Over 2,000 were manufactured to meet the Air Force's demands, driven by the tensions of the Cold War. This would be soon followed by much larger contracts.ĭuring 1951, the B-47 entered operational service with the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command (SAC), becoming a mainstay of its bomber strength by the late 1950s.

Facing off competition such as the North American XB-45, Convair XB-46 and Martin XB-48, a formal contract for 10 B-47A bombers was signed on 3 September 1948. Suitably impressed, in April 1946, the USAAF ordered two prototypes, designated 'XB-47' on 17 December 1947, the first prototype performed its maiden flight.

With its engines carried in nacelles underneath the wing, the B-47 represented a major innovation in post- World War II combat jet design, and contributed to the development of modern jet airliners. Another key innovation adopted during the development process was the swept wing, drawing upon captured German research. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.ĭevelopment of the B-47 can be traced back to a requirement expressed by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in 1943 for a reconnaissance bomber that harnessed newly developed jet propulsion. The Boeing B-47 Stratojet (Boeing company designation Model 450) is a retired American long- range, six-engined, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft.

For other uses, see B47 (disambiguation).

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