The escort jet fighter, intended to be carried aboard a B-36 actual did fly. The decisional constraints made for a unique configuration.
During flight tests from Wright Field the aircraft was carried externally on a B-50. The final flight included the aircraft being stuck on the trapeze. After a very long time trying to set it free the B-50 crew was down to a bail out option. The pilot finally managed to tear the F-85 loose using jet power on/off. The F-85 came free and the B-50 landed without incident, but that was the end of the flight test program.
In captive flight, the little F85 looks like a bug that has been snatched up by the B-50
