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KC-97 Stratotanker

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Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker
KC97.jpg
Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker, with Ohio Air National Guard markings
Type Strategic tanker
Manufacturer Boeing
Primary users United States Air Force
Air National Guard
Produced 816
Developed from C-97 Stratofreighter

The Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker was a strategic tanker aircraft. For many years, it was the backbone of the USAF's tanker fleet until replaced by the KC-135

History

The United States Air Force operated the KC-97 from 1950 until being phased out in favor of the KC-135 beginning in 1956. KC-97s were transitioned to the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard units and were finally retired completely in 1978, when the Texas and Utah Air National Guards exchanged their KC-97Ls for KC-135s.

A total of 816 KC-97s were purchased from Boeing, as opposed to only 74 of the C-97 base cargo version. The KC-97 had piston engines, powered by gasoline, but was carrying jet fuel for its refueling mission, so it had to have independent fuel systems for both types of fuel. Two jet engines were added to increase speed and altitude, making the tankers more compatible with high performance jet aircraft.

These tankers were vitally important to the world-wide B-47 strategic mission. An example is the support of over-the-arctic reconnaissance flights from Thule Air Base. The struggle to start and operate this complex airplane from a deep freeze of minus 40 F was a triumph. Navigation in the arctic night/winter requires great skill.

Development

The KC-97 Stratotanker is a Boeing Model 367 aerial refueling tanker variant of the C-97 Stratofreighter and the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser airliner greatly modified with all the necessary tanks, plumbing, and "flying boom". The cavernous main (upper) deck was capable of accommodating oversize cargo accessed through a very large left-side door; OR transferrable jet fuel was contained in tanks on the lower deck. Both decks were heated and pressurized for high altitude operations.

Specifications (KC-97L)

Data from USAF Museum[1] and FAS[2].

General characteristics

Performance


KC-97 Variants[3]

KC-97A

Three C-97As were converted into aerial refueling tankers. After the design was proven, they were converted back into the standard C-97A configuration.

KC-97E

60 production aircraft were factory-built as aerial refueling tankers.

KC-97F

159 production aircraft were factory-built as aerial refueling tankers.

KC-97G

592 production aircraft were factory-built as dual-role aerial refueling tankers/cargo transportation aircraft. KC-97G models carried underwing fuel tanks. Many models were converted into full transport (i.e. aeromedical) or rescue roles.

GKC-97G

Five KC-97Gs were used as ground instruction airframes.

JKC-97G

One aircraft was modified to test the underwing J47 jet engines, and was later designated KC-97L.

KC-97H

One KC-97F was experimentally converted into a hose-and-drogue refueling aircraft.

KC-97L

81 aircraft were modified with a pair of turbojet engines for greater thrust.

Operators

Template:USA: The United States Air Force is the only operator of the Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker.

Units

The following USAF wing organizations flew the various KC-97 models at some time during their existence: [4]

Active Duty

Air National Guard

Surviving Airframes

A number of KC-97s survive, at least two of which are airworthy: the Angel of Deliverance operated by the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation, and N1365N known as Tanker 97 and operated until recently as an Aerial firefighting airtanker by Hawkins & Powers. Static displays include the KC-97L "Zeppelinheim" at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio, March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California, the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia and the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

References

  1. ↑ Boeing KC-97L. USAF Museum. Retrieved on 2006-05-03.
  2. ↑ KC-97 Stratotanker. Federation of American Scientists WMD Resources. Retrieved on 2006-05-03.
  3. ↑ AIRTime Publishing. (2006). International Air Power Review, Vol 20. ISBN 1-880588-91-9
  4. ↑ Rarenstein, Charles. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings: Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. ISBN: 0-912799-12-9

External links

There are extensive external links to be found under the Boeing 377 article.

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