B-50 Superfortress

Encyclopedia : B : B5 : B50 : B-50 Superfortress

The Boeing B-50 Superfortress was basically a post-World War II revision of the wartime B-29 Superfortress with new, more powerful 3,500-HP Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major radial engines, a taller vertical stabilizer, and numerous detail improvements.

The original designation was B-29D, but the designation was switched because the US Air Force (rightly) believed Congress in 1945 would not fund further development of a World War II-era design, no matter how advanced.

While superficially identical to the B-29, the B-50 was actually quite different. In its primary role, it mostly served as a stop-gap between the obsolete B-29 and the jet-powered B-47 Stratojet.

Boeing built 371 of these between 1947 and 1953, some serving until 1965. A reconnaissance variant, the RB-50B (a B-50B conversion) existed and played an important role in Cold War espionage. An aerial refueling tanker conversion designated KB-50 was used in the Vietnam War.

In 1949, the B-50 Lucky Lady II, commanded by Captain James Gallagher, became the first airplane to circle the world nonstop. This was achieved by refueling the plane in flight.

B-50D with R-4360 engine differences visible

While not many were ordered, the B-50 was the ultimate expression of the B-29 family and one of the last piston-engined bombers built. The B-50 was retired from its main role as atomic bomber in 1955, and was removed completely from inventory ten years later. No flying examples exist today, although several can be found in various air museums.

Variants and Design Stages

• XB-44--One B-29A was handed over to Pratt & Whitney to be fitted with the new Wasp Major 28-cylinder engines. Initially designated B-29D, this was eventually changed to B-50A in December 1945. (x1, converted)
• B-50A--First production version of the B-50. It had new wings that were stronger and lighter than the units on the B-29. It also had taller vertical tail than the B-29. (x60)
• B-50B--Increase in gross weight over the A model, from 168,480 lb (76,420 kg) to 170,400 lb (77,290 kg). Also included a new type of lightweight fuel cell. (x45)
• B-50D--Definitive production version of the B-50. The 7-piece nose cone window was replaced by a single plastic cone and a flat bomb-aimer's window. Many included the new boom-type refueling system. (x222)
• YB-50C--Version to be fitted with the Variable Discharge Turbine version of the R-4360 engine. None were built.
• RB-50B--All but one of the B-50Bs were converted into the recon role. These were fitted with nine cameras in four stations, weather instruments, and a bomb bay capsule holding the extra crew members. (x44, converted)
• RB-50E--Special photographic conversions of the RB-50B, modified at Wichita. (x14, converted)
• RB-50F--Conversions of the RB-50B, fitted with SHORAN navigation radar for special missions. (x14, converted)
• RB-50G--Conversions of the RB-50B, fitted with electronics countermeasures statios along with the SHORAN radar. (x15, converted)
• TB-50A--Trainer conversion of the B-50A. (x11, converted)
• TB-50D--Trainer conversion of the B-50D. (x11, converted)
• TB-50H--Newly built trainer planes. (x24)
• EB-50B--Single conversion of a B-50B to be fitted with a track-tread undercarriage. (x1, converted)
• DB-50D--Drone director conversion of a B-50D, to be used with the GAM-63 Rascal missile. (x1, converted)
• WB-50 --Weather reconnaissance conversion of the B-50.
• WB-50D--Weather reconnaissance conversions of outdated B-50Ds, fitted with meteorological equipment. (x36, converted)
• KB-50--Air to air refueling tanker conversions of the bomber. (x134, converted)
• KB-50J--Tanker B-50s with improved performance, via two extra General Electric J47 turbojets under the outer wings. (x112, converted)
• KB-50K--Tanker conversions of the TB-50H trainer aircraft. (x24, converted)
• B-54A--Proposed version of the YB-50C.
• RB-54A--Proposed reconnaissance version of the YB-50C.

Specifications (B-50D)

References