft. FICON modifications included installing a hook in front of the cockpit and turning down the horizontal tail. Image: U.S. Air Force

A Republic F-84E Thunderjet is captured in its extended position beneath a Convair B-36 Peacemaker during flight. The fighter jet hangs from a specialized cradle, designed to release and retrieve it mid-air as part of a parasite fighter program. The contrast between the small, sleek F-84E and the colossal B-36 bomber emphasizes the ambitious engineering of the era. This image showcases Cold War experimentation aimed at increasing bomber defense during long missions.

ARepublic F-84E Thunderjetin an extended parasite position under its host Convair B-36 Peacemaker. Image: U.S. Air Force

The photo shows the YRF-84F fighter jet as seen through the interior of the B-36 Peacemaker bomber. The image highlights the experimental design that allowed pilots to access the YRF-84F cockpit from inside the massive bomber. This innovation was part of a mid-air docking system designed to launch and retrieve the parasite fighter. The photo reflects the cutting-edge aviation concepts tested during the Cold War.

View of the YRF-84F from inside the B-36 bomber. The pilot could enter and exit the cockpit from within the Peacemaker. Image: U.S. Air Force

The Bell X-2 rocket plane is shown mid-drop from its Boeing B-50 Superfortress mothership during a test flight in the 1950s. This experimental aircraft was designed to explore supersonic speeds and high-altitude performance. The image captures the dramatic moment of release, a critical phase in testing. This program helped advance knowledge of aerospace engineering and extreme flight conditions during the Cold War era.

A Bell X-2 rocket plane is dropped from the Boeing B-50 Superfortress mothership during testing in the mid-1950s. Image: NASA

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