Identity Of This Wing Tank

[Second Air Force]

We stumbled upon this tank recently:

Does anyone know exactly what aircraft this would have been used with?
I wasn't able to get up close to it, but it's pretty large--that's a standard size propane tank to the right.

I have a pretty good hunch as to what it was used on, but I'd sure like other opinions before I try to acquire it.
Scott

[peter]

Something big... I wanted to say F4 but it doesnt look right.

It definately isn't F-4. WAY too big for that. Judging by the sheer size, I'd guess KB-50. I'm fairly certain I've seen photos of those with drop tanks attached.

[retroaviation]

Yeah, I was gonna guess B-50 as well. Tough to tell for sure though.

Gary

[Jack Frost]

Or a KC-97G

[Shay]

Not KB-50

More like WB-50D (or B-50)

WB-50D


B-50



KB-50s have tank looking structures that reel in and out the drogue refueling lines (not sure on correct nomen)



Slap them puppies on FIFI Gary

Shay
_____________
Semper Fortis

[Tulio]

I would daresay that it looks like a B-57 tank.

Saludos,


Tulio

[Second Air Force]

I've been digging in my "library" for some B-50 references to no avail. I finally started going through the photo archives and found a bit better photo that matches the work Shay did:


The B-50D and various RB/WB-50s used this smaller tank while the KB-50 used the more bulbous tank with integral drogue reel. I also think that Jack Frost is correct--the early (pre jet-assist) KC-97s may have used the same tank, but I don't have a good photo to confirm that hypothesis.

Thanks for the help, all--now I'll see if I can save the tank!
Scott

I was actually at Barnes & Noble last night flipping through the magazines, and in it was an article on the history of aerial refueling. In a photo of an early KB-50, before the jet pods, these tanks are hanging on the wing, INBOARD of the refueling drogue pods. Based on that one photo, I think its safe to say that this tank fits the entire B-50 family.