Museum Audio Tour 46: Cold War Gallery: Aerial Refueling

DAYTON, OH, UNITED STATES

12.31.1969

Audio by NMUSAF PA 

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Since parasite aircraft, such as the RF-84K and XF-85 Goblin, did not prove as effective as originally hoped, aerial refueling became the means for SAC bombers to reach targets in Europe and Asia even if overseas bases were destroyed by an enemy attack. Tanker aircraft allowed other aircraft to be refueled during flight, extending their range to enable global missions to take place. This was a critical need during the Cold War. One example of a refueling aircraft in the Cold War Gallery is the KC-97L. This type of aircraft was originally a cargo version of a B-50. Over the years, it was equipped with two jet engines to keep pace with higher performing jets while in the air. As jets became more advanced, the KC-97 was phased out in favor of larger, all-jet-powered tankers such as the KC-135.

• Date Taken: 12.31.1969
• Date Posted: 09.02.2015 13:52
• Category: Newscasts
• Audio ID: 41971
• Filename: 1509/DOD_102704395.mp3
• Length: 00:00:53
• Album: Museum Audio Tour
• Track #: 46
• Location: DAYTON, OH, US