SAR/Search & Rescue Aircraft

[Scott Rose]

Noted that some B-17 Flying Fortress's were converted to SAR/Search and Rescue aircraft.
I'll post what pictures I have but please add more if you have them.




A U.S. Air Force Air Rescue Service Boeing SB-17G Flying Fortress of the 5th Rescue Squadron before takeoff for the next rescue mission during the Korean War. Note the Consolidated OA-10A Catalina (PBY) in the background.
Source: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force photo 100617-F-1234S-008


An B-17H Flying Fortress "Pretty Baby" of the 5th Rescue Group, Ie Shima, July 1945.
Source: United States Air Force


An B-17H Flying Fortress of the 5th Rescue Group, Ie Shima, August 1945.
Source: United States Air Force


SB-17 Flying Fortress.
Source: United States Air Force


SB-17G Flying Fortress of the 51st Rescue Squadron at Narsarsuaq Air Base, Greenland
Source: United States Air Force


SB-17G Flying Fortress/44-83773 over Diamond Head, Oahu, Hawaii, late 1940s
Source: United States Air Force


U.S. Coast Guard PB-1G search and rescue plane in flight, 1946
Source: United States Coast Guard

[Scott Rose]

Guess B-29s got in on the fun too...


SB-29 "Super Dumbo", a post-World War II variant of the B-29 Superfortress, with an air-droppable EDO A-3 lifeboat rigged underneath
Source: United States Air Force


Radio Rescue Boat being fitted to a B-29. USA, September 1952.
Source: LIFE/Photographer: Robert W. Kelley

[JohnB]

Anyone know if any of the SB-29 EDO boats survive?

I think Pima might have one, but I wonder if any were bought surplus and used as boats?

[Ken]

There is an A-3 boat on display in Dayton. A photo is mixed in with the slide show at this link:

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit ... m-the-sky/

[Chris Brame]

Radio Rescue Boat being fitted to a B-29. USA, September 1952.
Source: LIFE/Photographer: Robert W. Kelley

A survivor, more or less:
http://www.warbirdregistry.org/b29regis ... 84084.html

[quemerford]

I'm not sure how many SB-17Gs were converted, but it's a LOT! I also not quite a few accident losses among them. Conversion was done mainly at Olmsted (Wiki says 12 USAF, but that is a long way off).

[junkman9096]

According to the old "Detail and Scale" monograph 130 B-17's were converted to B-17H's and later re-designated as SB-17G's. And were kept in service until 1956.

Along with the SB-17 I'd think this would fit your criteria. 5th ERS (the emblem of which was painted on a number of post war S&R planes) P-47D with life rafts on the wing pylons and smoke markers under the fuselage.

[quemerford]

According to the old "Detail and Scale" monograph 130 B-17's were converted to B-17H's and later re-designated as SB-17G's. And were kept in service until 1956.

That sounds more like it

[sandiego89]

Thanks for posting Scott, interesting to note the B-17s' at Ie Shima. Seems they did not waste anytime making use of the base and I am sure it would have been a major player in the cancelled operation Downfall.

I note 4 airstrips or remains thereof on Ie Shima all in a neat line. https://goo.gl/maps/kTvtqWi2HwCsgkz57

[Lon Moer]