Quote:
Originally Posted by oldE
When I looked at this shot, I thought "Modified B 29" I was sort of close. I had never heard of the KB50.
Best
Les |
The B-29 needed more powerful engines and other mods to carry larger A-bombs so a new model was needed.
They felt that the government would not allot money for a large modifications like that, so they called it a B-50... and presto, an "all new bomber". They got the money for the B-50.
The KB-50 was a later tanker version with a couple added turbojets so it could be fast enough to service jets. I think it could fuel 3 planes at once.
Some of the earlier piston engined tankers actually had to fly 'downhill' (descend) to be able to fuel jets; it was the only way they could get up enough speed; the jets could only fly so slow without stalling.