KC-97 Stratofreighter
Item Number: 1044Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter USAF airplane model. Experience the beauty of flight with this exquisite hand-carved and painted KC-97 Stratofreighter model! Delight your guests with this conversation starter and let them marvel at its intricate details and craftsmanship. Soar into your home with this unique centerpiece!
The C-97 was the AAF cargo/transport version of the B-29. Between 1943 and 1950, 74 Stratofreighters were ordered, the first flight occurred on Nov. 15, 1944. A tanker version (KC-97) was introduced in 1950 using the "flying boom" refueling system and all subsequent USAF contracts for C-97s were for tankers. In all, 890 aircraft were ordered, 74 C-97s and 816 KC-97s. After 1956 USAF KC-97s were gradually replaced by KC-135 jet tankers, but some were modified for continued use in other roles. In 1964, selected aircraft were returned to a tanker configuration (KC-97L) primarily for the Air National Guard. Two jet engines were added to increase speed and altitude, making the tankers more compatible with high performance jet aircraft. Although the last USAF C/KC-97 was retired in 1973, examples remained in use with the AF Reserve and ANG as tankers or air-sea search and rescue aircraft.
Mahogany Wood. Scale: 1/100. Wingspan 16 3/4 inches, Length 14 1/8 inches.