Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter

Last updated
C-97 Stratofreighter
C-97 stratofreighter 041116-F-9999R-002.jpg
Role Military transport aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight9 November 1944
Introduction1947
Retired1978
Primary users United States Air Force
Israeli Air Force
Produced1944–1952
Number built77 (total of 888 in all variants)
Developed from Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Boeing B-50 Superfortress
Variants

The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter was 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 on 9 November 1944 (none saw combat), and the first of six service-test YC-97s flew on 11 March 1947. All nine were based on the 24ST alloy structure and Wright R-3350 engines of the B-29, but with a larger-diameter fuselage upper lobe (making a figure of eight or "double-bubble" section) and they had the B-29 vertical tail with the gunner's position blanked off. The first of three heavily revised YC-97A incorporating the re-engineered wing (higher-strength 75ST alloy), taller vertical tail and larger Pratt & Whitney R-4360 engines of the B-50 bomber, flew on 28 January 1948 and was the basis of the subsequent sole YC-97B, all production C-97s, KC-97s and civilian Stratocruiser aircraft. Between 1944 and 1958, 888 C-97s in several versions were built, 811 being KC-97 tankers. [1] [2] C-97s served in the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Some aircraft served as flying command posts for the Strategic Air Command, while others were modified for use in Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadrons (ARRS).

Contents

Design and development

The C-97 Stratofreighter was developed towards the end of World War II by fitting a second lobe on top of the fuselage and wings of the B-29 Superfortress with the tail, wing, and engine layout being nearly identical. [3] The XC-97 and YC-97 can be distinguished from the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser and later C-97s by the shorter fin, and later ones by the flying boom and jet engines on the tanker models.

The prototype XC-97 was powered by the same 2,200  hp (1,600  kW ) Wright R-3350 engines as used in the B-29. The XC-97 took off for its first flight on November 9, 1944, [4] just after the death of Boeing president Philip G. Johnson.

YC-97 Stratofreighter with the shorter fin and smaller engines of the B-29 in 1947 Boeing YC-97 (45-59590) (4641652679).jpg
YC-97 Stratofreighter with the shorter fin and smaller engines of the B-29 in 1947

On 9 January 1945, the first prototype, piloted by Major Curtin L. Reinhardt, flew from Seattle to Washington, D.C. in 6 hours 4 minutes, an average speed of 383 mph (616 km/h) with 20,000 lb (9,100 kg) of cargo. The tenth and all subsequent aircraft were fitted with the 3,500 hp (2,600 kW) Pratt & Whitney Wasp Major engines and taller fin and rudder of the B-50 Superfortress. [3]

The C-97 had clamshell doors under its tail so that two retractable ramps could be used to drive in cargo, but it was not a combat transport able to deliver to primitive forward bases. The doors could not be opened in flight, but could be removed to carry out air drops. The C-97 had a useful payload of 35,000 lb (16,000 kg), which could include two 2½-ton trucks, towed artillery, or light tracked vehicles such as the M56 Scorpion. The C-97 featured cabin pressurization, which made long flights more comfortable.

The C-97 was developed into the civilian Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, a transoceanic airliner that could be fitted with sleeper cabins and featured a lower deck lounge. The first Stratocruiser flew on July 8, 1947. Only 56 were built. [5]

Operational history

The C-97 entered service in 1947, during a period of rapid development of heavy transport aircraft. Only 77 were built before the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II was delivered in 1950, with nearly twice the payload capacity of the C-97. The USAF Strategic Air Command operated C-97 Stratofreighters from 1949 to 1978. Early in its service life, it served as an airborne alternative SAC command post. While only 77 C-97 transports were built, 811 were built as KC-97 Stratofreighters for inflight refueling. The KC-97 began to be phased out with the introduction of the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker in 1957. Many KC-97s were later refitted as C-97G transports and equipped several squadrons of the U.S. Air National Guard.

One YC-97A (45–59595) was used in the Berlin Airlift during April 1949, operating for the 1st Strategic Support Squadron. It suffered a landing gear accident at Gatow and by the time it was repaired, the Soviet Blockade was lifted.

C-97s evacuated casualties during the Korean War. C-97s also participated in the Biafran airlift, delivering relief materials to Uli airstrip in Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War. Flying under the cover of darkness and at treetop level to evade radar, at least two C-97s were lost. [6]

Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter of the Minnesota Air National Guard in 1971 after service as part of Military Airlift Command Boeing C-97G 0-30349 Minn ANG DM 22.04.71.jpg
Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter of the Minnesota Air National Guard in 1971 after service as part of Military Airlift Command

Only one C-97 is still airworthy at the present day,[ when? ] (S/N 52-2718, named "Angel of Deliverance") operated by the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation. It is painted as YC-97A 45–59595, the only C-97 to participate in the Berlin Airlift.

The Israelis turned to Stratocruisers and KC-97s when they could not buy the preferred C-130. [7] They adapted Boeing 377 Stratocruiser airliners into transports, including many using C-97 tail sections including the loading ramps.[ citation needed ] Others were adapted with swiveling tails and refueling pods. [7] One Israeli C-97 was downed by an Egyptian SA-2 Guideline missile on 17 September 1971, while flying as an electronic counter-measures platform some 12 miles from the Suez Canal. [8] [9]

Variants

XC-97
military designation of the prototype Boeing 367, three built.
YC-97
cargo transport, six built.
C-97A Stratofreighter 49-2607 of Minnesota Air National Guard (1960) 109th Air Transport Squadron Boeing C-97A Stratofreighter 49-2607.jpg
C-97A Stratofreighter 49-2607 of Minnesota Air National Guard (1960)
YC-97A
troop carrier, three built.
YC-97B
fitted with 80 airliner-style seats, later redesignated C-97B, in 1954 became C-97D, retired to MASDC 15 December 1969. [10]
C-97A
transport, 50 built.
KC-97A
Three C-97As were converted into aerial refueling tankers with rear loading door removed and a flight refueling boom added. After the design was proven, they were converted back into the standard C-97A.
C-97C
Second production version, 14 built; those used as medical evacuation transports during the Korean War were designated MC-97C. [11]
VC-97D
staff transport and flying command post conversions, three C-97As converted. [12]
C-97E
KC-97Es converted to transports.
KC-97E
aerial refueling tankers with rear loading doors permanently closed; 60 built.
C-97F
KC-97Fs converted to transports.
KC-97F
3800hp R-4360-59B engines and minor changes; 159 built.
C-97G
135 KC-97Gs converted to transports.
EC-97G
ELINT conversion of three KC-97Gs. 53–106 was operated by the CIA for covert ELINT operations in the West Berlin Air Corridor.
KC-97G
dual-role aerial refueling tankers/cargo transportation aircraft. KC-97G models carried underwing fuel tanks; 592 built.
GKC-97G
Five KC-97Gs were used as ground instruction airframes.
JKC-97G
One aircraft was modified to test the underwing General Electric J47-GE-23 jet engines, and was later designated KC-97L.
HC-97G
KC-97Gs converted for search and rescue operations; 22 converted.
KC-97H
A YC-97J, an experimental turboprop-powered variant, in flight YC-97J USAF.jpg
A YC-97J, an experimental turboprop-powered variant, in flight
One KC-97F was experimentally converted into a probe-and-drogue refueling aircraft.
YC-97J
KC-97G conversion with four 5,700 hp (4,250 kW) Pratt & Whitney YT34-P-5 turboprops, two converted. Originally designated YC-137. [13]
C-97K
27 KC-97Gs converted to troop transports. [14]
KC-97L
81 KC-97Gs modified with two J47 turbojet engines on underwing pylons.

Operators

Military operators

Flag of Israel.svg  Israel
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain
Flag of the United States.svg  United States

U.S. Air Force units

The following Air Force wing organizations flew the various C-97 models at some time during their existence: [15]

Air National Guard

Boeing C-97G of the Foundation for Airborne Relief at Long Beach Airport, California, in 1973 Boeing C-97G N227AR FAR LGB 13.10.73 edited-3.jpg
Boeing C-97G of the Foundation for Airborne Relief at Long Beach Airport, California, in 1973

Civil operators

Accidents and incidents

22 May 1947
USAF XC-97 43-27472 crashed in a wheat field near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and caught fire, killing five of seven crew on board. [17]
6 June 1951
USAF C-97A 48-0398 crashed near Kelly Air Force Base due to a possible asymmetric flap extension on takeoff, killing all nine crew on board. [18]
15 October 1951
After taking off from Lajes Field, Azores, USAF C-97A 49-2602 of the Military Air Transport Service went missing on a flight from Lajes AFB (LFB), Azores to Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts. The aircraft was piloted by Captain John Francis Dailey Jr. and had a crew of 11. A total of 50 aircraft and ships searched the intended route but no trace of the aircraft or crew was ever found. [19] [20]
22 October 1951
USAF C-97A 48-0413 crashed and burned next to a runway at Kelly AFB, killing four of six on board. [21]
22 March 1957
USAF C-97C 50-0702en route to Tokyo went missing over the Pacific Ocean, with 10 crew and 57 passengers on board. It is the deadliest incident ever involving the C-97. [22]
8 August 1957
USAF C-97 en route to Hawaii from US. No.1 engine lost its propeller and damaged No.2 engine. Aircraft flew for 5 hours at 150ft altitude to land at Hilo. [23]
19 January 1958
USAF C-97A 49-2597 en route to Wake Island from Honolulu went missing over the Pacific Ocean with seven crew on board. The U.S. Navy confirmed that debris found 277 miles to the southwest of Honolulu, was wreckage of the plane. [24]
29 June 1964
USAF HC-97G 52-2773, along with USAF HC-54D 42-72590, were performing pararescue training and photography missions for the NASA Gemini program when the HC-54 banked to the right, colliding with the HC-97 and shearing off the wing and tail section; both aircraft crashed in the water off Bermuda, killing 17 on board both aircraft; seven survived after they jumped before the aircraft collided. The cause was probably incapacitation of the HC-54 pilot. [25]
26 September 1969
A Nordchurchaid C-97G, (N52676), struck trees and crashed while on final approach to Uli Airstrip, killing all five on board. [26]
30 July 1987
After taking off, a C-97G (HI-481) operated by Belize Air International (a cargo airline) crashed onto the Mexico City-Toluca highway after the cargo shifted, killing 5 of 12 on board and 44 on the ground. [27]

Surviving aircraft

Former California Air National Guard C-97G 53-0272 at the Milestones of Flight Museum, Fox Field, Lancaster, California in 2007. Milestones-c97-070919-03-16.jpg
Former California Air National Guard C-97G 53-0272 at the Milestones of Flight Museum, Fox Field, Lancaster, California in 2007.
C-97G 52-2764 parked in front of the Don Q Inn just north of Dodgeville, Wisconsin on Highway 23. C97G.jpg
C-97G 52-2764 parked in front of the Don Q Inn just north of Dodgeville, Wisconsin on Highway 23.

Israel

On display

United States

Airworthy
C-97G (converted from KC-97G)
On display
C-97G (all converted from KC-97G)

Specifications (C-97)

3-view line drawing of the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter 3-view line drawing.png
3-view line drawing of the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter

Data from Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter [34] [35] [36]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker</span> US military aerial refueling and transport aircraft

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an American military aerial refueling tanker aircraft that was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, alongside the Boeing 707 airliner. It has a narrower fuselage and is shorter than the 707. Boeing gave the aircraft the internal designation of Model 717. The KC-135 was the United States Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratofreighter. The KC-135 was initially tasked with refueling strategic bombers, but it was used extensively in the Vietnam War and later conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm to extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing 377 Stratocruiser</span> US airliner with 4 piston engines, 1947

The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was a large long-range airliner developed from the C-97 Stratofreighter military transport, itself a derivative of the B-29 Superfortress. The Stratocruiser's first flight was on July 8, 1947. Its design was advanced for its day; its relatively innovative features included two passenger decks and a pressurized cabin. It could carry up to 100 passengers on the main deck plus 14 in the lower deck lounge; typical seating was for 63 or 84 passengers or 28 berthed and five seated passengers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Altus Air Force Base</span> US Air Force base near Altus, Oklahoma, United States

Altus Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) east-northeast of Altus, Oklahoma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter</span> 1951–1978 American strategic tanker aircraft

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing KB-29 Superfortress</span> US heavy tanker aircraft with 4 piston engines, 1948

The Boeing KB-29 was a modified Boeing B-29 Superfortress for air refueling needs by the USAF. Two primary versions were developed and produced: KB-29M and KB-29P.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">161st Air Refueling Wing</span> Arizona Air National Guard unit in Arizona

The 161st Air Refueling Wing is a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard, stationed at Goldwater Air National Guard Base, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona. If activated to federal service, the Wing is gained by the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">137th Special Operations Wing</span> Oklahoma Air National Guard unit

The 137th Special Operations Wing is a unit of the Oklahoma Air National Guard located at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma. If activated to federal service, the wing is gained by Air Force Special Operations Command. During World War II, its predecessor, the 404th Fighter Group, flying Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, provided close air support to troops following the Operation Overlord, the Normandy landing until the close of the war. The wing is entitled to the honors won by the group by temporary bestowal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">160th Air Refueling Group</span> Military unit

The 160th Air Refueling Group is an inactive unit of the Ohio Air National Guard. It was last stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio. The 160th ARW was inactivated on 1 October 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">145th Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 145th Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive unit of the Ohio Air National Guard 121st Air Refueling Wing located at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio. The 145th was equipped with the KC-135R Stratotanker. The squadron was inactivated during 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">185th Special Operations Squadron</span> Oklahoma Air National Guard unit

The 185th Special Operations Squadron is a unit of the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 137th Special Operations Wing, located at Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The 185th is the only National Guard unit to be equipped with the MC-12W. The unit is known as the "Sooners". Famous unit alumni include former Vietnam prisoner of war Brig. Gen. James Robinson "Robbie" Risner and Astronaut Captain Fred Wallace Haise Jr., Apollo 13 Lunar Module Pilot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">818th Strategic Aerospace Division</span> Military unit

The 818th Strategic Aerospace Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Strategic Air Command at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska, where it was inactivated on 25 March 1965.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">93rd Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 93rd Air Refueling Squadron is an active United States Air Force unit, stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, where it is assigned to the 92nd Operations Group and operates the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft conducting air refueling missions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">26th Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 26th Air Refueling Squadron was a squadron of the United States Air Force that flew the KC-97E/F/G Stratofreighter, An early Cold War air refueling squadron, it primarily supported B-47 Stratojets of the Strategic Air Command Eighth Air Force during the 1950s and early 1960s. The squadron was inactivated in September 1964 as part of the phaseout of the KC-97 from SAC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">40th Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 40th Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 310th Strategic Aerospace Wing at Schilling Air Force Base, Kansas, where it was inactivated on 15 March 1963. The squadron's first predecessor is the 540th Bombardment Squadron, which served as a heavy bomber training unit during World War II until inactivating in a 1944 reorganization of Army Air Forces training units. The 40th Squadron was activated at Schilling in 1952 and performed worldwide refueling missions until inactivated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lockheed C-121 Constellation</span> Military transport version of Constellation

The Lockheed C-121 Constellation is a military transport version of the Lockheed Constellation. A total of 332 aircraft were constructed for both the United States Air Force and United States Navy for various purposes. Numerous airborne early warning versions were also constructed. The C-121 later saw service with smaller civilian operators until 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">71st Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 71st Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 458th Operations Group at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana where it was inactivated on 1 April 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">310th Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 310th Expeditionary Air Refueling Flight is a provisional United States Air Force unit. The flight was last active as the 310th Air Refueling Squadron in October 1994, when it was assigned to the 380th Air Refueling Wing at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">376th Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 376th Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 4081st Strategic Wing at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, where it was inactivated in June 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">301st Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 301st Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force (USAF) unit. It was last assigned to the 301st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air Force Base, Ohio, where it was inactivated on 31 December 1975. In 1985 the 301st was consolidated with the World War II 301st Transport Squadron and 322d Transport Squadron. The squadron has not been active since consolidation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">321st Air Refueling Squadron</span> Military unit

The 321st Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 301st Bombardment Wing at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio, where it was inactivated on 15 March 1965.

References

Notes
  1. ↑ Bach 1996, p. 7
  2. ↑ Bowers 1989, pp. 353–359.
  3. 1 2 Swanborough and Bowers 1989, p. 125.
  4. ↑ Bowers 1989, p. 353.
  5. ↑ Bach 1996, p. 40
  6. ↑ "ASN Aviation Safety Database." Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved: 27 April 2009.
  7. 1 2 Archer Aeroplane May 2017, p. 94.
  8. ↑ Rubinstein and Goldman 1979, p. 89.
  9. ↑ "East of the Suez". Israeli Air Force official website. Retrieved 19 February 2013.
  10. ↑ Bowers 1989, p. 357.
  11. ↑ Bowers 1989, p. 358.
  12. ↑ Bowers 1989, p. 362.
  13. ↑ "Duplications in U.S. Military Aircraft Designation Series".
  14. ↑ Bowers 1989, p. 364.
  15. ↑ Ravenstein, Charles A., ed. Air Force Combat Wings: Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947–1977. Washington, D.C.: United States Air Force Historical Research Center, Office of Air Force History, 1984. ISBN   0-912799-12-9.
  16. ↑ "A Mission of History, Education and Remembrance." Spirit of Freedom, 2011. Retrieved: 21 October 2011.
  17. ↑ Accident descriptionfor 43-27472 at the Aviation Safety Network . Retrieved on 26 January 2013.
  18. ↑ Accident descriptionfor 48-0398 at the Aviation Safety Network . Retrieved on 26 January 2013.
  19. ↑ Union News, Springfield, Massachusetts, 16 October 1951.
  20. ↑ Accident descriptionfor 49-2602 at the Aviation Safety Network . Retrieved on 18 June 2020.
  21. ↑ Accident descriptionfor 48-0413 at the Aviation Safety Network . Retrieved on 26 January 2013.
  22. ↑ Accident descriptionfor 50-0702 at the Aviation Safety Network . Retrieved on 26 January 2013.
  23. ↑ Accident description at the Aviation Safety Network
  24. ↑ Accident descriptionfor 49-2597 at the Aviation Safety Network . Retrieved on 26 January 2013.
  25. ↑ Accident descriptionfor 52-2773 at the Aviation Safety Network . Retrieved on 2015-06-30.
  26. ↑ Accident descriptionfor N52676 at the Aviation Safety Network . Retrieved on 26 January 2013.
  27. ↑ "Accident Report: Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter G, 30 July 1987." Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved: 21 October 2011.
  28. ↑ "C-97K Stratofreighter/AF Serial No. 52-2799." aeroflight.co.uk. Retrieved: 8 November 2011.
  29. ↑ "FAA Registry: N117GA." faa.gov Retrieved: 15 July 2021.
  30. ↑ "C-97G Stratofreighter/AF Serial No. 52-2718 'Angel of Deliverance'." spiritoffreedom.org. Retrieved: 13 November 2010.
  31. ↑ "C-97G Stratofreighter/AF Serial No. 52-2626." pimaair.org. Retrieved: 11 March 2022.
  32. ↑ "C-97G Stratofreighter/AF Serial No. 52-2764." Don Q Inn. Retrieved: 20 July 2016.
  33. ↑ "C-97G Stratofreighter/AF Serial No. 53-218." Minnesota Air Guard Museum. Retrieved: 11 March 2022.
  34. ↑ "Boeing – History – C-97 Stratofreighter." Archived 2010-02-07 at the Wayback Machine Boeing. Retrieved: 27 April 2009.
  35. ↑ Hansen, Dave. "Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter." Warbird Alley, 27 April 2009.
  36. ↑ "C-97 Stratofreighter Specifications." GlobalSecurity.org, 27 April 2009.
  37. ↑ Bridgman 1952, p. 184.
  38. ↑ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
Bibliography
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.