The Peace Maker

[MiloMorai]

I heard, on a very-much-rumor basis, that we were flying B-36s over the USSR during the mid-1950s, confident that they couldn't be intercepted.  If true (who knows?) it would help to explain a relatively quiet period in superpower relations.

- oldman

The MiG17 was certainly capable of intercepting the B-36 with a speed advantage of 500mph over the B-36's cruise speed and at least 10,000ft ceiling advantage.

[Nath[BDP]]

[FTJR]

(Image removed from quote.)

Holey Mackeral, the size difference 

[Nath[BDP]]

and for further comparison:

[Brooke]

You can't tell from the perspective, but the B-36 has a much longer wingspan than the B-52 (230 ft vs. 185 ft).  The B-36 has a longer wingspan than a 747.

[Arlo]

And the B-36 gear arrangement didn't require wing tip wheels.

[branch37]

B-47s are sexy

[Oldman731]

B-47s are sexy

Agreed.

- oldman

[Rich46yo]

I never saw a B-47 yet either. I simply have to make that trip to that museum in Ohio.

I was stationed at a base once that had a burned out hulk of a B-58 Hustler that the fire guys used to practice on. It was beautiful even in that state.

When I was over seas, back when Iran blew up in '79, I saw a weird looking air craft on the flight line that I actually had to ask the maintenance guys what it was. It was one of the last B-57 Canberras we still had operational in USAF. It was set up for reconnaissance or EW, I dont know which. But there is was sitting for a few days and then I never saw it again. An interesting Doc on the plane http://youtu.be/LAoA70dSsMk .

Its my understanding they played a large role in the Indo/Paki conflicts.

[Bino]

"That museum in Ohio" is well worth the pilgrimage!  When I was going to college, I made lots of cross-country drives between St. Louis and my parent's house in New Jersey.  Whenever possible, I timed my arrival in the Akron area to coincide with the museum's hours.  Such an amazing collection!  I remember very well the feeling of awe as I peered up at the gigantic B-36.

[Nath[BDP]]

B-47s are sexy

yes

[Widewing]

Get a free copy of the B-36H pilot's handbook from Scribd.com

You'll have to register. However, you can download free copies of many manuals and books... If you haven't registered at Scribd, do so.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/70709709/1954-T-O-1B-36H-III-1-Flight-Handbook-USAF-Series-B-36H-III-Aircraft-Pt-1

[earl1937]

The MiG17 was certainly capable of intercepting the B-36 with a speed advantage of 500mph over the B-36's cruise speed and at least 10,000ft ceiling advantage.

Not sure where you got your info, but the MIG-17 had a service ceiling of around 38,000 feet! The RB-36's, which ventured into MIG country normally cruised around 55,000 feet. After the famous U-2 shoot down over Russia, the 36's were never again flown within range of the ground to air missiles.

[earl1937]

Holey Mackeral, the size difference 

And the production models were about 9 feet longer than the test ship shown in the pic you commented on! When they added the "Bubble" cockpit area and the tail gun housing on production models, it was 9 feet longer!

[MiloMorai]

Not sure where you got your info, but the MIG-17 had a service ceiling of around 38,000 feet! The RB-36's, which ventured into MIG country normally cruised around 55,000 feet. After the famous U-2 shoot down over Russia, the 36's were never again flown within range of the ground to air missiles.

Sure earl. That 38,000' is ~14,000' less what the MiG-15bis could do  and ~10,000' less than the F-86E could do.

Only the featherlight RB-36-III could get over 50,000' and not for continuous cruise.