Aircraft/Missile Information
The reconnaissance version of the B-47 was the only plane which flew actual combat missions that the military may have found necessary to perform in case of nuclear war. They were used to constantly check weather along projected bombing routes, photograph enemy installations and monitor defensive radar systems. The reconnaissance models of the B-47 provided invaluable data for Strategic Air Command?s huge bomber fleet during the period 1954 to 1964. The secret to its success was versatility and the capability of the air frame to adapt to a number of varied missions while still maintaining excellent performance.
RB-47 Specifications Specifications Manufacturer: Boeing Aircraft Company (primary), Douglas and Lockheed Nickname: Stratojet Crew: 3 - Pilot, Copilot, Navigator Gross Weight: 206,700 lbs No. of Engines: 6 Powerplant: General Electric J-47-GE-25 turbojet engines; JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off) using auxiliary rocket motors that are jettisoned after take-off. Thrust (each): 7,200 lbs Combat Speed: 557 mph at 38,500 ft Max Speed: 600 mph Service Ceiling: 40,500 ft Range: 4,000 mi Tail Guns: 2 - .20mm cannons in remote tail turret
