WIX Archives
Re: KC-97 -> B-29
Posted by bdk on Mon May 05, 2003 07:59:02 PM
In reply top KC-97 -> B-29 posted by Scott WRG Editor on Mon May 05, 2003 06:15:41 PM
"The first of 60 production tankers, designated the KC97E, was delivered in July 1951, to be followed by 159 KC-97Fs, which featured Pratt & Whitney engines."
So if it is an "F" or later (which was most of them), it has P&W R-4360's. Later ones had jets as well. B-29's had the Wright R-3350's.
I think that you'll find that as the later aircraft were built parts were redesigned to accomodate the higher gross weights. I would doubt that much of the later built (until 1956) KC-97 parts would be retrofittable to a B-29. You might be able to kluge together a static display however.
I have no specific experience with these aircraft, but from an engineering and manufacturing perspective I doubt it would be practical.
I also think a lot of the coffee table book (and internet) data out there is oversimplified!
Also see:
http://www.uswarplanes.net/b29.htm
http://sobering.terracom.net/Florence_5-97/C-97/C-97.html
: Assuming a complete rebuilt, how difficult would it be to
: convert a KC-97 into a B-29? How different are the wings?
:
: Scott WRG Editor
