Boeing EB-47E Stratojet

The Boeing EB‑47E Stratojet, a specialized electronic‑warfare version of the B‑47 medium bomber, entered service in the mid‑1950s as the United States Air Force sought a high‑speed platform for reconnaissance and electronic counter‑measure missions. Developed from the original B‑47A/B/C production line, the EB‑47E retained the swept‑wing, six‑engine jet layout that gave the Stratojet its famed 600 mph cruise speed, but it was equipped with an extensive suite of signal‑intelligence (SIGINT) antennas, radar‑jamming pods and on‑board analysis stations. The aircraft’s thin 35‑degree swept wings, pressurized cabin and tricycle landing gear allowed operations from standard jet bases, while its Allison J47‑AJ powerplants provided reliable thrust and a service ceiling above 40,000 feet. Only a limited number were built, primarily for the 40th and 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadrons, but the EB‑47E proved vital during the early Cold War, gathering electronic emissions over contested airspace and testing counter‑measures that would later define the EA‑6B and EA‑18 platforms. Its legacy lies in demonstrating the adaptability of a bomber airframe into a dedicated EW platform, shaping the evolution of airborne electronic warfare and reinforcing Boeing’s reputation for versatile, high‑performance jet designs.