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B-47 Stratojet Bump!

"Cold War Warriors"

B-47 'Stratojets', the first modern bombers of the Strategic Air Command.

"Stratojet Shakedown"

The B-47 Stratojet bomber was the most immediate answer for the dawning jet age and the strategic air defence of the United States. Paul W. Tibbets, pilot of the Red Gremlin and Enola Gay during World War II, served as the B-47 project officer and Air Force test pilot.

The first B-47E was flown on January 30,1953. This version is powered by six J47-GE-25A jets with 6,000 pounds of thrust, or 7,200 pounds using water injection. Two radar directed 20 mm cannon were mounted in the tail cone as sole defense since the speed of modern jet bombers makes conventional forward armament useless. Maximum bomb capacity is 20,000 pounds with a range of 1,600 miles, which can be extended by inflight refueling. Top speed is Mach 0.65, or 630 mph, at 10,000 feet, cruising at 495 mph. Empty weight is approximately 80,000 pounds and normal loaded weight is 175,000 pounds. Fuel capacity exceeds 17,000 gallons. Dimensions are typical of the series; span, 116 feet; length, 109 feet 10 inches; height, 27 feet 11 inches; wing area, 1,428 square feet.

The Stratojet was the first production bomber to utilize the unique "bicycle" type landing gear, although not the first aircraft to be so equipped.

Other variations of the B-47 include the reconnaissance and weather-photo types as the RB-47E and RB-47K. The ERB-47H is a radar loaded Stratojet which carries a crew of five instead of the normal three.

As B-47s were being phased out of active service, many of them are being converted to QB-47 radio-control drones for use in missile evaluation tests.

Keith- USN and Tim - USAF
Welcome to the Canteen and thanks for serving.
I know you guys just made Tomkow's day. Those business cards where his idea and I know he has to be thrilled to hear that they are having and affect out there.

Joe - US Army
I love your taste in planes. Next time you write your dad, thank him for his service. I had a tour in a B-17 once and I'm amazed that they could get anyone into the Tail position kneeling there for hours on end during a mission.

Alex - USN
We thank you for your service, the torch of Liberty has been passed to you as it was passed to us. You guys are making us proud. Thanks for letting Blue and Zip know how you feel and that you're aware of what they're doing. I know they apperciate it.

Smitty - USMC
Thanks for writing and letting us know how much Tonk and the Post Office mean to you. As you noticed, Tonk is also in charge of Flowers, Fireplaces and Transportation. It keeps him pretty busy but he has never failed to come through.

Talkin Ted - USMC
Yep. You're a Marine. You must have mentioned every girl at the Canteen. LOL!
Don't tell the girls, but I'm trying to convince Starman to give a test on the material he's covered in his Science Posts.

David - USMC
I'm glad there is so much you like about the Canteen. We all come and add a little bit to the Canteen hoping that somewhere, some Service Person will find it interesting or that we will bring them a laugh or a feeling of being appreciated.

Scully and the Pirates - USN
I hear your and your crew are doing great at scrounging! (I have spies everywhere). MoJo's Tidbits sure are funny aren't they? It's nice to hear some news with "conservative" slant put on it isn't it?
Good hearing from you guys again.

Tom "Big Red" - USMC
Sorry to hear you had bad news from home. I hope it all worked out. You let us know what beer you like and the Canteen will make sure we stock it and I'll draw an ice cold one from the tap anytime you want.

Carol - USN
Welcome to the Canteen Carol. Did Militiaman pay you to "mention" he's a Bad Boy? That's twice now in Mail Call someone said he's Bad. Definately "brownie points" in his favor, if the Troops start mentioning it. I think you'll have a Doll
shortly, we've got some of the best scroungers or Doll makers around. Keep your eyes open.

Leatherneck Jody - USMC
The night of the Hopticopter ride was pretty wild. If you think women make bad drivers, you should see them at the controls of a hopticopter! I think that's why Tonk went to bump-em cars and boats. Safer for everyone all around.