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A Boeing KB-29P refuels a North American RB-45C Tornado
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A Boeing KB-29P refuels a North American RB-45C Tornado
A Boeing KB-29P refuels a North American RB-45C Tornado which becomes the first jet bomber to be refuelled in the USA
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Media ID 9888665
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Boeing Refuelled Refuels Tornado Bomber
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this historic photograph, a Boeing KB-29P Stratofighter tanker plane is seen refueling a North American RB-45C Tornado jet bomber in the skies above the United States. This groundbreaking moment marked the first time a jet bomber had been refueled in the USA, representing a significant milestone in the development of long-range aviation capabilities. The Boeing KB-29P, a modified version of the KB-29M, was specifically designed for aerial refueling operations. Its distinctive hump housed a large fuel bladder, which allowed it to transfer fuel to other aircraft in flight. The North American RB-45C Tornado, a variant of the T-30 Tornado trainer, was a jet-powered bomber that entered service with the United States Air Force in the late 1950s. The refueling process was a complex and delicate operation that required precise coordination between the two crews. The KB-29P pilot had to maintain a steady altitude and airspeed while the RB-45C pilot aligned his aircraft with the refueling probe. Once connected, the fuel transfer began, allowing the RB-45C to extend its flight range and continue its mission. This photograph captures the moment of connection between the two aircraft, with the distinctive shapes and colors of the Boeing KB-29P and North American RB-45C creating a striking contrast against the clear blue sky. The image is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the aviation industry in the mid-20th century, and a reminder of the crucial role that aerial refueling plays in extending the reach and capabilities of military aircraft.
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