flateric said:
These are just aerodynamically shaped supports for a wind tunnel model.
They prevent streamflow interference with model fuselage/exaust combo while these particular experiments being performed.
Gregory's guess seems substantiated by the fact that there are 'jet simulator units' installed on the model. The F-101 and F-4 (which uses same exhaust/tail boom configuration) suffered from high drag in the subsonic regime with afterburner off, so they would be likely candidates for WT testing involving simulated engine exhaust.
Seems like mastering the aft-end shape of supersonic fighters was (and may still be) more of an art than a science. The example of the F-15 comes to mind. The aerodynamics are so bad it doesn't make a difference whether the nozzle 'turkey feathers' are on or off!
Oops...just saw Gregory's reply. I guess that confirms it.
