Boeing
Boeing NB-47E Stratojet
The Boeing NB‑47E Stratojet was a modified variant of the early jet‑powered B‑47 bomber, introduced by Boeing in the early 1950s as a testbed for advanced navigation, avionics and structural concepts. Developed from the production B‑47E, the NB‑47E featured a reinforced airframe, enlarged forward and aft fuel tanks, and a distinctive glazed nose section that housed a suite of experimental radar and weather‑sensing equipment. The aircraft’s six J47‑GEE‑22 turbo‑jets, mounted in pods under the swept wings, delivered a maximum speed of roughly 610 mph at altitude, while its 35‑foot wingspan and 116‑foot length gave it the range needed for trans‑continental research missions.
Throughout its service life, the NB‑47E supported USAF programs that led to the modern inertial navigation system, satellite communications integration, and low‑observable testing. Its flight data contributed directly to the design of later strategic platforms such as the B‑52 Stratofortress and the early reconnaissance variants of the U‑2. By proving the feasibility of high‑speed, high‑altitude jet operations and serving as a flying laboratory, the Boeing NB‑47E Stratojet earned a lasting place in aviation history as a bridge between piston‑engine bombers and the supersonic era.
Throughout its service life, the NB‑47E supported USAF programs that led to the modern inertial navigation system, satellite communications integration, and low‑observable testing. Its flight data contributed directly to the design of later strategic platforms such as the B‑52 Stratofortress and the early reconnaissance variants of the U‑2. By proving the feasibility of high‑speed, high‑altitude jet operations and serving as a flying laboratory, the Boeing NB‑47E Stratojet earned a lasting place in aviation history as a bridge between piston‑engine bombers and the supersonic era.
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Classification
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- Boeing
- Nickname
- Stratojet
- Military Designation
- NB-47E
- Wikidata ID
- Q133933342