Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker - Variants

Variants

Source: AIRTime

XC-97

prototype, 3 built.

YC-97

cargo transport, 6 built.

YC-97A

troop carrier, 3 built.

YC-97B

fitted with 80 airliner-style seats, one in 1954 redesignated VC-97D, retired to MASDC 15 December 1969.

C-97A

transport, 50 built.

KC-97A

Three C-97As were converted into aerial refueling tankers with rear loading door removed and a flight refueling boom added. After the design was proven, they were converted back into the standard C-97A.

C-97C

medical evacuation transports, 14 C-97As converted during the Korean War (also designated MC-97).

VC-97D

staff transport conversions, 1 YC-97A, 2 C-97As converted, plus the YC-97B. Later designated C-97D.

C-97E

KC-97Es converted to transports.

KC-97E

aerial refueling tankers with rear loading doors permanently closed, 60 built.

C-97F

KC-97Fs converted to transports.

KC-97F

3800hp R-4360-59B engines and minor changes, 159 built.

C-97G

135 KC-97Gs converted to transports.

EC-97G

ELINT conversion of three KC-97Gs. 53-106 was operated by the CIA for covert ELINT operations in the West Berlin Air Corridor.

KC-97G

dual-role aerial refueling tankers/cargo transportation aircraft. KC-97G models carried underwing fuel tanks. 592 built.

GKC-97G

Five KC-97Gs were used as ground instruction airframes.

JKC-97G

One aircraft was modified to test the underwing General Electric J47-GE-23 jet engines, and was later designated KC-97L.

HC-97G

KC-97Gs converted for search and rescue operations, 22 converted.

KC-97H

One KC-97F was experimentally converted into a hose-and-drogue refueling aircraft.

YC-97J

two KC-97G conversion with four 4250 kW Pratt & Whitney YT34-P-5 turboprops, dropped in favour of the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.

C-97K

KC-97Gs converted to troop transports.

KC-97L

81 KC-97Gs modified with two J47 turbojet engines on underwing pylons.