<hi style=afpcap>The B-36 was conceived prior to the United States joining offensive against the German and Japanese in World War Two. The aircraft was designed as a very long range bomber, with the prototypes being ordered in 1942. Convair conducted an evaluation of the type being employed for photographic reconnaissance with a number of early production B-36A and B models being modified to RB-36E and D standard. Others RB-36D, F and H models were ordered into production between 1944 and 1952. Depicted is an RB-36D of the 72nd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 5th SRW based at Travis AFB, California. The giant tail marking indicated the unit assignment, with the X signifying the 5th SRW while the circle indicated the 15th Air Force. </hi>
