In the late 1940s the concept of the so-called 'parasite fighter' was not new. Numerous experiments with 'mothership' bombers carrying their own escort fighters had been done in the 1930s by numerous countries, the Soviet Union being the most prolific. America had also dabbled in the idea of parasite fighters but stopped development before their entry into the second world war.

With the dawn of jet fighters, it was realised that they lacked the range to keep up with heavy bombers, and so the idea of the parasite fighter was revived. The McDonnell XF-85, known as the 'Goblin', was designed to be carried within the belly of the new B-36 heavy bombers. However, when it came to testing none could be spared, and so it was tested with a heavily modified B-29 instead.

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Producing these videos is a hobby of mine. I have a passion for history, and personally own a large collection of books, journals and other texts, and endeavor to do as much research as possible. However if there are any mistakes, please don't hesitate to reach out and correct anything :)

Sources:
Francillon. R. J. (1990). McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Since 1920: Volume II
Winchester. J. (2005). Concept Aircraft, Prototypes, X-Planes, and Experimental Aircraft
Pace.S. (1991). X-Fighters: USAF Experimental and Prototype Fighters, XP-59 to YF-23