The U.S. Army Air Forces issued its first requirement for a jet bomber in 1943. However, it was not until after the war, when German research on high speed aircraft became available, that the design of the B-47 was finalized. The B-47 became the first all-jet bomber produced anywhere in the world. Over two thousand Stratojets were built between 1947 and 1957. During the early 1960s, a number of B-47E models were converted for use as electronic intelligence-gathering aircraft. Additional antennas were mounted on the aircraft and a "capsule" was installed in the aircraft's bomb bay that carried additional equipment to monitor radar and radio signals as well as two additional crew.
Wingspan
116 ft
Length
109 ft 10 in.
Height
27 ft 11 in.
Weight
206,700 lbs (loaded)
Maximum Speed
606 MPH
Service Ceiling
40,500 ft
Range
4,000 miles
Engines
Six General Electric J47-GE-25A turbojets with 6,000 pounds of thrust each