Home > Fact Sheets > Boeing KB-29P
BOEING KB-29P
Boeing developed the rigid flying boom system to improve on the hose and drogue in-flight refueling (IFR) system. The boom, mounted at the aft-most portion of the KB-29P, was fitted with two small wings that allowed the boom operator to maneuver the boom. The pilot of the receiver aircraft, guided by the boom operator and light signals on the tanker belly, flew behind and below the tanker for refueling. Once in position, the boom operator "flew" the boom into the refueling receptacle, and the KB-29P flight engineer began fuel transfer.
The flying boom system became the most common method for IFR and was used on KB-50s and KC-97s. It is still used on the USAF's modern tankers -- the KC-135 and KC-10.
| Type |
Number built/
converted |
Remarks |
| KB-29P |
116 (cv) |
Boom-type refueling aircraft |
Click here to return to the Early 1940s Bomber index.
|  |
|
|
|
|
|
Printable Fact Sheet
Advanced Search
