Thailandscale144: BOEING KC-97G "Stratotanker" USAF.

2/09/2015

BOEING KC-97G "Stratotanker" USAF.

1/144th Scale model : BOEING KC-97G-29-BO "STRATOTANKER"s/n 52-2799 SAC.USAF. .
Kit:Minicraft Decals:Inbox & [PLD] Plastic Liner Decals (Thailand)
Modeler Supawat Putthitornworasit FEB'2015

The success of Boeing's Stratofreighter series led to the development of the K-97 Stratotanker. Modern aerial in flight refueling was pioneered by Boeing and several historic flights were made using both the probe-and-drogue method and the flying boom. The probe-and-drogue method entailed the use of a trailing hose dangling from the tanker aircraft. The receiver plane was fitted with a tube-like extension aimed forward. The pilot of the receiver plane would close on the tanker and drive the tube (probe) into a cone at the end of the trailing line (drogue). When the connection was secured, the tanker would pump fuel in to the receiver tanks. with the set up,several planes could be refueled simultaneously.
The flying boom method uses a rigid tube attached to the tail of the tanker. This tube is fitted with a "V" shaped wing.A crew member,called "Boomer",views the approaching receiver plane and,using aircraft type controls, literally flies the boom into the tank receptacle in the receiver. The pilot of the receiver then flies in formation with the tanker until the tanks are topped-off.
After the war,many Boeing B-29s were converted to the KB-29 Tankers. Eventually the faster Boeing B-50's was modified into the KB-50 tanker,some of these being provied with auxiliary jet pods for even more speed. Because of the increased volume in the C-97 fuselage,it became the next generation aerial tanker. The KC-97G version carried auxiliary tanks for increased range.
One unusual feature of the KC-97G was the ability to be used as either a tanker or personnel transport without modification.
The Boeing KC-97G could carry 96 troops or 69 stretcher cases and foue crew while still loaded with tanker gear.It was powered by x4 3,500 HP. P&W R-4360 Was Major engines,giving it a top speed of 375 mph at 30,200 feet was 4,300 miles.

Strategic Air Command (SAC) was both a Department of Defense Specified Command and a United States Air Force (USAF) Major Command (MAJCOM) responsible for Cold War command and control of two of the three components of the U.S. military's strategic nuclear strike forces, the so-called "Nuclear Triad," with SAC having control of land-based strategic bomber aircraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). SAC also operated all USAF jet aerial refueling, strategic reconnaissance, and airborne command post aircraft.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_Air_Command

1/144 Scale model KC-97G by Supawat Putthitornworasit