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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 the Tactical Air Command modified them for use as aerial refueling tankers. 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 two J-47 turbojet engines replaced the external tanks. In this form they continued to serve well into the 1960s.
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| Wingspan |
141 ft 3 in |
| Length |
105 ft 1 in |
| Height |
33 ft 7 in |
| Weight |
179,500 lbs (loaded) |
| Maximum Speed |
367 mph |
| Service Ceiling |
39,700 ft |
| Range |
2,300 miles |
| Engines |
4 Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines, |
| Crew |
5 |
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