Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.
What warbird do I describe?
1. This aircraft’s design was begun during WWII.
2. However, the war ended before the prototype was completed.
3. And there was a delay before work was restarted.
4. Several years passed before the aircraft first flew.
5. And then, only for gliding tests.
6. It didn’t actually fly under power for another three years after the gliding tests began.
7. It originated with plans for a reconnaissance plane.
8. But then it was decided the plane might be used for other purposes.
9. So, a parallel program was started.
10. In the end, the plane was constructed more as a research project; although the intent was always to use the plane, and information gained, for military purposes.
11. The intent for both planes was they be launched from a mother ship.