Mother Ships, Parasites and More: Selected USAF Strategic Bomber, XC Heavy Transport and FICON Studies, 1945-1954

In this bumper-size issue, we revisit the theme of early postwar strategic bomber development (originally covered in Issue 3) and introduce two new subjects: the USAF XC Heavy Transport and Parasite/Missile Carrier as well as selected Fighter-Conveyor (FICON) studies from the early 1950's. A common thread throughout this issue is the parasite aircraft, a concept which intrigued the Air Force during this period before being made obsolete by advancements in in-flight refueling and other areas. Featuring hundreds of previously unpublished bomber, transport and parasite aircraft studies, this magazine is copiously illustrated with 258 drawings, artist's impressions and photos, including 27 in color.