The Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter is a four-engined, piston-powered United States strategic tanker aircraft based on the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter. It replaced the KB-29 and was succeeded by the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.

DAYTON, Ohio -- Boeing KC-97L Stratofreighter on display in the Cold War Gallery of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. A cargo version of the B-29, The C-97 Stratofreighter first flew in 1944. Boeing introduced the tanker version KC-97 with the flying boom refueling system in 1950. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ty Greenlees)

Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter: Developed into: Boeing 377 Stratocruiser Aero Spacelines Pregnant Guppy Aero Spacelines Super Guppy Aero Spacelines Mini Guppy: The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter is a long-range heavy military cargo aircraft developed from the B-29 and B-50 bombers. Design work began in 1942, the first of three prototype XC-97s flew ...

It was developed from the C-97 Stratofreighter. Put into production in the late 1940s, the aircraft was powered by four piston engines, driving tractor propellers. It had a pressurized cabin—which was a relatively new feature to transport aircraft at the time—and two decks.

The direct ancestor of today's KC-135 Stratotanker, the KC-97 made its presence known over Lincoln skies for nearly 10 years. Descending itself from the B-29 bomber, this aircraft was SAC's workhorse tanker and transport during its peak aircraft years.

Jun 15, 2016 · BOEING KC-97L STRATOFREIGHTER A cargo version of the B-29, the C-97 Stratofreighter first flew in November 1944. Boeing introduced the tanker version, KC-97 with the "flying boom" refueling system, in 1950. In all, the USAF ordered 890 aircraft: 74 C-97s and 816 KC-97s. To keep its tankers compatible with its newer

The KC-97 Stratofreighter aerial tanker version was an instrumental factor in providing SAC with genuine intercontinental capability. Because of its slow cruising speed and low cruising altitude, the KC-97 had difficulty being an efficient refueler to high-speed jet aircraft.

Jun 19, 2017 · The Boeing C-97 “Stratofreighter” was designed as a four-engine cargo and troop transport using components and design features from two previous Boeing designs, the B-29 and B-50 bombers, to make an entirely new transport aircraft.

The KC-97 Stratofreighter aerial tanker version was an instrumental factor in providing SAC with genuine intercontinental capability. It was introduced in 1950 (first flown on 15 November 1944) using the “flying boom” in-flight refueling system.

During the 1950s and 1960s, KC-97 tankers were stationed at Robins AFB with the 19th Bombardment Wing in support of the B-52 bombers assigned to the wing. The Museum’s KC-97L was delivered to the USAF in January 1956 and served with various units all over the world before being retired in 1977.