The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter was a four-engine, long-range military transport aircraft developed from the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser airliner. It was named after the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, from which it inherited its basic design.
The C-97 was used by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United States Navy (USN) from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. It was used to transport troops, cargo, and equipment, and was also used as a VIP transport and as a flying command post. The C-97 was also used by a number of other countries, including Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.
The C-97 was a large aircraft, with a wingspan of 141 feet and a length of 110 feet. It was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines, each of which produced 3,500 horsepower. The C-97 had a maximum speed of 375 miles per hour and a range of 3,500 miles.
Specifications
- Wingspan: 141 feet
- Length: 110 feet
- Height: 38 feet
- Weight: 140,000 pounds
- Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines
- Power: 3,500 horsepower each
- Maximum speed: 375 miles per hour
- Range: 3,500 miles
- Capacity: Up to 134 troops or 28,000 pounds of cargo
BOEING C-97 Stratofreighter Specs
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter was a four-engine, long-range military transport aircraft developed from the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser airliner. It was named after the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, from which it inherited its basic design.
The C-97 was used by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United States Navy (USN) from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. It was used to transport troops, cargo, and equipment, and was also used as a VIP transport and as a flying command post. The C-97 was also used by a number of other countries, including Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.
- Wingspan: 141 feet
- Length: 110 feet
- Height: 38 feet
- Weight: 140,000 pounds
- Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines
- Power: 3,500 horsepower each
- Maximum speed: 375 miles per hour
- Range: 3,500 miles
- Capacity: Up to 134 troops or 28,000 pounds of cargo
These specifications made the C-97 a versatile and capable transport aircraft. It was used to transport troops and cargo to and from war zones, and was also used to evacuate civilians from danger zones. The C-97 was also used to transport VIPs, including presidents and other high-ranking government officials.
The C-97 was a reliable and durable aircraft, and it served the USAF and USN well for many years. It was eventually replaced by the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, but it remains a popular aircraft among aviation enthusiasts.
Wingspan
The wingspan of an aircraft is the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other. It is an important factor in determining the aircraft’s lift and drag. A larger wingspan generally means more lift and less drag, which makes the aircraft more efficient and able to fly farther. However, a larger wingspan also makes the aircraft more difficult to maneuver.
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter has a wingspan of 141 feet. This is a relatively large wingspan for a transport aircraft. It gives the C-97 good lift and drag characteristics, which makes it efficient and able to fly long distances. The large wingspan also makes the C-97 stable and easy to fly, even in turbulent conditions.
The C-97’s wingspan is also important for its cargo capacity. The large wingspan allows the C-97 to carry a large amount of cargo, including vehicles and equipment. The C-97 was used to transport troops and supplies during the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War.
The C-97’s wingspan is an important part of its overall design. It gives the aircraft good lift and drag characteristics, making it efficient and able to fly long distances. The large wingspan also makes the C-97 stable and easy to fly, even in turbulent conditions. The C-97’s wingspan is also important for its cargo capacity, allowing it to carry a large amount of cargo.
Length
The length of an aircraft is an important factor in determining its overall performance and capabilities. A longer aircraft generally has more space for passengers and cargo, and it can also be more stable and efficient in flight. However, a longer aircraft is also more difficult to maneuver, and it may require a longer runway for takeoff and landing.
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter has a length of 110 feet. This makes it a relatively long aircraft, but it is still small enough to be maneuverable and to operate from relatively short runways.
- Cargo capacity: The C-97’s length gives it a large cargo capacity. It can carry up to 28,000 pounds of cargo, or up to 134 troops.
- Range: The C-97’s length also contributes to its long range. A longer aircraft can carry more fuel, which gives it a longer range.
- Stability: The C-97’s length makes it more stable in flight. A longer aircraft has a longer moment arm, which makes it less likely to be affected by turbulence.
- Maneuverability: The C-97’s length makes it less maneuverable than a smaller aircraft. However, it is still maneuverable enough to operate from relatively short runways.
The C-97’s length is an important part of its overall design. It gives the aircraft a large cargo capacity, a long range, and good stability. However, it also makes the aircraft less maneuverable than a smaller aircraft.
Height
The height of an aircraft is an important factor in determining its overall performance and capabilities. A taller aircraft has more space for passengers and cargo, and it can also be more stable in flight. However, a taller aircraft is also more difficult to maneuver, and it may require a longer runway for takeoff and landing.
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter has a height of 38 feet. This makes it a relatively tall aircraft, but it is still small enough to be maneuverable and to operate from relatively short runways.
The C-97’s height gives it a number of advantages:
- Cargo capacity: The C-97’s height gives it a large cargo capacity. It can carry up to 28,000 pounds of cargo, or up to 134 troops.
- Passenger capacity: The C-97’s height also gives it a large passenger capacity. It can carry up to 100 passengers in a comfortable configuration.
- Stability: The C-97’s height makes it more stable in flight. A taller aircraft has a longer moment arm, which makes it less likely to be affected by turbulence.
However, the C-97’s height also has some disadvantages:
- Maneuverability: The C-97’s height makes it less maneuverable than a smaller aircraft. However, it is still maneuverable enough to operate from relatively short runways.
- Runway length: The C-97’s height means that it requires a longer runway for takeoff and landing. This can be a disadvantage in some situations, such as when operating from a short runway.
Overall, the C-97’s height is an important part of its overall design. It gives the aircraft a large cargo and passenger capacity, and it also makes it more stable in flight. However, it also makes the aircraft less maneuverable and requires a longer runway for takeoff and landing.
Weight
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter has a weight of 140,000 pounds. This makes it a relatively heavy aircraft, but it is still able to fly long distances and carry a large payload.
- Payload: The C-97’s weight allows it to carry a large payload, including troops, cargo, and equipment. It can carry up to 28,000 pounds of cargo, or up to 134 troops.
- Range: The C-97’s weight also contributes to its long range. A heavier aircraft can carry more fuel, which gives it a longer range. The C-97 has a range of up to 3,500 miles.
- Takeoff and landing: The C-97’s weight means that it requires a longer runway for takeoff and landing. This can be a disadvantage in some situations, such as when operating from a short runway.
- Maneuverability: The C-97’s weight makes it less maneuverable than a smaller aircraft. However, it is still maneuverable enough to operate from relatively short runways.
The C-97’s weight is an important part of its overall design. It gives the aircraft a large payload capacity and a long range. However, it also makes the aircraft less maneuverable and requires a longer runway for takeoff and landing.
Engines
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines. These engines were a major part of the C-97’s success, as they provided the aircraft with the power and reliability it needed to perform its missions.
The R-4360 was a powerful engine, producing 3,500 horsepower. This gave the C-97 a top speed of 375 miles per hour and a range of 3,500 miles. The R-4360 was also a reliable engine, and it helped the C-97 to maintain a high level of operational readiness.
The R-4360 engines were also a major factor in the C-97’s cargo capacity. The C-97 could carry up to 28,000 pounds of cargo, or up to 134 troops. This made the C-97 a valuable asset for transporting troops and supplies to and from war zones.
The C-97 was used in a variety of roles during its service life, including as a transport aircraft, a VIP transport, and a flying command post. The R-4360 engines played a major role in the C-97’s success in these roles, and they helped to make the C-97 one of the most versatile and successful aircraft of its era.
Power
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines, each of which produced 3,500 horsepower. This gave the C-97 a top speed of 375 miles per hour and a range of 3,500 miles. This power was essential for the C-97 to perform its missions, which included transporting troops and cargo, serving as a VIP transport, and acting as a flying command post.
The C-97’s powerful engines were a major factor in its success. The aircraft was able to carry a large payload, and its long range allowed it to operate over long distances. The C-97 was also able to take off and land on short runways, making it suitable for use in a variety of locations.
The C-97’s powerful engines were also important for safety. The aircraft was able to climb quickly, which was important for avoiding obstacles during takeoff and landing. The engines also provided the C-97 with good single-engine performance, which was important for safety in the event of an engine failure.
Overall, the power of the C-97’s engines was a major factor in its success. The aircraft was able to perform a variety of missions, and its powerful engines provided it with the performance and safety it needed to operate in a variety of conditions.
Maximum speed
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter had a maximum speed of 375 miles per hour. This was an important factor in the aircraft’s success, as it allowed the C-97 to perform a variety of missions, including transporting troops and cargo, serving as a VIP transport, and acting as a flying command post. The C-97’s high speed also made it difficult for enemy aircraft to intercept, and it allowed the aircraft to quickly evacuate troops and supplies from danger zones.
The C-97’s speed was also important for its range. The aircraft could fly up to 3,500 miles without refueling, which allowed it to operate over long distances. This was important for the C-97’s role in the Berlin Airlift, where the aircraft was used to transport food and supplies to West Berlin.
Overall, the C-97’s maximum speed of 375 miles per hour was a major factor in its success. The aircraft’s high speed allowed it to perform a variety of missions, and it gave the aircraft the range it needed to operate over long distances.
Range
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter’s range of 3,500 miles was a significant factor in its success and versatility. This extended range enabled the aircraft to perform a wide range of missions, including long-distance troop and cargo transport, VIP transport, and airborne command and control.
- Strategic Mobility: The C-97’s long range allowed it to rapidly deploy troops and equipment to distant locations, providing the United States with a powerful tool for global power projection. During the Berlin Airlift, the C-97 played a critical role in supplying the besieged city of West Berlin.
- Logistics and Resupply: The C-97’s ability to fly long distances without refueling made it ideal for logistical support operations. It could deliver supplies to remote outposts and forward operating bases, ensuring that troops had the resources they needed to carry out their missions.
- Medical Evacuation: The C-97’s spacious interior and long range made it well-suited for medical evacuation missions. It could transport large numbers of wounded personnel from combat zones to hospitals, providing critical care and saving lives.
- Diplomatic Missions: The C-97’s range and comfort made it a popular choice for transporting high-ranking government officials and diplomats on long-distance trips. It provided a secure and reliable means of travel, allowing leaders to conduct international diplomacy and build relationships.
In summary, the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter’s range of 3,500 miles was a key factor in its success and versatility. It enabled the aircraft to perform a wide range of missions, from strategic troop deployment to medical evacuation, and played a vital role in supporting the United States’ global operations and diplomatic efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter Specs
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding the specifications of the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter.
Question 1: What were the dimensions of the C-97 Stratofreighter?
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter had a wingspan of 141 feet, a length of 110 feet, and a height of 38 feet.
Question 2: What was the weight of the C-97 Stratofreighter?
The C-97 Stratofreighter had a weight of 140,000 pounds.
Question 3: What type of engines did the C-97 Stratofreighter use?
The C-97 Stratofreighter was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines.
Question 4: What was the maximum speed of the C-97 Stratofreighter?
The C-97 Stratofreighter had a maximum speed of 375 miles per hour.
Question 5: What was the range of the C-97 Stratofreighter?
The C-97 Stratofreighter had a range of 3,500 miles.
Question 6: What was the capacity of the C-97 Stratofreighter?
The C-97 Stratofreighter could carry up to 28,000 pounds of cargo or up to 134 troops.
These FAQs provide a concise overview of the key specifications of the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter, highlighting its impressive dimensions, weight, engine configuration, speed, range, and capacity.
The C-97 Stratofreighter played a significant role in military and civilian operations during its service life, and its specifications continue to be of interest to aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.
Tips for Understanding Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter Specs
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter was a versatile and capable transport aircraft, and its specifications played a key role in its success.
Here are a few tips for understanding the specifications of the C-97 Stratofreighter:
Tip 1: Consider the aircraft’s dimensions.
The C-97 Stratofreighter had a wingspan of 141 feet, a length of 110 feet, and a height of 38 feet. These dimensions gave the aircraft a large cargo capacity and a long range.
Tip 2: Understand the aircraft’s weight.
The C-97 Stratofreighter had a weight of 140,000 pounds. This weight allowed the aircraft to carry a large payload, but it also meant that the aircraft required a longer runway for takeoff and landing.
Tip 3: Identify the aircraft’s engines.
The C-97 Stratofreighter was powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engines. These engines provided the aircraft with a maximum speed of 375 miles per hour and a range of 3,500 miles.
Tip 4: Determine the aircraft’s speed and range.
The C-97 Stratofreighter had a maximum speed of 375 miles per hour and a range of 3,500 miles. This speed and range made the aircraft suitable for a variety of missions, including troop transport, cargo transport, and medical evacuation.
Tip 5: Analyze the aircraft’s capacity.
The C-97 Stratofreighter could carry up to 28,000 pounds of cargo or up to 134 troops. This capacity made the aircraft a valuable asset for transporting troops and supplies to and from war zones.
By understanding the specifications of the Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter, you can gain a better appreciation of its capabilities and its role in military and civilian operations.
Summary: The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter was a versatile and capable transport aircraft, and its specifications played a key role in its success. By understanding the aircraft’s dimensions, weight, engines, speed and range, and capacity, you can gain a better appreciation of its capabilities and its role in military and civilian operations.
Conclusion
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter was a versatile and capable transport aircraft that played a significant role in military and civilian operations during its service life. Its impressive specifications, including its large dimensions, powerful engines, long range, and substantial capacity, made it an invaluable asset for transporting troops, cargo, and equipment.
The C-97 Stratofreighter’s legacy extends beyond its historical significance. Its specifications continue to be studied and analyzed by aviation enthusiasts and historians, providing insights into the evolution of aircraft design and the advancements made in air transportation during the mid-20th century.