Warplanes of the USA: Boeing B-47 Stratojet

Boeing B-47 Stratojet

(USAF Photo)

(NNSA-NSO-990 Photo)

The Boeing B-47 Stratojet (Boeing company designation Model 450) is a retired American long-range, six-engined, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  (Wikipedia)

(DND Photo via James Craik)

Canadair CL-52 Stratojet (Boeing B-47B), (Serial No. X059), on loan to the RCAF to test the Orenda jet engine.

An unusual conversion was the Canadair CL-52: a B-47B, USAF (Serial No. 51-2059) RCAF (Serial No. 059X) loaned in 1956 to the Royal Canadian Air Force to test the new, powerful Orenda Iroquois turbojet (rated at 19,250 lbf (85.6 kN) dry, 25,000 lbf (110 kN) afterburning) for the Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow interceptor. Canadair attached the Iroquois engine to the right side of the rear fuselage; due to the large exterior diameter of the engine, no other location was feasible.[82] Flying the CL-52 was reportedly a nightmare. After the Arrow was canceled in early 1959, the B-47B/CL-52, which saw 35 hours of engine flight tests, was returned. Unconfirmed sources claimed it was bent out of shape; it was scrapped. The CL-52 was the only B-47 to be used by any foreign service.

(USAF Photo)

Boeing XB-47 Stratojet (Serial No. 15257), JATO launch, ca 1947.

The USAF flew B-47s from 1951 until 1977. Of the 2,032 aircraft built, 23 survive today, none of which are airworthy. These 23 surviving airframes exist in museum collections across the United States.

Serial No. 44-66 is preserved at the Air Force Flight Test Museum in Southern California.

Built at Boeing Seattle as XB-47. The second XB-47 built, after 46-65. First flight 21 July 1948. Test flown at Edwards AFB. In 1954 46-65 was scrapped, making 46-66 the oldest B-47 in existence, and the only surviving XB-47. Previously displayed at the since-closed Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum at the former Chanute AFB, Illinois. Returned to Edwards AFB in 2016. Awaiting funds for restoration.

Boeing B-47B Stratojet (Serial No. 51-25-BW). preserved at the Air Force Flight Test Museum in Southern California.

Boeing XB-47 Stratojet (Serial No. 46-066), second prototype.  This aircraft was moved from Rantoul, Illinois. It is currently preserved at the Air Force Flight Test Museum in Southern California.

(Author Photos)

Serial No. 50-0062 is preserved at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Pooler, Georgia. Boeing NTB-47B Stratojet (Serial No. 50-0062), c/n 450077, was a trainer variant with a 4th seat and the tail turret removed.  This aircraft is on loan from the NMUSAF. Built at Boeing Wichita as B-47B. In 1954 redesignated as TB-47B (test aircraft). Used in 1957 as JTB-47B, and immediately after re-converted to TB-47B. Designated as museum aircraft in 1961 (also redesignated as NTB-47B in 1961[2]). Sent to since-closed Florence Air and Missile Museum in Florence, South Carolina in 1965. Sent to Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia in 1998.

(Alan Radecki Photo)

Serial No. 51-2075 stands derelict at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, in Southern California.

Built as a B-47B. Redesignated EB-47B then JB-47B Jan 1956, TB-47B Feb 1956, and JTB-47B Mar 1956. Subsequently, updated and redesignated TB-47B again. Put on display at Air Force Flight Test Center Museum, Edwards, AFB, California. Later put out on bombing range at Edwards AFB to be used a photographic target.

Serial No. 51-2120 stands at Whiteman AFB, Knob Noster, Missouri.

Built as a B-47B. Operated by SAC's 509 BW.

(Grissom Air Museum Photo)

(Chris Light Photo)

(Adrian Brooks Photo)

Serial No. 51-2315 is with the Grissom Air Museum, Peru, Indiana. Built as a B-47B, converted to B-47D.  51-2315 suffered two major accidents: first, an engine exploded and ripped 18 feet from the right wing, and later, it apparently broke its back on a hard landing at Bunker Hill AFB, which forced its retirement.

(Jerry Gunner Photo)

(Eric Salard Photo)

(kjfishman Photo)

Serial No. 51-2360 is preserved with the Hill Aerospace Museum, Ogden, Utah. Boeing WB-47E Stratojet (Serial No. 51-2360). Built at Boeing Wichita plant as a B-47E. Delivered 10 April 1953. Converted WB-47E. Displayed at New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Severely damaged during storm. Transferred to Hill AFB in 2002. Currently under restoration.

(USAF Photo)

Seven Boeing B-47A Stratojets parked on the North Apron of the Boeing Airplane Co. Plant II, Wichita, Kansas, on 26 Jan 1951.  The three closest aircraft are (Serial Nos 49-1903, 49-1907 and 49-1909).

(Balon Greyjoy Photo)

(Eric Friedebach Photo)

(Danny Chapman Photo)

Boeing WB-47E Stratojet (Serial No. 51-2387), painted as (Serial No. 53-4213), c/n 4501237. Serial No. 51-2387 has been with the Kansas Aviation Museum,Wichita, Kansas, since 2007. Built as a B-47E (later converted to a WB-47E). It was on display at Oklahoma City Fair Grounds, Oklahoma City.

(Cory W. Watts Photo)

(Greg Goebel Photo)

(Frank Kovalchek Photo)

Serial No. 51-7066 is on display at the Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington. Built as a B-47E (later converted to a WB-47E). Restored to SAC bomber configuration for display.

Serial No. 51-7071 stands in Hightower Park, Altus, Oklahoma.

Built as a B-47E. Former 96th Bombardment Wing, Medium aircraft. On display at Hightower Park, Altus, Oklahoma, marked as 520413. Manufacturer's plate shows MSN to be 450595, which may mean that the plane is not 51-7071 but 51-7052.

(USAF Photo)

An air-to-air right side view of a restored B-47E-25-DT Stratojet, Serial No. 52-0166, 44020, aircraft in the markings of the 93d Bombardment Wing. The aircraft was one of the last flyable B-47s in the world and was being flown to Merced, California on 17 June 1986, where it is currently with other preserved aircraft in the Castle Air Museum, China Lake Weapons Center.

(Spartan7W Photo)

(Eric Friedebach Photo)

(Nehrams2020 Photos)

(Alan Wilson Photo)

Boeing B-47E-DT Stratojet (Serial No. 52-0166), 1986. Serial No. 52-0166 is on display at the Castle Air Museum, Atwater, California. Built by Douglas-Tulsa as a B-47E. Strategic Air Command operated by the 9th Bombardment Wing, 509th Bombardment Wing, Medium & 40th Bomb Wing, Medium; last used by the United States Navy as a photographic training target at NAWS China Lake, California. Performed the last flight of a B-47 in June 1986 from NAWS China Lake to Castle AFB.

(Mike Freer Photo)

Serial No. 52-0412 is preserved at Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas. Built as a B-47E (later converted to EB-47E); later operated by the US Navy's Fleet Electronic Warfare Support Group(FEWSG) as a Government Owned/Contractor Operated aircraft (with tail No. 24120) until retired in 1977.

(Ed Ulthman Photo)

Boeing B-47E Stratojet (Serial No. 52-0595), C/N 450880. Serial No. 52-0595 is preserved at Little Rock AFB, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Built as a B-47E.

(Eric Friedebach Photo)

Boeing B-47E Stratojet (Serial No.52-1412), C/N 44096.  This B-47 was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft, Tulsa Oklahoma, and delivered to the USAF on 5 May 1955.  It was dropped from inventory in June 1964 and transferred to the Strategic Air & Space Museum. Serial No. 52-1412 is preserved inside the Nebraska Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, Ashland, Nebraska.

Built at Douglas-Tulsa as a B-47E (later converted to EB-47E), it was assigned to the 301st Bombardment Wing, 97th Bombardment Wing, 384th Bombardment Wing, 321st Bombardment Wing, and 70th Bombardment Wing prior to its retirement in 1964. Currently undergoing gradual restoration.

(Author Photos)

Boeing B-47E Stratojet (Serial No. 53-2104), C/N 44450. Serial No. 53-2104 is preserved at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, Pueblo, Colorado. Built as a B-47E. Last role was as a TF34 engine testbed designated a NB-47E. Civil registered for delivery flight to Pueblo Memorial Airport in 1979. Was at one time loaned to the Navy as BuNo. 532104.

(Mike Freer - Touchdown-aviation Photo)

(aeroprints.com Photo)

(Eric Salard Photo)

(Author Photos)

Boeing EB-47E Stratojet (Serial No. 53-2135), 44481. Serial No. 53-2135 is preserved with the Pima Air and Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona. Built by Douglas-Tulsa as a B-47E (later converted to EB-47E). Sent to Military Aircraft Storage and Disposal Center (MASDC) 8 Dec 1964; now at Pima Air and Space Museum. Formerly operated by the 376th Bombardment Wing, Medium.

Boeing B-47A Stratojet (Serial No. 49-1901), 450002, nose section, also at the Pima Air and Space Museum.

(Magic Aviation Photos)

Boeing B-47E-110-BW Stratojet (Serial No. 53-2275), c/n 4501088, “Betty Boop”. Serial No. 53-2275 is preserved at the March Field Air Museum, Riverside, California.

Built as a B-47E. It was used by the USN and was retired to China Lake, California, from where it was moved to March Field Air Museum sometime after 1986. Was once or still known as "Betty-Boop."

(Michael Barera Photos)

(Martin McGuire Photo)

Boeing B-47E Stratojet (Serial No. 53-2276). Serial No. 53-2276 is preserved at the Barksdale Global Power Museum, Bossier City, Louisiana. Built as a B-47E (later converted to JB-47E). Former 303rd Bombardment Wing, Medium aircraft.

(Balon Greyjoy Photo)

(Jack Gilbert Photos)

Boeing B-47E-11-BW Stratojet (Serial No. 53-2280). Serial No. 53-2280 is preserved at the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Built as a B-47E. In the 1960s this aircraft was used as a test bed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base under the designation JB-47E. It was the first USAF aircraft with a fly-by-wire control system. Transferred to the NMUSAF in 1969 and displayed until 2003. In 2013 it was transferred to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque, New Mexico for permanent display.

(B-47 Volunteer Photo)

(Martin McGuire Photo)

(JCLBA Photo)

(Alfred DeVaux Jr. Photo)

Boeing B-47E Stratojet (Serial No. 53-2385), 385, C/N 4501198, “Pride of the Adirondacks”. Serial No. 53-2385 is preserved at the Clyde Lewis Air Park,  Plattsburgh, New York. Built as a B-47E. Its only role during its service life was as a strategic bomber. Pride of the Adirondacks was dedicated as a permanent monument on 21 March 1966 in conjunction with SAC's 20th Anniversary. It is currently on display at the Clyde Lewis Air Park. During the 1965 SAC World Series of Bombing held at Fairchild AFB it took top honors in the B-47 division. Pride is being restored by Plattsburgh Aircraft Restoration, a volunteer group consisting of military retirees, veterans and family members. It is now wheelchair accessible due to considerable support from local businesses.

Serial No. 53-4213 stands at McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas.

Built as a B-47E. Operated by Strategic Air Command's 98th Bombardment Wing, Medium & 308th Bombardment Wing, Medium. One of the last B-47s operated at the former Lincoln AFB, Nebraska before departing on 7 December 1965; 53-4213 participated in Operation "Fast Fly" which was the retirement of the last B-47s in USAF service. Was on display at Wichita, Kansas airport 1965–1988. Moved to McConnell AFB, Kansas in 1988.

(Balon Greyjoy Photo)

(Benchmark Blasterz Photo)

Boeing RB-47E Stratojet (Serial No. 53-4257), C/N 4501281. Serial No. 53-4257 is preserved at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Built as a RB-47E (later converted to JRB-47E, then to NRB-47E).

(Cory W. Watts Photo)

Boeing RB-47H Stratojet (Serial No. 53-4296). Serial No. 53-4296 stands at the Air Force Armament Museum, Valparaiso, Florida. Built as a RB-47H. Former 55th SRW aircraft; returned to duty from MASDC, Davis-Monthan AFB, for tests of F-111 radar system by the Air Force Avionics Laboratory (July 1968). In 1978, was preserved at US Coast Guard Station, Los Angeles. Now at Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB; RB-47 nose and F-111 radome replaced by standard B-47E nose, making it a bastardized configuration.

(Valder137 Photo)

Serial No. 53-4299 is preserved in the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio. This RB-47H was delivered to the USAF in October 1955. The aircraft served with the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing from 1955 until its retirement in 1966. It was deployed to several locations, including Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, and Yokota Air Base, Japan. It also flew missions over the former Soviet Union. The aircraft was delivered to the museum in 1998. After extensive restoration by museum personnel, it went on display in 2003, marked as it appeared in 1960. (Wikipedia)

(USAF Photo)

Boeing RB-47H-1-BW Stratojet (Serial No. 53-4299).  After its retirement from active duty, this aircraft was on display at the former Schilling Air Force Base, near Salina, Kansas for many years.  In 1988 it was moved to the National Museum of the United States Air Force and underwent restoration and put on display at the museum.

(NMUSAF)

Boeing RB-47H Stratojet.

(USAF Photo)

A Northrop YB-49 with the Boeing XB-47 Stratojet.

(USAF Photo)

Boeing XB-47D propjet with experimental fit of Wright YT49-W-1 turboprop engine and four-blade paddle prop.