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{{Main|B-29 Superfortress}} |
{{Main|B-29 Superfortress}} |
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| − | {|{{Infobox |
+ | {|{{Infobox aircraft begin |
|name= KB-29 |
|name= KB-29 |
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|image =KB29sRefueling.jpg |
|image =KB29sRefueling.jpg |
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[[File:421st ARS Boeing YKB-29T-90-BW Superfortress 1954.jpg|thumb|Experimental Boeing YKB-29T Superfortress,(Boeing B-29-90-BW Superfortress) 45-21734, assigned to the [[421st Air Refueling Squadron]], [[Yokota Air Base]], Japan, 1954 Returned to United States and retired to AMARC, Feb 1955.]] |
[[File:421st ARS Boeing YKB-29T-90-BW Superfortress 1954.jpg|thumb|Experimental Boeing YKB-29T Superfortress,(Boeing B-29-90-BW Superfortress) 45-21734, assigned to the [[421st Air Refueling Squadron]], [[Yokota Air Base]], Japan, 1954 Returned to United States and retired to AMARC, Feb 1955.]] |
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| − | The '''Boeing KB-29''' was a modified Boeing B-29 Superfortress for |
+ | The '''Boeing KB-29''' was a modified Boeing B-29 Superfortress for air refueling needs by the [[USAF]]. Two primary versions were developed and produced: KB-29M and KB-29P. |
The 509th and 43d Air Refueling Squadrons ([[Walker AFB]], NM and [[Davis-Monthan AFB]], AZ respectively) were created in 1948 to operate the KB-29M tankers.<ref name="BaugherM"/> The [[303d Bombardment Wing]] at Davis-Monthan AFB flew B-29s and KB-29s from 1951 to 1953 that provided training for [[military strategy|strategic]] [[bombardment]] and air refueling operations to meet [[Strategic Air Command|SAC]]'s global commitments.<ref name="StratCom">[http://www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/0303bw.htm Strategic-Air-Command.com's 303d BW] Davis-Monthan AFB</ref> Deployed at [[Sidi Slimane AB]], [[French Morocco]], Oct 5 - Nov 6, 1952.<ref name="StratCom"/> |
The 509th and 43d Air Refueling Squadrons ([[Walker AFB]], NM and [[Davis-Monthan AFB]], AZ respectively) were created in 1948 to operate the KB-29M tankers.<ref name="BaugherM"/> The [[303d Bombardment Wing]] at Davis-Monthan AFB flew B-29s and KB-29s from 1951 to 1953 that provided training for [[military strategy|strategic]] [[bombardment]] and air refueling operations to meet [[Strategic Air Command|SAC]]'s global commitments.<ref name="StratCom">[http://www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/0303bw.htm Strategic-Air-Command.com's 303d BW] Davis-Monthan AFB</ref> Deployed at [[Sidi Slimane AB]], [[French Morocco]], Oct 5 - Nov 6, 1952.<ref name="StratCom"/> |
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===KB-29M=== |
===KB-29M=== |
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: ''Section source: Baugher<ref name="BaugherM"/> and National<ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2554 National Museum Fact Sheet on KB-29M/MR variants] Official Site</ref>'' |
: ''Section source: Baugher<ref name="BaugherM"/> and National<ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2554 National Museum Fact Sheet on KB-29M/MR variants] Official Site</ref>'' |
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| − | The B-29 played an important role in developing the effective use of [[aerial refueling]] during the late 1940s. The first aircraft involved in this programme were the '''KB-29M''' tanker and '''B-29MR''' receiver. At first, a grappling system, known as the looped hose method, was used; the tanker would formate behind, above and to the left of the receiver. It would then unreel a hauling cable attached to a 55 lb weight (to make it dangle near vertically). The receiver would trail a hauling cable ending in a drag cone (to make this trail near horizontally) and a grapnel. With both cables trailed, the tanker would cross to the right of the receiver so the two cables snagged each other. With cables snagged, the tanker hauled both into its fuselage where the receiver's cable was connected to the tanker's hose. This was then hauled into the receiver. After connecting with internal fuel compartments pumping would begin. When the receiver was full the process was reversed allowing the tanker to recover its hose and the receiver its hauling cable. While this system was clumsy, it was often used in the late 1940s before a better system was developed. It was most notably used to refuel the ''[[Lucky Lady II]]'' during her famous |
+ | The B-29 played an important role in developing the effective use of [[aerial refueling]] during the late 1940s. The first aircraft involved in this programme were the '''KB-29M''' tanker and '''B-29MR''' receiver. At first, a grappling system, known as the looped hose method, was used; the tanker would formate behind, above and to the left of the receiver. It would then unreel a hauling cable attached to a 55 lb weight (to make it dangle near vertically). The receiver would trail a hauling cable ending in a drag cone (to make this trail near horizontally) and a grapnel. With both cables trailed, the tanker would cross to the right of the receiver so the two cables snagged each other. With cables snagged, the tanker hauled both into its fuselage where the receiver's cable was connected to the tanker's hose. This was then hauled into the receiver. After connecting with internal fuel compartments pumping would begin. When the receiver was full the process was reversed allowing the tanker to recover its hose and the receiver its hauling cable. While this system was clumsy, it was often used in the late 1940s before a better system was developed. It was most notably used to refuel the ''[[Lucky Lady II]]'' during her famous circumnavigation of the globe in 1949. The ability of the USAF to circumnavigate the globe demonstrated that its bombers could strike at any target. This helped sway the argument as to whether the USAF or US Navy should provide the US's nuclear delivery capability. The USAF won with the consequential massive expansion of the USAF's Strategic Air Command and cancellation of the US Navy's super carriers. |
The looped hose method was only of use with large multi crew planes since crew members were required to assist in the hauling in. A modified method known as the probe and drogue system was developed to allow single seat aircraft to be refuelled in the air. With jet fighters suffering from short range there was a need for these to be refuelled in the air and several KB-29Ms were modified to use '[[Aerial refueling#Probe and drogue|probe-and-drogue]]' systems, in which the refueling hose has a torus-shaped ''para-drogue'' attached to the end, and the receiving aircraft has a probe on its nose or wing, which the pilot manoeuvers into the drogue to link the hose. |
The looped hose method was only of use with large multi crew planes since crew members were required to assist in the hauling in. A modified method known as the probe and drogue system was developed to allow single seat aircraft to be refuelled in the air. With jet fighters suffering from short range there was a need for these to be refuelled in the air and several KB-29Ms were modified to use '[[Aerial refueling#Probe and drogue|probe-and-drogue]]' systems, in which the refueling hose has a torus-shaped ''para-drogue'' attached to the end, and the receiving aircraft has a probe on its nose or wing, which the pilot manoeuvers into the drogue to link the hose. |
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==Specifications (KB-29P)== |
==Specifications (KB-29P)== |
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{{Aircraft specs |
{{Aircraft specs |
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| − | |ref=United States Military Aircraft since 1909<ref name="Swan Mil p90">Swanborough and Bowers 1963, p.90.</ref |
+ | |ref=United States Military Aircraft since 1909<ref name="Swan Mil p90">Swanborough and Bowers 1963, p.90.</ref> |
|prime units?=imp<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show --> |
|prime units?=imp<!-- imp or kts first for US aircraft, and UK aircraft pre-metrification, met(ric) first for all others. You MUST choose a format, or no specifications will show --> |
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| − | <!-- |
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| − | |genhide= |
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| − | |crew= |
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| − | |capacity= |
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| − | |length m= |
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|length ft=120 |
|length ft=120 |
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|length in=1 |
|length in=1 |
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| − | |length note= |
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| − | |span m= |
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|span ft=141 |
|span ft=141 |
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|span in=3 |
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| − | |span note= |
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| − | |height m= |
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|height ft=29 |
|height ft=29 |
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|height in=7 |
|height in=7 |
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| − | |height note= |
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| − | |wing area sqm= |
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|wing area sqft=1736 |
|wing area sqft=1736 |
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| − | |wing area note= |
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| − | |aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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| − | |airfoil= |
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| − | |empty weight kg= |
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|empty weight lb=69011 |
|empty weight lb=69011 |
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| − | |empty weight note= |
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| − | |gross weight kg= |
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|gross weight lb=138500 |
|gross weight lb=138500 |
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| − | |gross weight note= |
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| − | |max takeoff weight kg= |
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| − | |max takeoff weight lb= |
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| − | |max takeoff weight note= |
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| − | |fuel capacity= |
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| − | |lift note= |
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|more general= |
|more general= |
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| − | <!-- |
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| − | Powerplant |
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| − | --> |
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|eng1 number=4 |
|eng1 number=4 |
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|eng1 name=[[Wright R-3350]] |
|eng1 name=[[Wright R-3350]] |
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|eng1 type=radial engines |
|eng1 type=radial engines |
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| − | |eng1 |
+ | |eng1 hp=2200 |
| − | |eng1 hp=2200<!-- prop engines --> |
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| − | |eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines --> |
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| − | |eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines --> |
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| − | |eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines --> |
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| − | |eng1 note= |
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| − | |power original= |
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| − | |thrust original= |
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| − | |eng1 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners --> |
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| − | |eng1 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners --> |
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| − | |prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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| − | |prop name= |
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| − | |prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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| − | |prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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| − | |prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft --> |
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| − | <!-- |
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| − | |perfhide= |
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| − | |max speed kmh= |
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|max speed mph=400 |
|max speed mph=400 |
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| − | |max speed kts= |
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|max speed note=at 30,000 ft (9,150 m) |
|max speed note=at 30,000 ft (9,150 m) |
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| − | |max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft --> |
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| − | |cruise speed kmh= |
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|cruise speed mph=315 |
|cruise speed mph=315 |
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| − | |cruise speed kts= |
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| − | |cruise speed note= |
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| − | |stall speed kmh=<!-- aerobatic --> |
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| − | |stall speed mph=<!-- aerobatic --> |
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| − | |stall speed kts= |
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| − | |stall speed note= |
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| − | |never exceed speed kmh= |
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| − | |never exceed speed mph= |
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| − | |never exceed speed kts= |
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| − | |never exceed speed note= |
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| − | |minimum control speed kmh= |
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| − | |minimum control speed mph= |
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| − | |minimum control speed kts= |
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| − | |minimum control speed note= |
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| − | |range km= |
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|range miles=2300 |
|range miles=2300 |
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| − | |range nmi= |
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| − | |combat range km= |
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| − | |combat range miles= |
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| − | |ferry range km= |
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| − | |ferry range miles= |
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| − | |ferry range nmi= |
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| − | |ferry range note= |
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| − | |endurance=<!-- if range unknown --> |
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| − | |ceiling m= |
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|ceiling ft=38000 |
|ceiling ft=38000 |
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| − | |ceiling note= |
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| − | |g limits=<!-- aerobatic --> |
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| − | |roll rate=<!-- aerobatic --> |
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| − | |glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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| − | |climb rate ms= |
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|climb rate ftmin=500 |
|climb rate ftmin=500 |
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| − | |climb rate note= |
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| − | |time to altitude= |
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| − | |sink rate ms=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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| − | |sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes --> |
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| − | |sink rate note= |
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| − | |lift to drag= |
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| − | |wing loading kg/m2= |
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| − | |wing loading lb/sqft= |
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| − | |disk loading kg/m2= |
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| − | |fuel consumption kg/km= |
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| − | <!-- |
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| − | Armament |
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|armament=*None<!-- add bulletted list here or if you want to use the following specific parameters, remove this parameter--> |
|armament=*None<!-- add bulletted list here or if you want to use the following specific parameters, remove this parameter--> |
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| − | |guns= |
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| − | |bombs= |
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| − | |rockets= |
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| − | |missiles= |
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| − | |hardpoints= |
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| − | |hardpoint capacity= |
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| − | |hardpoint rockets= |
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| − | |hardpoint missiles= |
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| − | |hardpoint bombs= |
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| − | |hardpoint other= |
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| − | |avionics= |
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}} |
}} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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| − | {{aircontent |
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| − | |related= |
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* [[B-29 Superfortress]] |
* [[B-29 Superfortress]] |
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* [[Boeing KB-50]] |
* [[Boeing KB-50]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | |similar aircraft= |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | |lists= |
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| ⚫ | |||
* [[List of B-29 Superfortress operators]] |
* [[List of B-29 Superfortress operators]] |
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* [[List of United States military aerial refueling aircraft]] |
* [[List of United States military aerial refueling aircraft]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | |see also= |
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| ⚫ | |||
* [[B-29 Superfortress variants]] |
* [[B-29 Superfortress variants]] |
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* [[Tupolev Tu-4]] - Soviet copy was also used as tanker |
* [[Tupolev Tu-4]] - Soviet copy was also used as tanker |
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| − | }} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher2/b29.html Baugher's Encyclopedia of Bombers] B-29 Index Page |
* [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher2/b29.html Baugher's Encyclopedia of Bombers] B-29 Index Page |
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| − | {{Boeing |
+ | {{Wikipedia|Boeing KB-29 Superfortress}} |
| − | {{aviation lists}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Boeing Kb-29}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boeing Kb-29}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | {{Wikipedia|Boeing KB-29 Superfortress}} |
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| − | [[Category: |
+ | [[Category:Boeing military aircraft|KB-29]] |
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
[[Category:United States military tanker aircraft]] |
[[Category:United States military tanker aircraft]] |
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[[Category:Air refueling]] |
[[Category:Air refueling]] |
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[[Category:Four-engined tractor aircraft]] |
[[Category:Four-engined tractor aircraft]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
[[Category:Boeing B-29 Superfortress|KB-29]] |
[[Category:Boeing B-29 Superfortress|KB-29]] |
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| + | [[Category:Four-engined piston aircraft]] |
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Latest revision as of 03:11, 23 February 2020
| KB-29 | |
|---|---|
| KB-29M refueling KB-29MR | |
| Role | Strategic Tanker |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Introduction | 1948 |
| Status | retired |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Produced | 92 KB-29M, 74 KB-29MR,[1] 116 KB-29P[2] |
| Number built | 282 total conversions |
| Developed from | B-29 Superfortress |
Experimental Boeing YKB-29T Superfortress,(Boeing B-29-90-BW Superfortress) 45-21734, assigned to the 421st Air Refueling Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan, 1954 Returned to United States and retired to AMARC, Feb 1955.
The Boeing KB-29 was a modified Boeing B-29 Superfortress for air refueling needs by the USAF. Two primary versions were developed and produced: KB-29M and KB-29P.
The 509th and 43d Air Refueling Squadrons (Walker AFB, NM and Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ respectively) were created in 1948 to operate the KB-29M tankers.[1] The 303d Bombardment Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB flew B-29s and KB-29s from 1951 to 1953 that provided training for strategic bombardment and air refueling operations to meet SAC's global commitments.[3] Deployed at Sidi Slimane AB, French Morocco, Oct 5 - Nov 6, 1952.[3]
Variants
KB-29M
The B-29 played an important role in developing the effective use of aerial refueling during the late 1940s. The first aircraft involved in this programme were the KB-29M tanker and B-29MR receiver. At first, a grappling system, known as the looped hose method, was used; the tanker would formate behind, above and to the left of the receiver. It would then unreel a hauling cable attached to a 55 lb weight (to make it dangle near vertically). The receiver would trail a hauling cable ending in a drag cone (to make this trail near horizontally) and a grapnel. With both cables trailed, the tanker would cross to the right of the receiver so the two cables snagged each other. With cables snagged, the tanker hauled both into its fuselage where the receiver's cable was connected to the tanker's hose. This was then hauled into the receiver. After connecting with internal fuel compartments pumping would begin. When the receiver was full the process was reversed allowing the tanker to recover its hose and the receiver its hauling cable. While this system was clumsy, it was often used in the late 1940s before a better system was developed. It was most notably used to refuel the Lucky Lady II during her famous circumnavigation of the globe in 1949. The ability of the USAF to circumnavigate the globe demonstrated that its bombers could strike at any target. This helped sway the argument as to whether the USAF or US Navy should provide the US's nuclear delivery capability. The USAF won with the consequential massive expansion of the USAF's Strategic Air Command and cancellation of the US Navy's super carriers.
The looped hose method was only of use with large multi crew planes since crew members were required to assist in the hauling in. A modified method known as the probe and drogue system was developed to allow single seat aircraft to be refuelled in the air. With jet fighters suffering from short range there was a need for these to be refuelled in the air and several KB-29Ms were modified to use 'probe-and-drogue' systems, in which the refueling hose has a torus-shaped para-drogue attached to the end, and the receiving aircraft has a probe on its nose or wing, which the pilot manoeuvers into the drogue to link the hose.
One KB-29M, redesignated YKB-29T, was modified to have another two refueling hoses on its wingtip. It served as the prototype for the KB-50D.
The refuelling systems were developed and installed by Flight Refuelling Ltd, at Tarrant Rushton in the United Kingdom.
KB-29P
KB-29P tanker of 420th Air Refueling Squadron based at RAF Sculthorpe Norfolk in 1956
In an effort to improve on the probe-and-drogue system, Boeing developed a rigid flying boom system, which was first used on the KB-29P. The boom was mounted on the aftmost end of the KB-29P, and had two small wings. With these wings, the boom could be manoeuvered by the operator. The flying boom system was selected by SAC as the preferred method for refuelling their bombers and, because of the massive size attained by SAC, it became the most common method for In-Flight Refueling in the USAF and was used on KC-97s and also on modern tankers such as the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender. The KB-29P was operated by 420 Air Refueling Squadron based at RAF Sculthorpe Norfolk during the mid-1950s.
Specifications (KB-29P)
Data from United States Military Aircraft since 1909[6]
General characteristics
- Length: 120 ft 1 in (36.60 m)
- Wingspan: 141 ft 3 in (43.05 m)
- Height: 29 ft 7 in (9.02 m)
- Wing area: 1,736 sq ft (161.3 m2)
- Empty weight: 69,011 lb (31,303 kg)
- Gross weight: 138,500 lb (62,823 kg)
- Powerplant: 4 × Wright R-3350 radial engines, 2,200 hp (1,600 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 400 mph (644 km/h; 348 kn) at 30,000 ft (9,150 m)
- Cruise speed: 315 mph (274 kn; 507 km/h)
- Range: 2,300 mi (1,999 nmi; 3,701 km)
- Service ceiling: 38,000 ft (11,582 m)
- Rate of climb: 500 ft/min (2.5 m/s)
Armament
See also
- B-29 Superfortress
- Boeing KB-50
- KC-97 Stratotanker
- List of military aircraft of the United States
- List of B-29 Superfortress operators
- List of United States military aerial refueling aircraft
- Boeing B-29 Superfortress Survivors
- B-29 Superfortress variants
- Tupolev Tu-4 - Soviet copy was also used as tanker
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Baugher's Encyclopedia of American Aircraft KB-29M/MR Details
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Baugher's Encyclopedia of American Aircraft KB-29P Details
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Strategic-Air-Command.com's 303d BW Davis-Monthan AFB
- ↑ National Museum Fact Sheet on KB-29M/MR variants Official Site
- ↑ National Museum Fact Sheet on KB-29P variant Official Site
- ↑ Swanborough and Bowers 1963, p.90.
- Swanborough, F.G. and Peter M. Bowers. United States Military Aircraft since 1909. London:Putnam, First edition, 1963.
External links
- Baugher's Encyclopedia of Bombers B-29 Index Page
The original article can be found at Boeing KB-29 Superfortress and the edit history here.