Years In Service: 1950-1978
Initial Flight: July 14, 1951
The Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter is a United States strategic tanker aircraft based on the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter. In the early 1960s, the Tactical Air Command added two General Electric J-47 twin-jet pods. These jet pods increased the speed of the KC-97 (for short periods) and made it more compatible with jet fighter planes like the F-84, F-100, and F-101. The jet fuel was contained in tanks on the lower deck.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 38′ 4″ Wingspan: 141′ 3″ Length: 117′ 5″ Crew: 6 Payload: Additional 700-gallon external fuel tanks under each wing could dispense 8,513 gallons of fuel while carrying 96 troops Horsepower: 3,500 hp. No. of Engines: 4/2 Cruise speed: 300 mph Max Speed: 375 mph Ceiling: 30,000 ft.