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Description
Characteristics
| Special features |
Printed on paper manufactured by Kodak, 42 ESC RECCE BAF stamp ( in Dutch, French and English ), Two pieces of the top layer of the paper are missing ( lower left corner ) |
| Condition | Used, acceptable |
| Date | Early 1970s |
| Size | 22.18 x 22.3 cm |
|
Studio |
42 ESC RECCE BAF - M.F.P.U. ( Eng. ) |
Description
Today, we offer for sale this fine and unusual photograph that depicts the Boeing KC - 97L Stratofreighter 367 ( 53 - 280, 0 - 30280 ) operated by the 180th Air Refueling Squadron ( 139th Air Refueling Group, Missouri Air National Guard ).
The KC - 97 Stratofreighter was an aerial refueling tanker variant of the C - 97 Stratofreighter ( which was itself based on the Boeing B - 29 Superfortress ), greatly modified with all the necessary tanks, plumbing, and a flying boom. The cavernous upper deck was capable of accommodating oversize cargo accessed through a very large right - side door. In addition, transferable jet fuel was contained in tanks on the lower deck ( G - L models ). Both decks were heated and pressurised for high altitude operations.
The U.S.A.F. began operating the KC - 97 in 1950. It purchased a total of 811 KC -97s from Boeing, as opposed to only 74 of the C - 97 cargo version. In 1956, the Strategic Air Command began phasing out its KC - 97s in favor of the KC - 135 Stratotanker. KC - 97s continued flying with Tactical Air Command, the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.
In 1969, military requirements resulted in a change in mission when the 180th Airlift Squadron was reassigned from Military Airlift Command ( M.A.C. ) transport duties to Strategic Air Command ( S.A.C. ). Under S.A.C., the Squadron became an air refueling unit ( 180th Air Refueling Squadron ), being equipped with the air refueling version of the C - 97 cargo, the KC - 97. Familiarity with the aircraft led to a smooth transition from M.A.C. to the new refueling mission. It supported the United States Air Forces in Europe flying aerial refueling missions in the KC - 97 supporting missions of deploying aircraft to N.A.T.O. for tactical exercises. In 1976, the KC - 97s were retired by S.A.C. and the unit returned to M.A.C. as its gaining command. The 180th was re - equipped with Lockheed C - 130A Hercules tactical airlifters and returned to its transport mission.
( sources : Wikipedia, www.airhistory.net, www.pinterest.com, www.139aw.ang.af.mil )
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