Sylvie Willis
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter is a long-range heavy military cargo aircraft developed from the B-29 and B-50 bombers. It was designed in 1942 and served in the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The KC-97 is the refueling tanker version of the C-97 Stratofreighter, a 74-ton multi-purpose aircraft combining transport and aerial refueling capabilities. The KC-97G variant, for example, could off-load 13,600 gallons (88,400 lb) of fuel while carrying 96 troops. The KC-97L variant, with its jet engines, could carry both AVGAS and jet fuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Useful payload | 35,000 lb (16,000 kg) |
| Top speed | 375 miles per hour |
| Cruise speed | 300 miles per hour |
| Ceiling | 35,000 feet |
| Range | 4,300 miles |
| Powerplant | 4x Pratt & Whitney R-4360B "Wasp Major" radial piston engines |
| Power | 3,500 horsepower each |
| Troops carried | 96 |
| Patients carried | 69 |
| Transferable fuel | 13,600 gal (88,400 lb) |
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What You'll Learn
The KC-97G can carry 13,600 gallons of fuel
The KC-97 is the refueling tanker version of the C-97 Stratofreighter, a 74-ton multi-purpose aircraft that combines transport and aerial refueling capabilities. The KC-97G variant, in particular, can carry 13,600 gallons of fuel. This variant was developed from the C-97, which was designed by Boeing and served in the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The C-97 was designed as a large aircraft with a lengthy wingspan mounting four engines and a deep-volume ("double-lobed") fuselage.
The KC-97G is a hybrid aerial tanker/transport model, with more than 590 of these aircraft built. The KC-97G features four 2610kW (3500hp) Pratt & Whitney R-4360-59B Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial piston engines driving four-blade constant-speed propellers. The KC-97G also has additional 700-gallon external fuel tanks under each wing, allowing it to dispense 8,513 gallons of fuel while carrying 96 troops.
The KC-97G played a crucial role in providing the Strategic Air Command with intercontinental capabilities. It was introduced in 1950 and utilized the “flying boom” in-flight refueling system. The KC-97G was eventually replaced by the jet-powered KC-135, which offered improved speed and compatibility with high-performance jet aircraft.
The KC-97G's ability to carry a substantial fuel load and support aerial refueling operations contributed significantly to its operational versatility and strategic value. Its role in aerial refueling allowed for the extension of aircraft range and endurance, enabling extended missions and enhancing the operational capabilities of the aircraft it refueled. The KC-97G's combination of transport and refueling capabilities made it a valuable asset for military and strategic operations during its service.
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The KC-97L carries both AVGAS and jet fuel
The KC-97 is the refueling tanker version of the C-97 Stratofreighter, a 74-ton multi-purpose aircraft that combines transport and aerial refueling capabilities. The KC-97L is a variant of the KC-97 that carries both AVGAS and jet fuel.
The KC-97L was developed to address the challenges posed by the advent of refuelable jet aircraft. The refueling connection was initially made at high altitudes, and then the bomber and tanker flew "downhill" together, allowing the tanker to pick up speed. This technique was known as "tobogganing."
The KC-97L addressed this issue by adding an extra jet engine mounted under each wing, increasing its speed and altitude capabilities. This modification made the KC-97L more compatible with high-performance jet aircraft. The AVGAS was used to power its radial piston engines, while the jet fuel was used to power its two jet engines and could also be off-loaded to its receivers.
The KC-97L played a crucial role in providing the Strategic Air Command with intercontinental capabilities. It was introduced in 1950 and utilized the "flying boom" in-flight refueling system. The KC-97L's ability to carry both AVGAS and jet fuel contributed to its versatility and effectiveness as a refueling tanker.
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The KC-97G has four 2610kW Pratt & Whitney R-4360-59B engines
The KC-97 is the refueling tanker version of the C-97 Stratofreighter, a 74-ton multi-purpose aircraft that combines transport and aerial refueling capabilities. The KC-97G is a variant of the KC-97 and is powered by four 2610kW Pratt & Whitney R-4360-59B engines. These engines are also described as Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial piston engines, which drive four-blade constant-speed propellers. The KC-97G has a maximum speed of 603km/h (325 knots) and a cruising speed of 482km/h (260 knots). Its service ceiling is 35,000 feet, and its range with maximum fuel is 6920km (3735 nautical miles).
The KC-97G's predecessor, the prototype XC-97, was powered by 2,200 hp (1,600 kW) Wright R-3350 engines, the same engines used in the B-29. The first of three heavily revised YC-97As incorporated the larger Pratt & Whitney R-4360 engines of the B-50 bomber. The C-97 was developed into the civilian Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, which could be fitted with sleeper cabins and featured a lower deck lounge.
The KC-97G was a dual-role aerial refueling tanker and cargo transportation aircraft. It carried both AVGAS and jet fuel. The AVGAS powered its radial piston engines, while the jet fuel was carried to power its two jet engines and to be off-loaded to its receivers. The KC-97G had a maximum takeoff weight of 79,450 kg (175,000 lb) and could carry a useful payload of 16,000 kg (35,000 lb). When configured for passengers, it could seat more than 100.
The KC-97G saw service with the Strategic Air Command, the Military Air Transport Service, and the Air National Guard during the 1950s through the 1970s. It was used as a personnel carrier, accommodating 96 fully equipped combat troops. It also served as a flying ambulance, with a capacity of 49 litter patients, their medical attendants, and supplies. The KC-97G played a role in various conflicts, including the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
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The KC-97G is a tanker version of the C-97
The KC-97 is a tanker version of the C-97 Stratofreighter, a 74-ton multi-purpose aircraft that combines transport and aerial refuelling capabilities. The KC-97G is the last of the KC-97 production models, of which 592 were built.
The KC-97G is fitted with external wing tanks and a new arrangement of internal refuelling tanks, allowing it to carry troops or cargo without removing the refuelling equipment. This tanker variant has four 2610kW (3500hp) Pratt & Whitney R-4360-59B Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial piston engines driving four-blade constant-speed propellers. The KC-97G can carry both AVGAS and jet fuel. The AVGAS powers its radial piston engines, while the jet fuel is carried to power its two jet engines and can also be off-loaded to its receivers.
The KC-97G was used by the Strategic Air Command, the Military Air Transport Service, and the Air National Guard during the 1950s through the 1970s. It could accommodate 96 fully equipped combat troops or 69 litter patients, their medical attendants, and supplies. The KC-97G could also carry light tanks, artillery pieces (up to 155 mm howitzers), ambulances, and 2 1/2-ton trucks.
The KC-97G served as a vital refuelling tanker for high-performance jet aircraft, playing a significant role in aerial refuelling operations during its time in service.
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The KC-97G can carry 96 troops or 49 patients
The KC-97G is a variant of the C-97 Stratofreighter, a long-range heavy military cargo aircraft developed by Boeing. The C-97 was derived from the B-29 and B-50 bombers and featured a unique double-lobe fuselage design. It played a crucial role in various conflicts, including the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
The KC-97G, specifically, is the refueling tanker version of the C-97, combining both transport and aerial refueling capabilities. It is equipped with four Pratt & Whitney R-4360-59B Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial piston engines, each driving four-blade constant-speed propellers. These engines provided ample power for the aircraft's large payload capacity.
When used as a personnel carrier, the KC-97G could accommodate up to 96 fully equipped combat troops. This capacity included their weaponry, gear, and any additional equipment they required during their missions. Alternatively, when configured as a flying ambulance, the KC-97G could hold 69 litter patients, along with their medical attendants and essential supplies.
However, when the KC-97G was outfitted with refueling equipment, its capacity was slightly reduced. In this configuration, it could carry 65 troops or 49 litter patients, still ensuring that they had the necessary medical personnel and supplies on board. This versatility allowed the KC-97G to serve multiple roles effectively, making it a valuable asset for military operations.
The KC-97G's refueling capabilities were further enhanced with the introduction of the KC-97L variant, which featured additional jet engines mounted under each wing. This modification provided the necessary speed and altitude for refueling high-performance jet aircraft, making it even more adaptable to the evolving needs of aerial warfare.
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Frequently asked questions
The C-97 can carry 13,600 gallons of fuel.
The KC-97G has additional 700-gallon external fuel tanks under each wing and can dispense 8,513 gallons of fuel.
The KC-97 carries both AVGAS and jet fuel. The AVGAS is used to power its radial piston engines, while the jet fuel is used for its jet engines and to be off-loaded to its receivers.
The KC-97 has four piston engines and two jet engines.
The KC-97's jet engines increase its speed and altitude, making it more compatible with high-performance jet aircraft.
