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Joseph F. Bauer, Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur have granted me the right to use their copywritten material as long as they are give credit for that use,
- Manufacturer: Rockwell International, North American Aircraft.
- First year of service: 1985.
- Aircraft type: Long Range Multi-Role Heavy Bomber.
- Crew: Four – Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Offensive Systems Officer, Defensive Systems Officer.
- Power plant(s): Four General Electric F-101-GE-102, 30,000+ lbf. Thrust with afterburners, turbofan engines.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 137 ft. extended forward, 79 ft. swept aft. Length 146 ft. Height 34 ft.
- Weight: 190,000 lb. Empty, 477,000 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: 900+ mph (Mach 1.2 at sea level). Intercontinental range un-refueled. Ceiling 30,000+ ft.
- Armament: Up to 84 Mark 82 conventional 500 lb. Bombs and 30 CBU-87/89/97. Also can be reconfigured to carry a wide range of nuclear weapons.
- Reference(s): USAF, USAF Fact Sheet.
- Nickname(s): “BONE”, “Excalibur”, “Lance”, “Lawn Dart”
- B-1As: Initial version oriented toward high-altitude high-speed dash; 4built. Planned production of 240 aircraft canceled in 1977.
- B-1Bs: Production version with ALCM capability, increased payload, significantly smaller radar cross-section and ejection seats instead of the crew ejection capsule; 100 built.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.''
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1942.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Nine – Pilot, Co-pilot, Bombardier, Navigator, Radio Operator and four gunners.
- Power plant(s): Four R-1820-97 Cyclone radials rated at 1,200 hp for takeoff and 1,000 hp at 25,000 ft. For brief intervals, a war emergency power (WEP) of 1,380 hp could be delivered.
- Dimensions: Wing span 103 ft. 9 3/8 in. Length 74 ft. 9 in. Height 19 ft. 1 in. Wing area of 1,420 sq. ft.
- Weight: 34,000 lb. Empty, 40,437 lb. Loaded, 56,500 lb. ---Maximum. Normal fuel load was 2,520 U.S. gallons, but extra fuel tanks, called “Tokyo Tanks”, could be installed which raised the total fuel capacity to 3,612 U.S. gallons.
- Performance: Maximum speed 299 mph at 25,000 ft., 325 mph at 25,000 ft. (WEP). Cruising speed 200 mph. Landing speed 90 mph. An altitude of 20,000 ft. could be attained in 25.7 minutes. Service ceiling 37,500 ft. Range 1,300 miles with 6,000 lb. Of bombs, maximum range 2,880 miles. A range of 4,420 miles at 5,000 ft. could be attained with 3,612 gallons of fuel.
- Armament: Six ball and socket mounts in the nose and front windows. One 0.30-in. M2 machine gun with boxes for 5,100 rounds of ammunition. One Sperry No. 645473E power turret in dorsal position with two 0.50-inch Browning M2 machine guns with 500 rounds per gun. One Sperry No. 654849-J power turret in ventral position with two 0.50-inch Browning machine guns with 500 rounds per gun. One 0.50-inch Browning M2 machine gun in each of the two waist windows, 400 rounds per gun. One ball and socket mount was fitted to the roof of the radio operator’s compartment for a 0.50-inch Browning M2 machine gun. Two 0.50-inch M2 Browning machine guns were installed in the tail position, with 500 rounds per gun.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia.''
- Nickname(s): “Queen”
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1943.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Nine – Pilot, Co-pilot, Bombardier, Navigator, Radio Operator and four gunners.
- Power plant(s): Four R-1820-97 Cyclone radials with General Electric B-22 turbo superchargers, each rated at 1,200 hp for takeoff and 1,000 hp at 25,000 ft., with war emergency power of 1,380 hp at 26,700 ft.
- Dimensions: Wing span 103 ft. 9 3/8 in. Length 74 ft. 9 in. Height 19 ft. 1 in. Wing area of 1,420 sq. ft.
- Weight: 32,700000 lb. Empty, 55,00 lb. Loaded, 72,000 lb. ---Maximum. Normal fuel load was 2,520 U.S. gallons, but extra fuel tanks, called “Tokyo Tanks”, could be installed which raised the total fuel capacity to 3,612 U.S. gallons.
- Performance: Maximum speed 263 mph at 25,000 ft., 300 mph at 30,000 ft. (WEP). Cruising speed 150 mph at 25,000 ft. Landing speed 90 mph. Initial climb rate 900 ft. per minute. An altitude of 20,000 ft. could be attained in 37 minutes. Service ceiling 35,000 ft. Range 1,850 miles with 4,000 lb. Of bombs at 2,000 ft. with 2,810 gallons of fuel.
- Armament: Specific defensive armament was as follows: thirteen 0.5 in. Browning machine guns in chin, nose, dorsal, center fuselage, waist, and tail positions. Maximum short range bomb load was 17,600 lb.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia.''
- Nickname(s): “Queen”
- F-9s: An unknown number of B-17s (F-9s) as well as sixteen B-17Fs (F-9As) and ten B-17Gs (F-9Cs) were converted to long range photographic reconnaissance configuration by having their bombing equipment deleted and replaced by photographic equipment. Some cameras were installed in the nose and in the aft fuselage as well. Some defense armament was retained.
- RB-17s: In 1948 the few remaining F-9Cs were redesignated as ---RB-17Gs. The "R" standing for "Reconnaissance"
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1944.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Eleven - Pilot, Co-pilot, Bombardier, Navigator, Flight Engineer, Radio Operator, Radar Operator and four gunners.
- Power plant(s): Four Wright R-3350-57 Duplex Cyclone, 18 cylinder air-cooled radial engines each with two General Electric turbo superchargers, delivering 2,200 hp for takeoff and having a WEP rating of 2,300 hp at 25,000 ft.
- Dimensions: Wing span 142 ft. 3 in. Length 99 ft. Height 27 ft. 9 in. Wing area of 1738 sq. ft.
- Weight: 71,360 lb. empty. Normally loaded 120,000 lb., Maximum overload 135,000 lb. with 12,000 lb. bomb load. Fuel capacity 8,288 U.S. gallons after installation of semi-permanent bomb bay tanks.
- Performance: Maximum speed 357 mph at 30,000 ft., 306 mph at sea level. Maximum continuous cruising speed 342 mph at 30,000 ft. Economical cruising speed 220 mph at 25,000 ft. Initial climb rate of 900 ft. per minute at combat weight. An altitude of 20,000 ft. could be attained in 38 minutes. Service ceiling of 33,600 ft. Maximum range 4,000 miles at 25,000 ft. with 5,000 lb. bomb load. Practical operational radius of 1,800 miles. Maximum ferry range was 6,000 miles.
- Armament: Twelve 0.50-inch. machine guns in four remotely controlled turrets (two above and two below the fuselage) and in the tail, each with 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Maximum internal short range, low altitude bomb load was 20,000 lb. A load of 5,000 lb. of bombs could be carried over a 1,600 miles radius at high altitude. A load of 12,000 lb. of bombs could be carried over a 1,600 mile radius at medium altitudes.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Dreamboat”
- F-13s: Modified to carry three K-17Bs, two K-22s and one K-18 camera with provisions for others. In 1948 the F-13s were redesignated as RB-29s and RB-29As.
- TB-29s: Modified for radar evaluation and target towing.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- B-29s: Production aircraft; 101,082 lb. combat, 133,500 lb. normal maximum; 11 man crew; 3,659 built (plus 311 completed as B-29Bs).
- B-29As: Production aircraft; modified wing and improved engines (fuel decreased by 213 gallons, but overall range increased); 101,480 lb. combat, 133,500 lb. normal maximum; 11 man crew; 1,119 built.
- B-29Bs: Final production aircraft; all guns deleted except tail turret; fitted with APG-15 gun control radar system; 311 built.
- B-29Cs: Planned production variant; improved engines; canceled in 1945.
- B-29Ds: Improved design; designation changed to B-50 in 1946.
- B-29Fs: Aircraft winterized for artic operation; 6 converted from B-29s.
- B-29Ls: Initial designation of KB-29M.
- B-29MRs: Standard bomber aircraft fitted for long-range operations capable of refueling in-flight from KB-29Ms; 74 modified.
- CB-29Ks: Aircraft stripped for cargo; 1 converted from B-29 in 1949.
- KB-29Ms: Aircraft converted to hose-drogue tankers; armament deleted and additional fuel tanks and hoses fitted; 92 converted from B-29s from 1948 onward.
- KB-29Ps: Flying-boom tankers; armament deleted, additional fuel tanks and special radar installed; 116 converted from B-29s from 1949 - 1951.
- P2Bs: Navy designation for B-29s acquired for long-range search missions; 1 modified for air launching of D-558-II research aircraft; 2 designated P2B-1S and 2 P2B-2S; all acquired in 1947
- QB-29s: Radio-controlled target drone configuration; several converted from 1954 onward.
- RB-29/RB-29As: Conversion to photographic reconnaissance; designated ---F-13/F-13As until 1948; no guns in most aircraft fitted with cameras and additional fuel tanks in bomb bays 118 converted from B-29/B-29As.
- SB-29s: Search-and-rescue variant; fitted with a large droppable lifeboat; all weapons deleted; 16 converted.
- Washington B.1s: British designation for 88 B-29/B-29A aircraft transferred for service from 1950 to 1955.
- WB-29s: Weather reconnaissance aircraft; several converted.
- XB-29s: Prototype aircraft; first flight 21 September 1942; 3 built.
- XB-29Es: Aircraft fitted for fire control tests; 1 converted from B-29 in 1946.
- XB-29Gs: Engine test aircraft with retractable turbojet in bomb bay; 1 converted from B-29B.
- XB-29Hs: Aircraft fitted for armament tests; 1 converted from B-29A in 1947.
- XB-39s: First YB-29 as refitted with in-line piston engines.
- XB-44s: B-29A with improved engines; initially redesignated B-29D; Reordered as B-50.
- YB/RB-29Js: Improved reconnaissance aircraft; 6 converted from B-29s.
- YB-29s: Service test aircraft; first flight 26 June 1943; 14 built.
- YKB-29Js: First flying boom tankers; 2 converted from RB-29Js in 1948.
- YKB-29Ts: Triple-point hose tanker aircraft; 1 converted from KB-29M.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- Manufacturer: Convair.
- First year of service: 1948.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Fifteen – Pilot, Co-pilot, Radar Operator, Bombardier, Navigator, Flight Engineer, two Radiomen, Radar Operator, five rear gunners and three forward gunners.
- Power plant(s): Six Pratt & Whitney R-4360-25 Wasp Major air cooled radial engines, each rated at 3,250 for take off and 3,000 hp at 40,000 ft.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 230 ft. Length 162 ft. 1 in. Height 46 ft. 8 in. Wing area 4,772 sq. ft.
- Weight: 135,020 lb. Empty. 212,800 lb. Combat. 311,000 lb. Maximum.
- Performance: Maximum speed 345 mph at 31,600 ft. Cruising speed 218 mph. Stalling speed 113 mph. Initial climb rate of 1,447 ft. per minute. An altitude of 20,000 ft. could be attained in 53 minutes. Service ceiling was 39,100 ft. Combat ceiling 35,800 ft. Combat radius 3,880 miles with 10,000 lb. Bomb load. Ferry range 9,136 miles. Takeoff run 6,000 ft. at sea level. Take off over 50 ft. obstacle 8,000 ft. Total mission time 35.6 hours.
- Armament: Sixteen M-24A-1 20-mm cannons. Maximum bomb load 72,000 lb.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Aluminum Overcast”, “Big Stick”
- GRB-36Ds: The bomb bay of the GRB-36D was extensively modified, and a retractable H-shaped cradle replaced the usual bomb racks. The RF-84F was modified to carry a hook on the upper nose ahead of the cockpit. The RF-84K was to fly up underneath the GRB-36D and use its hook to engage a slot in the cradle. The cradle would then rotate down over the fuselage of the RF-86K and engage hard points on the rear of the fuselage. Once attached, the RF-84K would be pulled upward and nestled underneath the belly of the GRB-36D. Twenty-five RF-84Fs reconnaissance aircraft were modified to operate as parasite aircraft to GBR-36Ds. In a typical mission the GBR-36D would carry the RF-86K out to a 2,810 mile radius and launch the parasite at an altitude of 25,000 ft. After completion of the mission the RF-84K would be recovered by the GRB-36D and returned to base.
- RB-36Es: The six R-4360-25 engines were replaced by R-4360-41 engines and also equipped with four J47 jet engines. They were equipped with fourteen K-17C, K-22A, K-38 and K-40 cameras The normal crew was 22, which included 5 gunners to man 16 M-24A-1 20-mm cannons.
- XC-99: Transport version with two decks. Capable of carrying 400 equipped troops, 300 stretchers, or 100,000 lb. Of cargo. Six R-4360-41 radials. Only one built. Finally retired in 1957. Maximum speed 300 mph.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- B-36As: Production aircraft; raised “green house” cockpit; no armament; used primarily for training; first flight 28 August 1947; 22 built.
- B-36Bs: Production aircraft; fully armed; 328,000 lb. Gross, 15 crew (including 4 relief); first flight 8 July 1948; 73 built. (First fully operational aircraft.)
- B-36Ds: Production aircraft; fitted with 4 turbojet engines; improved navigation-bombing radar and gun fire control; 357,500 lb. Gross; 15 man crew; first flight 26 March 1949; 64 converted from B-36Bs and 22 built.
- B-36Fs: Production aircraft; similar to B-36D; first flight 18 November 1950; 28 built.
- B-36Hs: Production aircraft; similar to B-36F; first flight 5 April 1952; 81 built.
- B-36Js: Production aircraft; 410,000 lb. Gross; 15 man crew; first flight 3 September 1953; 33 built.
- RB-36Ds: Reconnaissance variant with 2 bomb bays modified for 14 cameras (bomb capability retained in 2 bays); guns retained; 357,500 lb. Gross; 22 man crew; first flight 18 December 1949; 7 converted from B-36Bs and 17 built; 12 subsequently modified to GRB-36Ds to carry “parasite” fighter.
- RB-36Fs: Reconnaissance aircraft; similar to RB-36E with longer range; 24 built.
- RB-36Hs: Reconnaissance variant; improved RB-36F; 73 built.
- NB-36Hs: Aircraft modified to serve as nuclear engine test platform; fitted with reactor (did not power aircraft); 47 flights made from 1955 to 1957; 1 converted from B-36H.
- XB-36s: Prototype aircraft; 265,000 lb. Gross; first flight 8 August 1946; 1 built.
- YB-36s: Prototype aircraft; change to YB-36A with modified landing gear; 1 built.
- YB-36Cs: Proposed variant with 6 tractor engines; design canceled and 34 aircraft on order completed as B-36Bs.
- YB-36Gs: Turbojet-propelled variant; designation changed to YB-60.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1953.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Three – Pilot, Co-pilot, Bombardier/Navigator.
- Power plant(s): Six General Electric J47-GE-25 turbojet engines, 5,970 lbf. Static thrust dry and 7,200 lbf. Static thrust with water injection.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 116 ft. Length 107 ft. Height 27 ft. 11 in. Wing area 1,428 sq. ft.
- Weight: 79,074 empty, 133,030 lb. Combat. 198,180 lb. Gross. 230,000 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: Maximum speed 607 mph at 16,300 ft. 557 mph at 38,500 ft. Cruising speed 500 mph. Stalling speed 175 mph. Service ceiling 33,100 ft., combat ceiling 40,500 ft. Combat climb rate 4,660 ft. per minute (maximum power). Combat radius 2,013 miles with 10,845 lb. Bomb load. Ferry range 4,035 miles with 16,318 gallon fuel load. Takeoff ground run 10,400 ft., 7,350 ft. with JATO (Jet Assisted Take Off).
- Armament: Two 20 mm M24A1 cannon in extreme tail. Maximum bomb load 25,000 lb.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- RB-47Bs: In 1953-54 24 B-47Bs were converted to a reconnaissance configuration by adding a special 8 camera heated pod in the forward bomb bay. The RB-47Bs could only provide daylight photographic coverage.
- RB-47Es: The RB-47E was a dedicated photographic reconnaissance version of the B-47E. The nose was 34 in. longer than a standard B-47E to house a special air-conditioned compartment for cameras and other sensitive equipment. The crew was still three, but the bombardier now became the photographer/navigator. Eleven cameras could be carried, along with ten photoflash bombs and supplementary photoflash cartridges for night photography. Although the RB-47E could be refueled in flight the fuel tankage was increased to 18,405 US gallons.
- EB-47Ls: In 1963, 35 obsolete B-47Es were modified as electronics communications aircraft under the designation EB-47L. They were to service as a relay station between other aircraft or between aircraft and ground stations during and after a nuclear attack.
- YRB-47Bs: Was a latter conversion of the B-47Bs specifically intended for the training of crews for the RB-47Es.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- B-47As: Service test aircraft; similar to XB-47; 160,000 lb. Gross; first flight 25 June 1950; 10 built.
- B-47Bs: Production aircraft; provision for 2 X 1,5000-gallon wing tanks and in-flight refueling; 180,000 lb. Gross; 3 man crew; first flight 26 April 1951; 399 built.
- B-47Es: Production aircraft; 198,180 lb. Gross takeoff (could be refueled in flight to 206,700 lb.); 3 man crew; first flight 30 January 1953; 1,350 built (including 274 by Douglas and 385 by Lockheed).
- CL-52s: Aircraft transferred to Canada to test turbojet engine (fitted on starboard side of fuselage); 1 B-47B transferred in 1956.
- DB-47Bs: Aircraft modified for radio control of QB-47 and other target drones; 2 B-47Bs converted.
- ERB/RB-47Hs: Aircraft modified for training; several B-47Es converted.
- ERB-RB/47Hs: Special reconnaissance aircraft fitted for electronic surveillance; compartment in bomb bay housed equipment and operators; 220,000 lb. Gross takeoff (could be refueled in flight to 221,000 lb.); 5-6 man crew; first flight June 1955; 32 built.
- KB-47Gs: Aircraft modified as tanker for probe-and-drogue refueling experiment; 1 B-47B converted.
- NB-47Es: Research aircraft; 2 B-47Es converted.
- QB-47Es: Aircraft modified as “non-destruct” radio-controlled target drones; 14 B-47Es converted.
- RB-47Ks: Aircraft fitted for weather and photographic reconnaissance similar to RB-47E; 15 built.
- TB-47Bs: Aircraft modified as trainers for B-47Es; 51 B-47Bs converted in 1953 – 1954.
- WB-47Bs: Aircraft modified for use with Tiros weather satellite; 1 B-47B converted.
- XB-47s: Prototype; 125,000 lb. Gross; 3 crew; first flight 17 December 1947; 2 built.
- XB-47Ds: Experimental turbojet/turboprop-propelled aircraft; first flight 26 August 1955; 2 B-47Bs converted.
- YB-47Cs: Modified engine configuration; aircraft reclassified as XB-56 and subsequently YB-56; project canceled.
- YB-47Fs: Aircraft modified for probe-drogue refueling from KB-47G tankers; 1 B-47B converted.
- YB-47Js: Aircraft fitted to evaluate advanced bombing-navigation radar; 1 B-47E converted.
- YDB-47Bs: Aircraft modified to launch GAM-63 Rascal air-to-surface missile; 1 B-47B converted in 1953.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1949.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Ten – Pilot, Co-pilot, Navigator, Flight Engineer, Radio Operator, Radar Operator and four gunners
- Power plant(s): Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360-35 Wasp Major 28 cylinders, four row air-cooled radials with General Electric CH-7-B1 turbo superchargers.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 141 ft. 3 in. Length 99 ft. Height 32 ft. 8 in. Wing area 1,720 sq. ft.
- Weight: 80,609 lb. Empty. 121,850 lb. Combat. 173,000 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: Maximum speed 395 mph at 30,800 ft. Cruising speed 244 mph. Combat ceiling 36,650 ft. Initial climb rate of 2,225 ft. per minute. Combat radius of 2,396 miles with 10,000 lb. Of bombs. Maximum range 5,762 miles. Takeoff run 6,420 ft. at sea level. Takeoff over a 50 ft. obstacle 8,025 ft. at sea level
- Armament: Four 0.50-inch machine guns in forward dorsal turret, two 0.50-inch machine guns in rear dorsal turret, two 0.50-inch machine guns in forward ventral turret, two 0.50-inch machine guns in rear ventral turret, two 0.50-inch machine guns and one 20 mm cannon in tail turret. Maximum internal bomb load 20,000 lb.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- RB-50Es: Fourteen RB-50Bs were modified for special photographic missions under this designation. According to the mission being flown, the left side gunner could serve as a weather observer or as an in flight-refueling operator. The full armament of five electrically operated turrets was retained.
- RB-50Fs: Fourteen RB-50Bs were modified with SHORAN navigation radar for special missions. They were designated as RB-50Fs. The SHORAN was used to conduct mapping, charting, and geodetic surveys. However it was found that the SHORAN system interfered with the defensive armament, so the SHORAN radar and its associated equipment were housed in removable kits.
- RB-50Gs: Fifteen RB-50Bs were modified with SHORAN navigation radar. They differed from the RB-50F’s in having additional radar equipment and in having a B-50D type nose. Electronic reconnaissance was the mission of the RB-50Gs. The RB-50G featured six electronic countermeasures stations. In contrast to the RB-50F, the RB-50G could use its defensive armament while operating its new electronic equipment. Six electronic countermeasures operators were added to the normal crew of ten. Ten cameras could be carried (4 K-38s with 36 in lens or 2 K-38s with 24 in lens; 1 L-22A or K-17; 1 A-6 motion picture camera; 3 K-17cs; 1 T-11 with 6 in. lens. Weights: 88,438 lb. Empty, 107,500 lb. Combat, 173,000 lb. Maximum takeoff. Performance: Maximum speed 397 mph at 30,000 ft., 389 mph at 25,000 ft. Cruising speed 235 mph. Stalling speed 136 mph. Service ceiling 37,150 ft. Initial climb rate of 1,680 ft. per minute. Combat radius 2,440 miles. Takeoff ground run 6,150 ft. at sea level. Takeoff over 50 ft. obstacle 7,620 ft. at sea level.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- B-50As: Production aircraft; 168,408 lb. Gross; 11-12 man crew; first flight 25 June 1947; 79 built.
- B-50Bs: Production aircraft; 170,000 lb. Gross; 11-12 man crew; first flight 14 January 1949; 45 built.
- B-50Ds: Production aircraft; 173,000 lb. Gross; 11 man crew; fitted with 700-gallon tanks; first flight 23 May 1949; 222 built.
- DB-50Ds: Aircraft modified for launching GAM-63 Rascal air-to-surface missile; 1 B-50D converted.
- EB-50Bs: Test aircraft; 1 B-50B converted.
- KB-50Js: Probe-and-Drogue tanker; fitted with 2 J-47 turbojet pods in place of wing tanks; 101 B-50Ds and 11 TB-50s were converted.
- KB-50Ks: Probe-and-Drogue tanker; similar to KB-50J configuration; 24 TB-50Hs and WB-50s converted.
- RB-50Bs: Reconnaissance aircraft; fitted with 9 cameras and weather monitoring equipment; 700 gallon wing tanks; 44 B-50Bs converted.
- TB-50As: B-36 conversion trainer; 11 converted from B-50As.
- TB-50Ds: B-36 conversion trainer; 11 converted from B-50Ds.
- TB-50Hs: Training aircraft for B-47 bombardment/navigators; no guns or in-flight refueling capability; 164,500 lb. Gross; 15 man crew; first flight 29 April 1952; 24 built.
- WB-50Ds: Weather reconnaissance aircraft; several B-50Ds converted.
- WB-50Hs: Weather reconnaissance aircraft; several TB-50Hs converted.
- YB-50Cs: Prototype aircraft based on B-50A with improved engines; designation changed to B-54A; 14 B-54As and 29 RB-54As were ordered, but none completed.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1956.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Six – Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Radar Navigator, Navigator, Electronics Warfare Officer, Gunner.
- Power plant(s): Eight Pratt & Whitney J57-P-29WA or –19W turbojets each rated at 12,100 lbf. Static thrust with water injection.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 185 ft. Length 156 ft. 6.9 in. Height 48 ft. 3.6 in. Wing area 4,000 sq. ft.
- Weight: 164,486 lb. Empty, 293,100 lb. Combat, 450,00 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: Maximum speed 636 mph at 20,200 ft., 570 mph at 45,000 ft. Cruising speed 521 mph. Stalling speed 169 mph. Initial climb rate 5,125 ft. per minute. Service ceiling at combat weight 45,800 ft. Combat radius 3,475 miles with 10,000 lb. Bomb load. Ferry range 7,856 miles. Take off ground run 8,000 ft. Takeoff over 50 ft. obstacle 10,300 ft.
- Armament: Four 0.50-inch M3 machine guns with 600 rgp in tail turret. Maximum offensive payload 43,000 lb.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “BUFF”
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1957.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Six – Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Radar Navigator, Navigator, Electronics Warfare Officer, Gunner.
- Power plant(s): Eight Pratt & Whitney J57-P-29WA or –19W turbojets each rated at 10,500 lbf. Static thrust dry and 12,100 lbf. Static thrust with water injection.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 185 ft. Length 156 ft. 6.9 in. Height 48 ft. 3.6 in. Wing area 4,000 sq. ft.
- Weight: 174,782 lb. Empty, 292,460 lb. Combat, 450,00 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: Maximum speed 630 mph at 19,800 ft., 570 mph at 45,050 ft., Cruising speed 523 mph. Stalling speed 169 mph. Initial climb rate 5,125 ft. per minute. Service ceiling at combat weight 46,200 ft. Combat radius 3,500 miles with 10,000 lb. Bomb load. Ferry range 7,875 miles. Take off ground run 8,000 ft. Takeoff over 50 ft. obstacle 10,300 ft.
- Armament: Four 0.50-inch M3 machine guns with 600 rgp in tail turret. Maximum offensive payload 43,000 lb.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “BUFF”
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1958.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Six – Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Radar Navigator, Navigator, Electronics Warfare Officer, Gunner.
- Power plant(s): Eight Pratt & Whitney J57-P-43WA turbojets, each rated at 11,200 lbf. Static thrust dry and 13,750 lbf. Static thrust with water injection.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 185 ft. Length 156 ft. 6.9 in. Height 48 ft. 3.6 in. Wing area 4,000 sq. ft.
- Weight: 173,599 lb. Empty, 291,570 lb. Combat, 450,00 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: Maximum speed 638 mph at 21,000 ft., 570 mph at 46,500 ft., Cruising speed 523 mph. Stalling speed 169 mph. Initial climb rate 5,600 ft. per minute. Service ceiling at combat weight 46,700 ft. Combat radius 3,650 miles with 10,000 lb. Bomb load. Ferry range 7,976 miles. Take off ground run 7,000 ft. Takeoff over 50 ft. obstacle 9,100 ft.
- Armament: Four 0.50-inch M3 machine guns with 600 rgp in tail turret. Maximum offensive payload 43,000 lb.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “BUFF”
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1959.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Six – Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Radar Navigator, Navigator, Electronics Warfare Officer, Gunner.
- Power plant(s): Eight Pratt & Whitney J57-P-43WB turbojets each rated at 13,750 lbf. Static thrust with water injection.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 185 ft. Length 157 ft. 7 in. (later increased to 160 ft. 10.9 in.). Height 40 ft. 8 in. Wing area 4,000 sq. ft.
- Weight: 168,445 lb. Empty, 302,634 lb. Combat, 488,000 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: Maximum speed 636 mph at 20,800 ft., 570 mph at 46,000 ft., Cruising speed 523 mph. Stalling speed 169 mph. Initial climb rate 5,450 ft. per minute. An altitude of 33,400 ft. could be reached in 19 minutes. Service ceiling at combat weight 47,000 ft. Combat radius 4,100 miles with 10,000 lb. Bomb load. Ferry range 7,976 miles. Takeoff ground run 8,150 ft. Takeoff over 50 ft. obstacle 10,400 ft.
- Armament: Four 0.50-inch M3 machine guns with 600 rgp in tail turret. Maximum offensive payload 50,000 lb. Up to 20 Boeing AGM-86 ALCMs could be carried, eight internally and three on each under wing pylon. Internally, a clip of four B83 free-fall nuclear weapons could be carried. In the conventional role, could be configured with the Heavy Stores Adapter Beam on the wing hard points so that nine 2,000 lb. Mk84 bombs could be carried under each wing, with a further 27 internally. Alternatively, 27 750 lb. M117 or 1,000 lb. Mk83 bombs could be carried internally, with a further 24 on under wing positions fitted with the redundant. Hound Dog pylon and multiple ejector racks.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “BUFF”
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1960.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Six – Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Radar Navigator, Navigator, Electronics Warfare Officer, Gunner.
- Power plant(s): Eight Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3 turbofans each rated at 17,000 lbf. Static thrust for takeoff.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 185 ft. Length 156 ft. Height 40 ft. 8 in. Wing area 4,000 sq. ft.
- Weight: 172,740 lb. Empty, 306,358 lb. Combat, 488,000 lb. Maximum takeoff. Internal fuel 299,434 lb., plus provisions for 9,114 lb. In two 700 US gallon non-jettisonable under wing tanks.
- Performance: Maximum speed 632 mph at 23,800 ft., 603 mph at 35,000 ft., 560 mph at 46,650 ft. Cruising speed 525 mph. Stalling speed 169 mph. Initial climb rate 6,270 ft. per minute. Service ceiling at combat weight 47,700 ft. Combat radius 4,825 miles with 10,000 lb. Bomb load. Ferry range 10,145 miles. Takeoff ground run 7,240 ft. Takeoff over 50 ft. obstacle 9,580 ft
- Armament: One 20-mm M61 cannon with 1,242 rounds in the tail turret. This weapon, along with the associated gunner, has now been removed from most B-52Hs. Maximum offensive payload 50,000 lb. In the nuclear mission mode, can carry the Common Strategic. Rotary Launcher (CSRL) in the aft Bombay which can accommodate up to eight B83 or B61 nuclear weapons or eight AGM-86B or AGM-129A cruiser missiles. All B-52Hs have received Cruise Missile Integration and/or Advanced Cruise Missile Integration upgrades which enable them to carry 12 additional AGM-86Bs or AGM-129As, six on each under wing pylon. For conventional land attack, can carry up to 27 500 lb. Mk. 82 or 750 lb. M117 bombs internally. Alternatively, 27 cluster bombs (CBU-52, CBU-58, CBU-71, CBU-87 or CBU-89), 18 each of British 1,000 lb. Bombs and M129 leaflet bombs, eight each of 2,000 lb. Mk. 84 (LDGP, AIR and Mk 41 DST mine), AGM-86C cruise missiles, Mk. 55/56 mines, Mk. 60 CapTor mine, and Mk. 63/65 QS mines, or six each of TMD (CBU-87 and CBU-89) can be carried. There are two external conventional configurations, the Conventional External Munitions (CEM) modified aircraft with a Heavy – Stores Adaptation BEAM underneath each wing and non-CEM modified aircraft which have the old AGM-128 Hound Dog pylons in the same position with a rack adaptor and two Multiple Ejector Racks. CEM modified B-52Hs can carry 18 Mk. 82s, 18 M117s, 18 CBU-52/58/71/89s, 22 CBU-87s and 10 GBU-15s. Non-CEM B-52Hs can carry. 24 Mk. 82s, 24 M117s, 24 CBU-52/58/71/89s and 18 CBU-87s. For standoff missions, the B-52H can carry either 12 AGM-86C ALCMs, eight AGM-130A rocket powered bombs, or three AGM-141 Raptor missiles with data link pods. For naval operations, the B52H can carry either eight Mk. 55/15 or Mk. 60 mines internally or 10 Mk. 60 mines on wing pylons. Alternatively, eight AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles can be carried on the wing pylons.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “BUFF”, “Cadillac”
- B-52As: Development aircraft with J57-P-19W engines; side-by-side crew cabin, slightly longer fuselage, first with tail guns, outboard wing tanks; first flight 5 August 1954; 3 built.
- B-52Bs: Initial production version with J57-P-19W/29WA or J57-F-19W/29WA engines; crew of 8; first flight 25 January 1955; 50 built, 27 of these were fitted with removable weapons bay pod equipped with cameras, electronic sensors, and provisions for 2 operators; redesignated RB-52B, a few were designated as NB-52Bs, converted to carry and launch X-15 research aircraft.
- NB-52As: B-52A modified for NASA to air launch X-15 hypersonic research aircraft; 2 modified.
- XB-52s: Prototype with tandem bubble canopy; 5 in crew; first flight on 2 October 1952 (after YB-52); 1 built.
- YB-52s: Development prototype, also with tandem bubble canopy; first flight 15 April 1952; 1 built.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- Manufacturer: Glenn L. Martin.
- First year of service: 1954.
- Aircraft type: Reconnaissance.
- Power plant(s): Two Wright J57-P-37A, 10,500 lbf. Static thrust (maximum for 30 minutes, 9,000 lbf. Static thrust continuous), turbojets.
- Dimensions: Wing span 106 ft. Length 67.1 ft. Height 14 ft. Wing area 1,505 sq. ft.
- Weight: 27,876 lb. Empty, 36,610 lb. Combat takeoff, 46,355 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: Maximum speed 530 mph at 60,000 ft., 475 mph cruising. Range 1,512 miles. Ferry range 3,042 miles. Ceiling 65,000 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Provisions for four 20 mm or eight .50 caliber wing mounted guns, plus an internal bomb load of 5,000 lb. And other ordnance carried under wing.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Cranberry”
- RB-57Fs: Reconnaissance variant; 2 man crew; span 122 ft., wing area 2,000 sq. ft., Pratt & Whitney T33 turbofan engines; details differed; at least 23 converted from RB-57As, B-57Bs, and RB-57Ds by General Dynamics/Fort Worth.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- Manufacturer: Convair.
- First year of service: 1960.
- Aircraft type: Bomber.
- Crew: Three – Pilot, Navigator/Bombardier, Defensive Systems Officer.
- Power plant(s): Four General Electric J-79-GE-5A/5B axial flow turbojets, each rated at 9,700 lbf. Static thrust normal power, 10,300 lbf. Static thrust military power, and 15,600 lbf. Static thrust maximum afterburner.
- Dimensions: Wingspan 56 ft. 9.9 in. Length 96 ft. 9.4 in. Height 29 ft. 11 in. Wing area 1,364.69 sq. ft.
- Weight: 55,650 lb. Empty (without pod). Maximum gross weight 176,890 lb. (in flight) 63,100 lb. Landing weight.
- Performance: Maximum speed Mach 2.2 at 40,000 ft., Mach 0.91 at sea level. Cruising speed 521 knots. Takeoff ground roll 7,850 ft. at 160,000 lb. Landing roll 2,615 ft. at 63,100 lb. Maximum initial climb rate at 38,650 ft. per minute at sea level. An altitude of 30,000 ft. could. Be attained in 11.2 minutes. Normal cruise altitude 38,450 ft. Target area altitude was 55,900 ft. Combat ceiling 63,400 ft. Maximum ferry range 4,100 nautical miles.
- Armament: One General Electric T-171E-3 remotely controlled cannon in tail with 1,200 rounds. Offensive weapons consisted of one MB-1C containing a W39Y1-1 variable-yield thermonuclear warhead. In addition, four Mk. 43 thermonuclear weapons could be carried on external pylons underneath the wings between the fuselage and the main landing gear bays.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Delta Queen”
- TB/B-58s: Eight TB-58 trainers were built for pilot training. In the TB-58, the pilot trainee sat in the forward station. The second crew station was modified to accommodate an instructor pilot who was afforded with the necessary flight controls for in-flight instruction and safety. Externally, the TB-58A differed from the B-58A in having additional transparencies in the second cockpit area (to the side and over head) to give the instructor pilot sitting in the second crew station a better view.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- B-58As: Production aircraft; first flight September 1959; 86 built.
- NB-58As: Test vehicle for J93 engine of XB-70 (installed in centerline nacelle); 1 converted from B-58A.
- XB-58s: Prototype; first flight 11 November 1956; 2 built.
- YB-58As: Service test; 28 built.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- Manufacturer: Beech.
- First flight: 1937.
- Aircraft type: Reconnaissance.
- Crew: Two – Pilot and Co-Pilot.
- Power plant(s): Two Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-14B Wasp Jr., 450 hp., nine cylinder radial engines.
- Dimensions: Wing span 47 ft. 8 in. Length 34 ft. 3 in. Height 9 ft. 2 in.
- Weight: 9,300 lb. Gross.
- Performance: Top speed 219 mph. Range 1,440 miles. Service ceiling 18,200 ft.
- Capacity: Five to seven seats.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft ---Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Bug Smasher”
- F-2s: First specialized mapping and photoreconnaissance aircraft with up to four fuselage mounted cameras. Service ceiling 26,200 ft.
- RC-45s: F-2s were later redesignated as RC-45s.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Manufacturer: Douglas
- First year of service: 1945.
- Aircraft type: Transport
- Crew: Four
- Power plant(s): Two. Pratt & Whitney R-2800-85 radial, 2,100 hp, engines
- Dimensions: Wing span 106 ft, 5.5 in. Length 77 ft. 1 in. Height 26 ft, 4 in.
- Weight:
- Performance: 248 mph@ 17500 ft. Range 500 miles. Service ceiling 21,200 ft.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Manufacturer: Fairchild
- First year of service: 1947.
- Aircraft type: Transport.
- Crew: Five
- Power plant(s): Two Pratt & Whitney R-4360-20, 3,500 hp. each.
- Dimensions: Wing span 109 ft. 3 in. Length 86 ft. 6 in.. Height 26 ft. 6 in.
- Weight: 40,000 lb., 64,000 loaded.Maximum take-off 66,900 lb.
- Performance: 281 mph. Range 1,770 miles. Service ceiling 23,900 ft. Rate of climb 1,010 ft./min.
- Capacity: 62 troops, 35 stretchers, or 10,000 lb.
- Manufacturer: Douglas.
- First year of service: 1949.
- Aircraft type: Transport.
- Crew: Eight.
- Power plant(s): Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360-63A, 3,800 hp., Wasp Majors, 28 Cylinder radial engines.
- Dimensions:Wing span 174 ft. 2 in. Length 130 ft. Height 48 ft. 4 in.
- Weight: 194,500 lb. Gross.
- Performance: 304 mph. Range 4,030 miles. Service ceiling 21,800 ft.
- Capacity: 200 passengers, 127 litters and 15 attendants or 68,500 lb. Of cargo.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Aluminum Cloud”, “Aluminum Overcast”, “Old Shakey”, “The Flying Reynolds Wrap”
- Manufacturer: Lockheed.
- First year of service: 1954.
- Aircraft type: Drone Controller
- Crew: Five.
- Power plant(s): Four. Pratt & Whitney T-56-A-15, 4,050 hp, turboprop engines.
- Dimensions: Wing span133 ft. Length 98 ft. Height 38 ft.
- Weight: Empty 75,031 lb. 163,244 lb. maximum takeoff.
- Performance: 379 mph. Range 2540 miles. Service ceiling 43,400 ft.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s):“Bleed Air Blimp”, ”Fat Albert”, “Herk”, “Hog”, “TACAMO”
- Manufacturer: Boeing.
- First year of service: 1980.
- Aircraft type: Airborne Operations Center.
- Crew: Four - Pilot, Co-pilot, Navigator, Engineer and 31 battle staff and a varied number of command and technical support personnel
- Power plant(s): Four General Electric C56-50E2, 52,500 lbf. thrust, turbofan engines.
- Dimensions: Wing span 195.7 ft. Length 225.2 ft. Height 63.4 ft. Wing area 5,500 sq. ft.
- Weight: 803,000 lb. maximum takeoff.
- Performance 607 mph. Fuel capacity of 590,000 lb. Range 8,176 miles un-refueled. Service ceiling 45,000 ft.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- E-4As: First 3 aircraft procured; all have been upgraded to the E-4B standard.
- E-4Bs: 3 E-4A aircraft and 1 subsequently acquired aircraft with upgraded avionics, EMP hardening, in-flight refueling capability, and a larger staff working area than the original E-4A.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- First year of service: 1961.
- Aircraft type: Airborne Command Post.
- Crew: Five - Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Crew Instructor, Navigator, Boom Operator. Seven communications personnel and fifteen battle staff (including the airborne emergency actions officer, airborne launch control system officer, communications control officer, two operational planning officers, two intelligence officers, weather officer, logistics officer, and. engineering officer and one spare staff position.
- Power plant(s): Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-9 18,000 lbf. static thrust each maximum.
- Dimensions: Wing span 130 ft. Length 128 ft. Height 42 ft.
- Weight: 300,000 lb. maximum takeoff.
- Performance Speed 600 mph maximum. Range over 5,000 miles.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- EC-135s: Worldwide Airborne Command Post System (WWABNCP) variants, in 10 different configurations varying by communications equipment fitted; 39 aircraft representing 7 versions are active and being upgraded under the Pacer Link program (see below).
- EC-135A/G/H/Ps: Command posts fitted with J57 turbojets; the ---EC-135G aircraft were earmarked for ICBM launch control. All retained the refueling boom and were fitted with the Air Refueling Receiver (ARR).
- EC-135C/Js: Command posts fitted with TF-33 turbofans; 13 EC-135Cs have capability to control SAC bomber and ICBM forces and were known as Looking Glass aircraft; EC-135J aircraft are Pacific Air Force command posts.
- EC-135Es: TF-33 powered C-135As modified for electronic command and control missions.
- EC-135Ks: J-57 powered KC-135As modified for the Tactical Air Command to provide overseas control of their fighters when deploying.
- EC-135Ls: J57 powered KC-135As modified for radio relay and dropout capabilities in support of SAC.
- EC-135Ys: Former J57 powered NKC-135 modified for commander-in-chief central command as command, control and communications aircraft.
- Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, ''Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition''.
- A B-17F Flying Fortress variant.
- A B-29 Superfortress variant
- Manufacturer: Republic.
- First year of service: 1944.
- Aircraft type: Fighter.
- Power plant(s): One Pratt & Whitney R-2800-57C. Double Wasp eighteen-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, WEP of 2,535 hp.
- Dimensions: Wing span 40 ft. 9 3/8 in. Length 36 ft. 1 ¾ in. Height 14 ft. 7 in. Wing area 300 sq. ft.
- Weight: 10,700 lb. Empty, 14,600 lb. Normal loaded, and 17,500 lb. Maximum.
- Performance: 429 mph at 30,000 ft., 406 mph at 20,000 ft., 375 mph at 10,000 ft., 350 mph at sea level. Initial climb rate was 2,780 ft. per minute. Climb rate at 30,000 ft. was 1,575 ft. per minute. Range with maximum external fuel was 1,800 miles at 10,000 ft. at 195 mph. Service ceiling 40,000 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Six or eight 0.50-inch machine guns with 500 rpg and two 1,000 lb. Or three 500 lb. Bombs or 10 5-in. rockets.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s):“Big Ugly Bucket of Bolts”, Cast Iron Beast”, “Jug”, "Juggernaut”, “Seven Ton Milk Bottle”
- Manufacturer: Republic.
- First year of service: 1944.
- Aircraft type: Fighter.
- Power plant(s): One Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 Double Wasp eighteen-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, with CH-5 turbo superchargers, WEP of 2,800 hp at 32,500 ft.
- Dimensions: Wing span 42 ft. 7 in. Length 36 ft. 4 in. Height 14 ft. 7 in. Wing area 322 sq. ft.
- Weight: 11,100 lb. Empty, 16,300 lb. Normal loaded, and 20,700 lb. Maximum.
- Performance: 460 mph at 30,000 ft., 448 mph at 25,000 ft., 397 mph 10,000 ft., 350 mph at sea level. Initial climb rate was 2,770 ft. per minute at 5,000 ft. and 2,550 ft. at 20,000 ft. Range (clean) 800 miles at 10,000 ft. Service ceiling 40,000 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Six or eight 0.50-inch machine guns with 500 rpg and two 1,000 lb. Or three 500 lb. Bombs or 10 5-in. rockets.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Big Ugly Bucket of Bolts”, Cast Iron Beast”, “Jug”, "Juggernaut”, “Seven Ton Milk Bottle”
- Manufacturer: North American.
- First year of service: 1944.
- Aircraft type: Fighter.
- Power plant(s): One Packard Merlin V-1650-7, V-12 liquid cooled engine, rated at a war emergency power of 2,218 hp. At 10,200 ft. with water injection
- Dimensions: Wing span 37 ft. ¼ in Length 33 ft. 3 in. Height 8 ft. 8 in. Wing area 233 sq. ft.
- Weight: 7,125 lb. Empty, 10,100 lb. Normally loaded and 12,100 lb. Maximum.
- Performance: 395 mph at 5,000 ft., 416 mph at 10,000 ft. and 424 mph at 20,000 ft. An altitude of 5,000 ft. could be reached in 1.17 minutes, 10,000 ft. in 3.3 minutes, 20,000 ft. in 7.3 minutes. Range was 395 miles at 25,000 ft., (clean) 2,300 miles with maximum fuel (including drop tanks) of 489 US gallons under most economical cruise conditions. Service ceiling 41,900 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Six machine guns with 1,600 rounds and 2,000 lb. Of bombs
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Peter Dash Flash”, Spam Can”, “Stang”
- Manufacturer: North American.
- First year of service: 1945.
- Aircraft type: Fighter.
- Power plant(s): One Packard Merlin V-1650-9, V-12 liquid cooled engine, rated at a war emergency power of 2,218 hp. At 10,200 ft. with water injection
- Dimensions: Wing span 37 ft. Length 33 ft. 4 in. Height 8 ft. 10 in. Wing area 235 sq. ft.
- Weight: 6,585 lb. Empty, 9,500 lb. Normally loaded and 11,500 lb. Maximum.
- Performance: 444 mph at 5,000 ft., 463 mph at 15,000 ft. and 487 mph at 25,000 ft. An altitude of 5,000 ft. could be reached in 1.5 minutes, 15,000 ft. in 5 minutes. Range in clean condition was 755 miles at 359 mph at 10,000 ft., 1,975 miles at 239 mph at 10,000 ft. Range with two 62.5 Imp. Gallon drop tanks was 1,150 miles at 339 mph at 10,000 ft. and 1,530 miles at 243 mph at 10,000 ft. Service ceiling 41,600 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Six machine guns with 1,600 rounds and 2,000 lb. Of bombs
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Peter Dash Flash”, Spam Can”, “Stang”
- Manufacturer: Lockheed.
- First year of service: 1948.
- Aircraft type: Fighter.
- Power plant(s): One Allison J33-A-35, 5,400 lbf. static thrust, turbojet engine.
- Dimensions: Wing span 38 ft. 9 in. (without tip tanks). Length 34 ft. 5 in. Height 11 ft. 3 in. Wing area 237.6 sq. ft.
- Weight: 8,420 lb. empty, 12,200 lb. gross, 16,856 maximum takeoff. ---Range: Normal range was 825 miles, and maximum range was 1,380 miles.
- Performance: 594 mph at sea level and 543 mph at 25,000 ft. Initial climb rate was 6,870 ft. per minute at 25,000 ft. and an altitude of 25,000 ft could be attained in 7 minutes. Normal range was 825 miles, and maximum range was 1,380 miles. Service ceiling 46,8000 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Six 0.50-inch machine guns. An under wing load of 2,000 lb. of bombs, napalm or rockets could be carried.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- F-80Bs: Featured under wing rocket launchers that were added to the F-80As.
- TF-80Cs: Extended fuselage (38.5 inches) to fit extra seat under lengthened canopy. Became T-33 commonly known as the T-Bird.
- Manufacturer: North American.
- First year of service: 1948.
- Aircraft type: Escort Fighter Interceptor.
- Power plant(s): Two Allison V-1710-143 (left fuselage) and –145 (right fuselage), V-12, 1,600 hp, liquid cooled engines. The left engine rotated clock-wise and the right engine rotated counter clock wise to neutralize the torque of both engines.
- Dimensions: Wing span 51 ft. 3 in. Length 38 ft. 1 in. Height 13 ft. 10 in. Wing area 408 sq. ft.
- Weight: 14,914 lb. Empty, 24,864 lb. Maximum.
- Performance: 465 mph at 21,000 ft. Normal range was 2,500 miles with maximum range being 2,708 miles. Service ceiling 40,000 ft., and the initial climb rate was 4,020 ft. per minute.
- Armament/Capacity: Six .50 caliber machine guns, 4,000 lb. Of bombs or 25 5-in. rockets.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- F-82F/G/Hs: Featured a nacelle beneath the center wing to house radar equipment. They were used as all weather fighter-interceptors.
- Manufacturer: Republic.
- First year of service: 1950.
- Aircraft type: Fighter-Bomber.
- Power plant(s): One Allison J35-A-17, 5,000 lbf. Static thrust, turbojet engine.
- Dimensions: Wing span 36 ft. 5 in. Length 38 ft. 7 in. Height 12 ft. 10 in. Wing area 260 sq. ft.
- Weight: 10,205 lb. Empty, 14,724 lb. Gross, 22,460 lb. Maximum takeoff.
- Performance: 613 mph at sea level. Initial climb rate was 6,061 ft. per minute. Maximum range 1,950 miles. Normal range was 1,485 miles. Maximum range was 1,950 miles. Service ceiling 43,220 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Offensive load included two 1,000 lb. Bombs, or two 1,200 lb. 11 .75-inch “Tiny Tim” rockets carried on the inboard under wing pylons. For short ranges an array of 32 5-in. rockets could be carried underneath the wings.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Hog”, “Lead Sled”, ”Lieutenant Eater”, "Mechanic Nightmare”
- Manufacturer: Republic.
- First year of service: 1950.
- Aircraft type: Fighter-Bomber.
- Power plant(s): One Wright J65-W-3, 7,220 lbf. static thrust, turbojet engine.
- Dimensions: Wing span 33 ft. 7 1/4 in. Length 43 ft. 4 3/4 in. ---Height 14 ft. 4 3/4 in. Wing area 325 sq. ft.
- Weight: 14,014 lb. empty, 19,340 lb. combat weight (clean), normal loaded 26,000 lb. and 28,000 lb. maximum takeoff.
- Performance: 695 mph at sea level (Mach 0.91); 658 mph at 20,000 ft (Mach 0.94), The F-84F was redlined at Mach 1.18 in a dive. Tactical radial (clean) of 450 miles at 36,000 ft. Combat radius with two 230 US gallon drop tanks is 790 miles. Ferry range with four 230 US gallon drop tanks is 2,140 miles. Initial climb rate (clean) 8,200 ft. per minute. Service ceiling 46,000 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: 6 0.50-inch M-3 machine guns, four mounted in the nose and two mounted in the wing roots. A radar ranging A-4 gun sight was provided. A maximum of 6,000 lb. external ordinance could be carried, a typical load being two 2,000 lb. bombs and eight 5-in. HVARs or four 1,000 lb. bombs and 24 3-in. rockets. Total internal fuel capacity was 475 Imperial gallons, but two 191.6 Imperial gallon drop tanks are normally carried on the inner under wing racks, while for ferrying purposes two 375 Imperial gallon or four 191.5 Imperial gallon drop tanks could be carried to provide a range of 2,140 miles.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Nickname(s): “Super Hog”, “Ground Loving Whore”
- Manufacturer: Republic.
- First year of service: 1950.
- Aircraft type: Fighter-Bomber.
- Power plant(s): One. Allison J35-A-29, 5,600 lbf. static thrust, turbojet engine.
- Dimensions: Wing span 36 ft. 5 in. Length 38 ft. 1 in. Height 12 ft. 7 in. Wing area 260 sq. ft.
- Weight: 10,205 lb. empty, 14,724 lb. gross, 22,460 lb. maximum takeoff.
- Performance: 622 mph at sea level. An altitude of 35,000 ft. could be attained in 9.4 minutes. Maximum range 2,000 miles. Service ceiling 40,500 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: 6 machine guns, 2,100 lb. of bombs.
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia''.
- Manufacturer: North American.
- First year of service: 1949.
- Aircraft type: Fighter.
- Power plant(s): One General Electric J47-GE-13, 5,200 lbf. static thrust, turbojet engine.
- Dimensions: Wing span 37.12 ft. Length 37.54 ft. Height 14.74 ft. Wing area 287.9 sq. ft.
- Weight: 10,093 lb. empty, 14,108 lb. takeoff, 13,791 lb. combat.
- Performance: 679 mph at sea level, 601 mph at 35,000 ft. Initial climb rate was 7,470 ft. per minute at sea level. An altitude of 40,000 ft. could be reached in 10.4 minutes. Range 765 miles, 1,270 miles w/drop tanks. Service ceiling 48,000 ft. The ground run at sea level was 2,430 ft., and a 50 foot obstacle could be cleared in 3,660 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Six .50 caliber machine guns, 2,000 lb. of bombs (E, F).
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia.''
- Manufacturer: North American.
- First year of service: 1951.
- Aircraft type: Fighter.
- Power plant(s): One General Electric J47-GE-33, 5,500 lbf. static thrust, and 7,650 lbf. static thrust with afterburner, turbojet engine.
- Dimensions: Wing span 37 ft. 1 ½ in. Length 40 ft. 3 ¼ in. Height 15 ft. Wing area 287.9 sq. ft.
- Weight: 13,498 lb. empty, 18,160 lb. loaded, 19,952 maximum.
- Performance: 693 mph at sea level, 616 mph at 40,000 ft. Initial climb rate was 12,000 ft. per minute at sea level. An altitude of 40,000 ft. could be reached in 7.2 minutes. Tactical radius: 270 miles at 550 mph. Ferry range 769 miles, (two 120 US gallon under wing tanks). Service ceiling 49,600 ft. The ground run at sea level was 2,430 ft., and a 50 foot obstacle could be cleared in 3,660 ft.
- Armament/Capacity: Twenty -four 2.75 in. “Mighty Mouse FFDAR (Folding Fin Aircraft Rocket.)
- Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, ''American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia.''
- Nickname(s): “Sabre Dog”
- F-86Es: Flying a Canadian F-86A at Edwards AFB on May 18, 1953, Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound.
- F-86Fs With its new engine and built in improvements, the F-86F eventually supplanted the F-86E in Korea. Nonetheless the overall F-86 combat performance was remarkable. The final box score showed 14 MIGs downed for every F-86 lost
- F-86Ks: Developed from the F-86D for supply to NATO forces. The F-86K featured an extended fuselage, cannon ports in the walls of the nose intake, and simplified electronic equipment.
- F-86Ls A converted F-86D, with slightly longer wings, and data-link components for operation in the semi-automatic ground environment systems, deployed in the late fifties.
- Reference(s): Knaack, Marcelle Size, ''Post World War II Fighters''.
FB-111A Aardvark
Manufacturer: General Dynamics.
First year of service: 1969.
Aircraft type: Bomber.
Crew: Two – Pilot, Weapons System Officer, side by side in an escape module.
Power plant(s): Two Pratt & Whitney TF-30-P-3, 12,000 lbf. Static thrust dry, 18,500 lbf. Static thrust with afterburners, turbofan engines.
Dimensions: Wing span 63 ft. (max.) and 31 ft. 11 ½ in. (minimum). Length 73 ft. 5 ½ in. Height 17 ft. 6 in. Wing area 525 sq. ft.
Weight: 46,172 lb. Empty, 63,051 lb. Combat, 82,819 lb. Gross, 98,850 lb. Maximum takeoff.
Performance: Maximum speed 1,453 mph at 53,450 ft., 914 mph at sea level. Initial rate of climb 25,500 ft. per minute (clean). Service ceiling 58,000 ft., combat ceiling 56,600 ft., absolute ceiling 66,000 ft. Combat radius was 1,330 miles, with ferry range being 3,165 miles with external fuel being carried. Internal fuel capacity was 5,043 US gallons. With under wing fuel tanks, a max. of 7,443 US gallons of fuel could be carried.
Armament: One 20-mm M61A1 rotary cannon with 2,000 rounds, which was only rarely actually fitted. Up to 30,000 lb. Of bombs, missiles, or fuel tanks could be carried on six under wing hard points and in the internal weapons bay.
Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia.
Nickname(s): “Flying Edsel”, Swinger”, “Switchblade”, Sparkvark”, “Electric Fox”
FB-111A Aardvark Variants
EF-111A Raven Converted F-111 supporting tactical strike forces and with a modified Navy ALQ-99 jammer; 42 built and assigned to tactical units.
FB-111As: Production version only.
FB-111Bs: Proposed conversion of FB-111A to improve strike capability; aircraft would have been lengthened; proposal canceled in 1979.
FB-111Cs: Proposed conversion and lengthening of FB-111D tactical aircraft to improve strike capability, proposal canceled in 1979.
FB-111Gs: Proposed enhanced-payload conversion of FB-111A; not acquired.
FB-111Hs: Proposed mid-1970s upgrade, incorporating the F-101-GE-F100 engines of B-1 bomber in stretched fuselage; not acquired.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
HH-3 “JOLLY GREEN GIANT”
Manufacturer: Sikorsky
First year of service: 1961
Aircraft type: Helicopter
Crew: Pilot, Co-Pilot and a mission crew of 2
Power plant(s): Two General Electric T-58-GE-10 turboshafts rated @ 1,400 hp. each.
Dimensions: Length 72 ft. 8 in, Height 16 ft. 10 in. Main rotor diameter 62 ft. tail rotor diameter 10 ft. 7 in. Main rotor dish area 3,019 sq. ft. Tail rotor dish area 87.97 sq. ft.
Performance: Cruising speed of 136 mph. Range 625 miles. Service ceiling 14,700 ft. Hover ceiling 10,500 ft.
Capacity: 840 gallons.
KC-10 Extender
Manufacturer: Douglas.
First year of service: 1981.
Aircraft type: Aerial Refueling/Transport.
Crew: Four - Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Flight Engineer, Boom Operator.
Power plant(s): Three General Electric CF-6-50C2, 52,500 lbf. static thrust, turbofan engines.
Dimensions: Wing span 165 ft. 4 1/2 in. Length 181 ft. 7 in. Height 58 ft. 1 in.
Weight: 590,000 lb. maximum takeoff.
Performance: 619 mph. (Mach 0.825). Range 4,400 miles with cargo; 11,500 miles without cargo. Service ceiling 42,000 ft.
Capacity: 356,000 lb. of fuel. Can carry cargo and passengers if so configured.
Reference(s): AF, USAF Fact Sheet 93-14.
KC-97 Stratofreighter
Manufacturer: Boeing.
Aircraft type: Air Refueling Tanker.
Crew: Five – Pilot, Co-pilot, Navigator, Flight Engineer, Boom Operator.
Power plant(s): KC-97Gs – Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360-59B engines.
KC-97Ls – addition of two under wing auxiliary J47-GE-25A jet engines (1 per wing).
Dimensions: Wing span 141.25 ft. Length 117.4 ft. Height 38.25 ft. Wing area 1,769 sq. ft.
Weight: 82,490 lb. Empty; 175,000 lb. Maximum.
Performance: 375 mph maximum, 297 mph cruise. Range 4,300 miles.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
KC-97 Stratofreighter Variants
C-97As Initial production version. Chin radome added, cargo doors.
C-97Cs Differed from C-97A only in minor equipment changes.
C-97Ds Conversion of YC-97A, YC-97B and two C-97As to straight passenger configuration.
C-97Ks Modification of KC-97G as passenger transport by deletion of all tanker features but the boom operators pod.
KC-97s Air Refueling tanker.
KC- 97As: 3 converted from C-97A for tanker trials.
KC- 97Es: Initial production version, beginning in 1951. Total of 60 built.
KC- 97Fs: Later production, following the KC-97Es; total of 159 built. Converted for trial as a probe-and-drogue tanker.
KC- 97Gs: Total of 592 delivered to the Air Force; the last production version, ultimately replaced by he KC-135A. A total of 135 converted to the C-97G cargo configuration and 26 others assigned to SAC for passenger support. About 12 transferred to Israeli Air Force.
KC- 97Hs: A single copy for hose tanker tests.
KC- 97Ls: Converted from the KC-97G with a J47-GE-23 jet pod added beneath each wing. After the addition, assigned to Air Guard units.
TK-1s: 3 KC-97Ls transferred to the Spanish Air Force supporting F-4C Phantom squadrons.
XC-97s: The original prototype originated from the B-29 Superfortress. Production started in 1945. Several different variants for military transport were built.
YC-97s Revised engine nacelles.
YC-97As Had Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radials and a higher tail;
YC-97Bs Deluxe personal transport.
YC-97Js: Conversion as flying test bed for Pratt & Whitney YT34 turboprop.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
KC-135 Stratotanker
Manufacturer: Boeing.
First year of service: 1965.
Aircraft type: Aerial Refueling/Transport.
Crew: Four – Aircraft Commander, Pilot, Flight Engineer, Boom Operator.
Power plant(s): KC-135E. Four Pratt & Whitney TF-33-PW-102, 18,000 lbf Thrust, turbofan engines
KC-135R/T. Four CFM-International CFM-56, 21,634 lbf. Thrust, turbofan engines.
Dimensions: Wing span 130 ft. 10 in. Length: 136 ft. 3 in. Height 41 ft. 8 in.
Weight: 322,500 lb. Maximum takeoff weight.297,000 lb. (gross) 98,466 lb. (empty)
Performance: 530 mph at 30,000 ft. Range 1,500 miles with 150,000 lb. Of transfer fuel; ferry mission, up to 11,015 miles. Service ceiling 50,000 ft.
Capacity: 200,000 lb. Maximum transfer fuel load, 83,000 lb. Maximum cargo capacity.
Reference(s): AF, USAF Fact Sheet.
Nickname(s): “Flying Gas Station”, “GLOB”, “Stratrobladder”, “Tank”
KC-135 Stratotanker Variants
EC-135s: Flying command post. One EC-135 was on alert at all times ready to take to the air and control bombers and missiles if ground control was lost.
RC-135s: Special reconnaissance version used to detect, intercept, analyze, and record electronic transmissions. Carried a crew of 18.
More KC-135 Stratotanker Variants
KC-135As: Production tanker version. 732 were built before production ceased in 1964; about 595 remain in U.S. service. Surviving KC-135A aircraft are being upgraded to KC135R/E remain in U.S. service.
KC-135Es: Upgraded tanker version with service in the U.S. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units. Fuel consumption reduced by 14%, noise footprint by 85%, pollutant emissions by 90%. First delivery was 26 July 1982.
KC-135Rs: Upgraded tanker version for U.S. Air Force with F108-CF-100 engines, strengthened landing gear, 2 Auxiliary Power Units (APU), and modifications to most systems including installation of the Delco FSA/CAS. Greatly increased power allows the KC-135R to be climbing through 2,500 ft. before the KC-135A leaves the runway. 90 EPNdB Noise footprint is reduced by 98%. First flight on 4 August 1982,deliveries began in 1984; most expected to serve well into the 21st century.
C-135FRs: Similar to KC-135R but for the French Air Force; 11 in service. First copy returned to service on 26 August 1985, the last on 13 April 1988.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
RB-45C Tornado
Manufacturer: North American.
First year of service: 1950.
Aircraft type: Reconnaissance.
Crew: Four - Pilot, Co-pilot, /Radio Operator, Tail Gunner and Photo-navigator.
Power plant(s): Four General Electric J47-GE-13/15 engines each rated at 6,000 lbf. static thrust with water injection. Alternatively, four J47-GE-7/9 engines rated at 5,820 lbf. thrust with water injection were provided.
Dimensions: Wing span 96 ft. Length 75 ft. 11 in. Height 25 ft. 2 in. Wing area 1,175 sq. ft.
Weight: 49,984 lb. empty, 110,721 lb. gross.
Performance: Maximum speed 570 mph at 4,000 ft. Combat speed 506 mph at 32,700 ft. Initial climb rate of 4.340 ft. per minute. Service ceiling 40,250 ft. Range 2,530 miles. Takeoff ground run 6,100 ft. Take off run over a 50 ft. obstacle 8,070 ft. Total fuel capacity 8,133 US gallons.
Armament: Two 0.50-inch. M-7 machine guns in tail turret. 25 188 lb. M-122 photoflash bombs could be carried in the bomb bay.
Notes: A total of twelve cameras could be carried in four positions - four at the vertical position in the rear fuselage, four at the split vertical station, one trimetrogen K-17C mounted on a pallet just aft of the wing trailing edge, and one forward oblique camera in the nose.
Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia.
RC-135 Stratolifter
Manufacturer: Boeing
Aircraft type: Strategic Reconnaissance.
Crew: Three – Pilot, Co-pilot, Navigator + Fifteen crew.
Power plant(s): Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-9 or TF33-P-5 turbofans 16,050 lbf. Static thrust continuous.
Dimensions: Wing span 130.8 ft. Length 140.5 ft. Height 41.7 ft. Wing area 2,433 sq. ft.
Weight: 299,000 lb. Maximum takeoff; 147,859 lb. Empty; 221,040 lb. Combat takeoff.
Performance: Speed 530 mph cruise; 585 maximum. Range 2,675 mile radius; 5,639 mile ferry range. Ceiling 40,600 ft; 35,000 ft. reconnaissance altitude.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
RC-135 Stratolifter Variants
RC-135s: EW/ELINT variants, in 9 different configurations varying by EW/ELINT equipment carried.
RC-135As: An intelligence-reconnaissance aircraft not assigned to SAC.
RC-135B/C/Ds: Fitted with Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR); RC-135D had thimble nose added. RC-135 B/Cs converted to RC-135U/V; RC-135D reconfigured to KC-135As.
RC-135Es: One KC-135A with JT3D-3B engines from the commercial Boeing 707. Military designation of the engines is TF-33-PW-102. Forward fuselage encircled by fiberglass band, pods suspended under wing roots. No longer in service.
RC-135Ms: Six modified C-135B with TF-33-P-5 engines. Thimble nose, double-lobe ventral fairing, teardrop antenna on rear fuselage. Some later converted to RC-135W.
RC-135Ss: A TF-33-P-5/9 powered C-135B used by Military Airlift Command for long-range weather reconnaissance.
RC-135Ts: 1 KC-135R modified for command support and training.
RC-135Us: 3 aircraft modified with extensive external antenna fit including large SLAR “cheeks.”
RC-135Vs: 8 aircraft (7 RC-135C and 1 RC-135U) converted for electronic reconnaissance with SAC.
RC-135W/Xs: A TF-33-P-5 powered C-135B modified for electronic reconnaissance with SAC.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
RF-84F Thunderstreak
Manufacturer: Republic.
First year of service: 1950.
Aircraft type: Fighter-Bomber.
Power plant(s): One Wright J65-W-7, 7,800 lbf. Static thrust, turbojet engine.
Dimensions: Wing span 33 ft. 7 in. Length 47 ft. 8 in. Height 15 ft. Wing area 325 sq. ft.
Weight: 14,014 lb. Empty, 20,091 lb. Combat weight, and 25,390 lb. Max. takeoff.
Performance: 679 mph at sea level (Mach 0.89), 627 mph at 5,000 ft., 607 at 30,000 ft (Mach 0.92). The RF-84F was redlined at Mach 1.175 in a dive. Tactical radial (clean) of 420 miles at 36,000 ft. Maximum range with two 450 US gallon drop tanks is 2,000 miles. Ferry range with four 230 US gallon drop tanks is 2,140 miles. Initial climb rate (clean) 7,900 ft. per minute. Service ceiling 46,000 ft.
Armament/Capacity: Four 0.50-inch M-3machine guns mounted in the outer intake walls.
Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia.
RF-84F Thunderstreak Variants
RF-84Ks: Twenty-five RF-84F reconnaissance aircraft were modified to operate as parasite aircraft to GBR-36Ds. In a typical mission the GBR-36D would carry the RF-86K out to a 2,810 mile radius and launch the parasite at an altitude of 25,000 ft. After completion of the mission the RF-84k would be recovered by the GRB-36D and returned to base The bomb bay of the GRB-36D was extensively modified, and the usual bomb racks were. Replaced by a retractable H-shaped cradle. The RF-84F was modified to carry a hook on the upper nose ahead of the cockpit. The RF-84K was to fly up underneath the GRB-36D and use its hook to engage a slot in the cradle. The cradle would then rotate down over the fuselage of the RF-86K and engage hard points on the rear of the fuselage. Once attached, the RF-84K would be pulled upward and nestled underneath the belly of the GRB-36D.
Reference(s): Joseph F. Baugher, American Military Aircraft Encyclopedia.
SR-71 Blackbird
Manufacturer: Lockheed.
First year of service: 1964.
Aircraft type: Strategic Reconnaissance.
Crew: Two - Pilot, Reconnaissance System Officer
Power plant(s): Two Pratt & Whitney JT11D-20B continuous-bleed turbojets (approximately 34,000 lbf. Static thrust each with afterburner; approximately 23,000 lb. continuous)
Dimensions: Wing span 55.6 ft. Length 107.4 ft. Height 18.5 ft. Wing area 1,800 sq. ft.
Weight: 60,000 lb. empty; 170,000 lb. maximum.
Performance: Speed over 2,000 mph at 78,740 ft (Mach 3) maximum 207 mph approach; 173 mph at touchdown. Range 3,000 miles (approximate); global with aerial refueling. Ceiling 80,000+ ft. 8,000 gallons maximum fuel consumption per hour.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
Nickname(s): “Blackbird”, “Habu”, “Lead Sled”, “Sled”
SR-71 Blackbird Variants
SR-71As: Production version. First flight 22 December 1964; estimated 25-30 built.
SR-71Bs: Two-seat, dual control trainer version, with rear cockpit elevated and windscreen provided for forward view; two built.
SR-71Cs: Two-seat trainer modified from SR-71A; one converted after loss of SR-71B.
YF-12As: Development version in single-seat interceptor configuration; 3 built.
YF-12Cs: Prototype of SR-71A version; 1 built.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
T-38 Talon
Manufacturer: Northrop.
Aircraft type: Trainer
Crew: Two.
Power plant(s): Two General Electric J-85-GE-5A, 328,500 lbf. thrust with afterburners, turbojet engines.
Dimensions: Wing span 25 ft. 3 in. Length 46 ft. 4 1/2 in., Height 13 ft.
Weight: 11,761 lb.
Performance: 805 mph at 36,089 ft. Service ceiling 45,000 ft. Range 860 miles.
Nickname(s): “Flying Prostitute”, “White Rocket”
The T-38 was used for proficiency flying and training of SR-71 pilots, because the T-38 had the same basic flight characteristics as the SR-71.
U-2
Manufacturer: Lockheed.
First year of service: U-2, 1955; U-2R, 1967; TR-1A, 1981; U-2S, 1994.
Aircraft type: High altitude reconnaissance.
Crew: One (two in trainer model).
Power plant(s): One. Pratt & Whitney J75-P-13B, 17,000 lbf. Thrust, engine or one General Electric F-118-101 engine.
Dimensions: Wing span 103 ft. Length 63 ft. Height 16 ft.
Weight: 40,000 lb. Maximum takeoff.
Performance: 475+ mph (Mach 0.58). Range 7,000+ miles. Ceiling 70,00+ ft.
Reference(s): AF, Fact Sheet 96-21
Nickname(s): “Angel”, “Dragon Lady”, “Useless Deuce”
U-2 Variants
TR-1As: This was a Tactical Reconnaissance version of the U-2. All TR-1s and U-2s were redesignated as U-2Rs.
U-2s: Prototype; first flight 1955; 2 built.
U-2As: Initial production with 11,200 lbf. static thrust J57-P-37A engine, internal fuel capacity of 785 gallons, maximum range of 2,200 miles; about 30 were built; most of these were later converted to U-2Bs.
U-2Bs: Improved version of U-2A, with J57-P-13 engine, strengthened airframe, "wet" wing. Conversions and production brought the total of U-2B aircraft to 48, and 2 of these were transferred to Taiwan.
U-2Cs: Electronics intelligence (ELINT) version of U-2B, with addition of long dorsal spine fairing to hold ELINT equipment. 2 flown by NASA.
U-2CTs: Two-seat trainer version, with raised rear cockpit for instructor and dual controls; 2 converted.
U-2Ds: Two seat, special mission version, otherwise similar to U-2C; at least 5 converted.
U-2EPXs: Proposed Navy ocean surveillance aircraft (Electronics-Patrol-Experimental); to have had APS-116 radar; at least 2 aircraft flew in Navy markings before this program was canceled.
U-2Rs: Similar to U-2C, but with longer nose and fuselage, no dorsal spine fairing, super pods, and closer-set landing wheels. Improved capability for theater reconnaissance; span 103 ft, length 63 ft., height 16 ft.
U-2R COMINT At least 2 U-2Rs modified for Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and fitted with large airfoil-shaped radome on short dorsal pylon, radome used to relay COMINT data by satellite.
WU-2As: Weather reconnaissance version of U-2A, with instrumentation in a bulged fairing on the under-fuselage, below the air intakes.
WU-2Ds: Weather/Research reconnaissance version of U-2D.
Reference(s): Norman Polmar and Timothy Laur, Strategic Air Command, 2nd Edition.
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