B-52 airborne aircraft carrier

[A_Kid1234]

The B-52 has been used to launch experimental aircraft, but could it be used to carry UCAV’s or parasite fighters?

 

[Arjen]

Lockheed D-21 reconnaissance drones were launched from B-52Hs.

Tagboard Flyers: the story of the B-52 bombers that carried the D-21 Mach 3 ramjet-powered reconnaissance drones - The Aviation Geek Club

Tagboard Flyers: the story of the B-52 bombers that carried the D-21 Mach 3 ramjet-powered reconnaissance drones

theaviationgeekclub.com

 

[A_Kid1234]

Lockheed D-21 reconnaissance drones were launched from B-52Hs.

Tagboard Flyers: the story of the B-52 bombers that carried the D-21 Mach 3 ramjet-powered reconnaissance drones - The Aviation Geek Club

Tagboard Flyers: the story of the B-52 bombers that carried the D-21 Mach 3 ramjet-powered reconnaissance drones

theaviationgeekclub.com

The D-21 was also launched from from the back of a M-21, which is a variant of the SR-71

 

[Arjen]

That proved to be dangerous in flight tests. The 4th launch ended with the M-21 crew ejecting after the D-21, suffering engine problems, collided with the M-21. Only the pilot survived. In actual D-21 reconnaissance missions, B-52Hs were used as carrier aircraft.
M-21 was developed from A-12, the precursor to SR-71.

 

[A_Kid1234]

That proved to be dangerous in flight tests. In actual D-21 reconnaissance missions, B-52Hs were used as carrier aircraft.
M-21 was developed from A-12, the precursor to SR-71.

I guess it does make more sense to drop it from under the wing rather than on the back, it’s a lot simple, and safer.