KC-97 Refueling Lights - Anyone got a clear pic?

[Old Sport]

Does anyone have a clear picture of the layout of the light panel under the fuselage?

The only one I've found is not nearly sharp enough for detail.




Thanks.   

[MachFly]

Is this what your looking for?

[Old Sport]

Close Machfly - thanks. Just wanted to see the layout a little more clearly, which I just found -

[Old Sport]

Looks like the last panel (at the top of the photo) is

DWN

The next to the last

FWD

Anyone got an idea if the Blue and first two panels have letters?

Thanks  

Edit: I think I can make out UP on the first, lowest panel.

Presumably the next to the last is BCK ???

Edit 2: I think I can make out an F on the next to the last so perhaps AFT

[MachFly]

Close Machfly - thanks. Just wanted to see the layout a little more clearly, which I just found -

Oh, well good thing you found it.

[flight17]

Was going to say, you could contact Tim (cant think of last name) who owns the C-54 flying around on the airshow circuit who is also restoring a KC-97 for flight.

[Nypsy]

When I was at Hill AFB in 1970 the ANG was still flying KC-97's.

Hill AFB is about 4K altitude if my memory is correct.

It was an adventure for those old fully loaded planes to lift off on a hot summer day. I would say about 25% would have to abort and bring those beasts to a stop before the end of the runway. Brakes squealing and smoking, lots of fun.

[Puma44]

Looks like the last panel (at the top of the photo) is

DWN

The next to the last

FWD

Anyone got an idea if the Blue and first two panels have letters?

Thanks   

Edit: I think I can make out UP on the first, lowest panel.

Presumably the next to the last is BCK ???

Edit 2: I think I can make out an F on the next to the last so perhaps AFT

AFT and DWN,  most likely.   That's how follow on tankers are configured.

[Old Sport]

Well, the configuration makes sense if you have the top two panels:

DWN - FWD

Then the Green - sweet spot - in the middle

Then

AFT - UP

If the plane being refueled dives slightly it will also speed up slightly and go forward slightly (relative to the tanker), and if it climbs slightly it will also slow slightly and will go aft slightly. I presume the center Green or Blue panel indicates all is steady and centered in the refueling limits.

[Old Sport]

Was going to say, you could contact Tim (cant think of last name) who owns the C-54 flying around on the airshow circuit who is also restoring a KC-97 for flight.

Thanks, I may look into that.   

When I was at Hill AFB in 1970 the ANG was still flying KC-97's.

Hill AFB is about 4K altitude if my memory is correct.

It was an adventure for those old fully loaded planes to lift off on a hot summer day. I would say about 25% would have to abort and bring those beasts to a stop before the end of the runway. Brakes squealing and smoking, lots of fun.

I know what you mean. I was stationed at a base that was home for Texas ANG KC-97 L's with the 2 GE J-47 jets on the outer wings. The hanger of our fighter squadron was at the end of the runway, so we could look over and see them during run up and take off. With four turnin' and two burnin' those things were really loud and impressive. I read an article that joked about the name "'Strato'Tanker" since they could only climb and perform refueling in the teens, like 15 K or so. But supposedly the L could get higher. I also remember those smoky, squealing brakes...     

[Puma44]

Well, the configuration makes sense if you have the top two panels:

DWN - FWD

Then the Green - sweet spot - in the middle

Then

AFT - UP

If the plane being refueled dives slightly it will also speed up slightly and go forward slightly (relative to the tanker), and if it climbs slightly it will also slow slightly and will go aft slightly. I presume the center Green or Blue panel indicates all is steady and centered in the refueling limits.

Yes, the green is the optimum refueling position or sweet spot.  The up, dwn, fwd, and aft are directive indicators for the refueling pilot to follow in order to require the sweet spot.  On the follow on jet tankers there is a "green apple" on the center of the boom.  When half of the apple is covered by the boom shroud and there are no corrective indicators lit up on the belly, the pilot is in a perfect sweet spot.

Hard to tell in this b&w, but this is a good view of being in the sweet spot, although slightly offset.

[Old Sport]

Were you a boomer Puma? 

[Shuffler]

NKAWTG

Laying on your stomach passing gas all day........... what a job.

[Old Sport]

NKAWTG

QFT

 

[Puma44]

Were you a boomer Puma?  

No, but did suck gas a few times.   That boomer's face sure is a welcome sight.