World's First Major Aerial Tanker - Derivative of the B-29 Bomber
Photo: KC-97 on display at the United States Air Force Museum
In early 1942, Boeing initiated a design sturdy to examine the feasibility of producing a transport version of the B-29 Superfortress. Identified as the Boeing Model 367 and designated the XC-97 by the United States Army Air Force, the first aircraft flew its maiden flight on November 15th 1944.
The XC-97 had much in common with the B-29, including the entire wing engine layout, the tail and lower "bubble" which was basically a B-29 fuselage.
Fully restored to represent a late model KC-97L that was used by the United States Air Force and Air National Guard units through the mid-1970's.
The large roomy cockpit enables large or small groups of people to move through the aircraft with ease, and get a real feel for the complexity of such a large reciprocating four-engine aircraft.
The pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, and navigators positions have all been fully restored with most of the panels and lights illuminating.
Photo: Pilot & Co-pilot's positions - roll-over image shows cockpit mounted on trailer for transport to air shows and community events.
Air Shows and Community Events
By choosing to mount the Museum's KC-97L cockpit on a trailer, it is easy for us to transport the cockpit to air shows and community event. The cockpit trailer is over 50 feet long, and makes an excellent static display.
The large roomy cockpit enables large or small groups of people to move through the aircraft with ease, and get a real feel for the complexity of such a large reciprocating four-engine aircraft.
The pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, and navigators positions have all been fully restored with most of the panels and lights illuminating.
Please read our air show section to learn about our air shows and ability to bring this to an event in your community.
Photo: Visitors inside KC-97L cockpit at the Museum - for rollover image please position mouse over photo to see second photo.
Photo: Flight Engineer's position, located behind the pilot & co-pilot's position - Roll-over image: Navigator's position.
