Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter

Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter
Country	USA
Role	Military transport aircraft
First flight	9 November 1944
Built	888

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 3 prototype XC-97s flew on 9 November 1944 (none saw combat), and the first of 6 service-test YC-97s flew on 11 March 1947. All these 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 gunners position blanked off. Between 1944 and 1958, 888 C-97s in several versions were built, 811 being KC-97 tankers. C-97s served in the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Source: Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter on Wikipedia

Boeing C-97G Stratofreighter Walk Around
Photographer	Bill Maloney
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	62

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General Characteristics and Role

The **Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter** was a long-range strategic military transport aircraft developed from the successful B-29 Superfortress bomber during World War II. The **C-97G** represents the ultimate pure transport variant, though many were later converted to the KC-97 aerial tanker role. The aircraft is recognizable by its distinctive, large double-deck fuselage, which was optimized for carrying heavy cargo, large vehicles, and up to 130 fully equipped troops. The C-97 was vital during the **Korean War** and for supporting the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line, as well as the **Berlin Airlift**, where its speed and capacity proved invaluable. Its pressurized cabin allowed for long-range, high-altitude operations.

Property	Typical Value (C-97G)
Role	Strategic Military Transport, Cargo/Troop Carrier
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Boeing
First Flight (Prototype XC-97)	9 November 1944
Crew	5 (Pilot, Co-pilot, Navigator, Flight Engineer, Radio Operator) + Loadmasters
Capacity (Troops/Cargo)	Up to 130 troops or 35,000 lb (16,000 kg) of cargo
Length	33.63 m (110 ft 4 in)
Wingspan	43.05 m (141 ft 3 in)
Height	11.66 m (38 ft 3 in)
Empty Weight	37,420 kg (82,500 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight	77,110 kg (170,000 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: 4 x **Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major** 28-cylinder air-cooled radial engines.
Power Output (Per Engine): 2,610 kW (3,500 hp) (Water/Methanol injected).
Maximum Speed: 603 km/h (375 mph; 326 kn).
Cruise Speed: 480 km/h (300 mph).
Range: 6,920 km (4,300 mi; 3,730 nmi).
Service Ceiling: 10,670 m (35,000 ft).

Design and Variants

Fuselage Design: Features a unique “figure-8” cross-section, which was crucial for maintaining pressurization and accommodating the large cargo door/ramp in the belly.
Loading: Cargo was loaded via a large ramp that dropped down from the belly in the rear of the fuselage, allowing vehicles to drive directly into the lower deck.
KC-97 Conversion: Most C-97s were converted to the **KC-97 Stratofreighter** aerial tanker, primarily for refueling B-47 and B-52 bombers, extending their operational life through the 1960s.
Power Issues: The R-4360 engines were complex and maintenance-intensive, particularly when utilizing the power-boosting water injection system.