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Yeah I thought that C-shaped piece was something to do with it; it appeared to fit around the back end of the fuselage somehow.

The plane is pointing up, I imagine it's still powered up to keep tension on that hook. Really something.

Did not see that this retracted. Thanks!

Yeah, that was something. The USAF tried a 2-3 similar schemes.

Let me recommend the wiki for a starting point (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasite_aircraft) for more cool stuff. You're in for a treat :-)

I grew up on adventure pulp fiction and Saturday serials at the local theater. I love that sort of stuff!