Convair B-36J Peacemaker Responding to the U.S. Army Air Forces' requirement for a strategic bomber with intercontinental range, Consolidated Vultee (later Convair) designed the B-36 during World War II. The airplane made its maiden flight in August 1946, and in June 1948 the Strategic Air Command received its first operational B-36. Some B-36s served as photographic reconnaissance aircraft, and others were adapted to launch and retrieve specially modified RF-84F/K reconnaissance planes. https:/

Designed to carry nuclear or conventional loads, the B-36 boasted the largest bomb capacity of any operational bomber—up to 84,000 lb—and could fly missions exceeding 8,000 miles without refueling. It never saw combat but served as the backbone of Strategic Air Command until jet bombers like the B-47 and B-52 took over. #aviation #aircraft #jet #aviationphotography #military | Jets 'n' Props