Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter

Boeing · United States · first flew 1944 · transport aircraft

The Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter was a four-engined, piston-powered American strategic tanker. It was based on the C-97 Stratofreighter.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Four piston radial engines on the wing
• Two General Electric J47 jet pods under the outer wings on late KC-97G and KC-97L aircraft
• Flying boom for aerial refuelling under the rear fuselage

Look for a large four-engined piston transport with a double-lobed fuselage and a refuelling boom at the tail. Many carry two jet pods outboard on the wings.

Specifications

• The Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter has a length of 35.79 m (117 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 43.03 m (141 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 644 km/h (400 mph).
• Typical crew: 6.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

It replaced the KB-29 and was itself succeeded by the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. The tanker was built from 1951 to 1956 and 811 were produced.

Variants

Three C-97As were first converted to tankers, with a flying boom fitted and the rear loading door removed. The KC-97G later gained two General Electric J47 turbojets on underwing pylons, and 81 were modified to KC-97L standard.

Where you'll see it

It entered service on 14 July 1951 with the United States Air Force and remained in service until June 1978. It carried about 9,000 US gallons of deliverable fuel.

Related aircraft

• Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter
• Boeing XB-39 Superfortress
• Boeing XF8B-1
• Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
• Blohm und Voss BV 238
• Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina
• Cornelius XFG-1
• Douglas XCG-17

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