Boeing B-50 Superfortress

The Boeing B-50 Superfortress is a development of the American bomber B-29. It was brought into service in 1949 and built at a little more than 300 specimens.

History

In 1945, Boeing remotorisa a B-29 with Pratt & Whitney R-4360 offering 60% of additional power compared to the engines of origin. Initially indicated B-29D, this new version were famous B-50 with the end of the year, in order to increase the chances to take down an order in spite of the end of the Second world war.

The series production started in 1947 and the deliveries were done starting from mid- 1948. Meanwhile the drift had been increased, the wing remade in a new alloy, and a system of de-icing added on the leading edges. In 1949, the 57 B-50A in service were equipped with a system allowing them in-flight refueling. In parallel, the production rocked on the B-50B which had new fuel tanks. All the B-50B were modified thereafter in the reconnaissance aircraft.

The principal version was the B-50D, which made its first flight in May 1949. It was equipped with a system of in-flight refueling, with a more powerful radar, and could carry 2 fuel tanks under the wings. Many modifications last being made to adapt it to the various models of atomic bombs which appeared for its working life.

After their replacement by the B-47 Stratojet, B-50 were converted into tankers in 1956, replacing the B-29 used previously for this mission. In order to be able to supply the jets which became increasingly numerous, they were equipped with an engine General Electric J47 under each wing. This made pass their maximum speed to the top of the bar of 700 km/h, decreased by 30% the 60% and takeoff distance the boarding time to the altitude of supply.

B-50 supply craft started to be withdrawn from the service in 1963, certain special versions of B-50 remaining in service a few years additional.

Particular events

In 1949, a B-50A baptized Lucky Lady II was the first plane in the world to make it tower of the Ground without stopover, thanks to several successive in-flight refueling ensured by KB-29M. The flight lasted 94 hours, from February 26th to March 2nd, on a distance of 37734 km.

Versions

B-50A - initial Version (60 specimens)
B-50B - New fuel tanks, equipment of recognition (40 specimens)
B-50C - Ever built
B-50D - Final version with a new radar (222 specimens)
KB-50 - Tanker (134 B-50A, B and D converted)
KB-50J - Supply craft with 2 engines J47 (112 converted KB-50)
KB-50K - Supply craft with 2 engines J47 (24 converted TB-50H)
RB-50E/F - Version of modified recognition (14 converted B-50B)
TB-50D - Version of drive to piloting (11 converted B-50D)
TB-50H - Version of drive to the system of weapon of the B-47 Stratojet (24 specimens)
WB-50D - Version of observation weather (36 converted B-50D)

External bonds

Boeing B-50 Superfortress on the site of Joseph F. Baugher

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