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Re: Boeing B-50 Survivors

Posted by Joe Scheil on Thu Feb 27, 2003 12:17:19 PM

In reply top Re: Boeing B-50 Survivors posted by Andrew on Thu Feb 27, 2003 11:44:38 AM

The B-50 was a follow on type and really was a rare aircraft compared with the B-29. 370 were made and 222 were "D"'s. The B-50 was a Cold Warrior, and several were shot down by fighters flying in defense of the USSR. Several also crashed in service, and a few in weather related duties, as WB-50J's. The aircraft was powered by R-4360's as well as Jet powerplants, and was phased out in the mid 50's. The KC-97 lasted a little longer, and the B-50's probably provided spares to that aircraft and the C-124. When it was over though, they went very quickly as the USAF went "all jet". Remember that most of the companion types are extinct too, P4M Mercator, AJ Savage, C-74 Globemaster ect...

The B-29 is a complex aircraft, and the B-50 more so. To fly a B-29 is a very large commitment for any organization, and for the CAF to do it as long as they have is simply amazing. A B-50 is even worse. There is really no reason other than curiosity to fly such a type, same with the B-36. These are the highest complexity, compound powerplant aircraft built, and were tough for the USAF to put in the air on a schedule. For warbirders, they are almost a bridge too far. The R-4360 is a difficult engine to run and maintain in a 4 engine aircraft, and flight engineers become the most critical part of the crew.

Hopefully we can bring some of the 1920's and 1930's types from oblivion, and preserve at least one of the B-50's and C-97's inside. Remember all are outside now. Is the USAFM's? It is an important aircraft. But there are no civil 377's left, and surplus C-97's have a tough time surviving as well. The Berlin FOundation's C-97 is in my mind the most complex aircraft currently on the "Circut" and the one to see now, before its flying days are over. Aside from Hawkins and Power's example flying Tanker duty in Alaska, they are the last of the dinosaurs...

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