11/05/2026
This week in 1960, the U.S. Air Force revealed the use of a converted Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter as an airborne tactical command post and communications center.
Originally developed as the cargo and transport counterpart to the B-29 Superfortress, the C-97 went on to serve another important role as an aerial refueling tanker. Its tanker variant, the KC-97, used a flying boom system to refuel aircraft in flight and played an important role in supporting the Air Force's growing fleet of long-range bombers.
The KC-97 also has a special connection to Middle Georgia. During the 1950s and 1960s, KC-97 tankers were stationed at Robins AFB, supporting the B-52 bombers assigned to the 19th Bombardment Wing.
The Museum's own KC-97L arrived in 1986 after serving with various Air Force units around the world. Today, you can see this piece of aviation history right here at the Museum of Aviation!
Come explore the aircraft and the stories behind it.