Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins in Houston County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
KC-97L “Stratofreighter”
Aircraft Collection
| — | Museum of Aviation | — |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
1. KC-97L “Stratofreighter” Marker
By Boeing
The C-97 was the Army Air Forces (AAF) cargo/transport version of the B-29. Between 1943 and 1950, 74 Stratofreighters were ordered; the first flight occurred on 15 November 1944. A tanker version (KC-97) was introduced in 1950 using the "flying boom" refueling system, and all subsequent USAF contracts for C-97s were for tankers. In all, 890 aircraft were ordered, 74 C-97s and 816 KC-97s. After 1956 USAF KC-97s were gradually replaced by KC-135 jet tankers, but some were modified for continued use in other roles. In 1964, selected aircraft were returned to a tanker configuration (KC-97L) primarily for the Air National Guard. Two jet engines were added to increase speed and altitude, making the tankers more compatible with high performance jet aircraft. Although the last USAF C/KC-97 was retired in 1973, examples remained in use with the AF Reserve and ANG as tankers or air-sea search and rescue aircraft for several years before the last one was retired.
During the 1950s and 1960s, KC-97 tankers were stationed at Robins AFB with the 19th Bombardment Wing in support of the B-52 bombers assigned to the Wing. The Museum's KC-97L was delivered to the USAF in January 1956 and served with various units all over the world before being retired in 1977. The aircraft was sold to a commercial user and was acquired
this page online
Specifications:
Span: 141 ft. 2 in.
Length: 117 ft. 5 in.
Height: 38 ft. 4 in.
Weight: 153,000 lbs. max.
Armament: None
Engine: Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360s of 3,500 hp ea. and two General Electric J47s of 5,970 lbs. thrust ea.
Cost: $1,205,000
Serial Number: 53-298
Performance:
Maximums speed: 400 mph.
Cruising speed: 230 mph.
Range: 2,300 miles
Service ceiling: 30,000 ft.
Erected by Museum of Aviation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical date for this entry is November 15, 1944.
Location. 32° 35.476′ N, 83° 35.136′ W. Marker is in Warner Robins, Georgia, in Houston County. It is in Robins Air Force Base. It can be reached from the intersection of Heritage Boulevard and Oak Avenue (U.S. 129), on the right when traveling north. The marker is located on the grounds of the Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, GA. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1942 Heritage Blvd, Warner Robins GA 31098, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: T-39A “Sabreliner” (a few steps from this marker); Fairchild C-123K Provider (within shouting distance of this marker); EC-121K “Constellation”
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. KC-97L “Stratofreighter” Marker
Also see . . .
1. KC-97L “Stratofreighter”. (Submitted on June 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Museum of Aviation in Warner Robbins. (Submitted on June 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
3. KC-97L “Stratofreighter”
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 18, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
