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Boeing KB-50J Superfortress

The Boeing B-50 began as an upgrade to the highly successful B-29.  However, the large number of changes made, new engines, modified wings, and a larger tail being just a few, resulted in a new designation for the aircraft.  The first aircraft entered service in 1947 and eventually 370 were built.  As the B-50s began to be replaced by other types of bombers they were modified for use as aerial refueling tankers by the Tactical Air Command.  The first modifications involved removing all armament and installing extra fuel tanks in the fuselage and under the wings.  Eventually, greater speed was needed to keep up with the faster fighters in use and the external tanks were replaced by two J-47 turbojet engines.  In this form they continued to serve well into the 1960s.

Wingspan

141 ft 3 in.

Length

105 ft 1 in.

Height

33 ft 7 in.

Weight

179,500 lbs (loaded)

Maximum Speed

444 MPH

Service Ceiling

39,700 ft

Range

2,300 miles

Engines

Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360-35 radial engines with 3,500 horsepower each, and two General Electric J47-GE-23 turbojets with 5,200 pounds of thrust each

Crew

5

Manufacturer
Boeing

Markings
4505th Air Refueling Wing, Turner AFB, Georgia, 1959

Serial Number
49-0372

Designation
KB-50J