Boeing B-50 Superfortress — Primary-Source Technical Documentation Collection
The Boeing B-50 Superfortress was the definitive evolution of the B-29 lineage — not a simple upgrade but a substantially redesigned aircraft in which approximately 75% of the structure was revised. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-4360-35 Wasp Major 28-cylinder radials producing 3,500 hp each, the B-50 introduced a taller vertical stabilizer (5 feet higher than the B-29), strengthened 75ST aluminium alloy wing spars, and boosted flight control systems. It served as America's primary strategic bomber from 1948 until replaced by the B-47 Stratojet, and its derivatives — the RB-50 reconnaissance platform, KB-50 aerial tanker, and TB-50 trainer — remained in USAF service into the 1960s. This collection preserves 12 primary-source USAF technical documents spanning the full operational family.
Aerodynamic & Engineering Context
The B-50's Boeing 117 high-aspect-ratio wing required detailed aerodynamic studies of compressibility effects at high-subsonic Mach limits during strategic bombing profiles. The 5-foot increase in vertical tail area was necessitated by the substantially higher torque output of the R-4360 installation compared to the B-29's Wright R-3350. Boosted rudder systems and revised aileron profiles were implemented to restore lateral control authority. Weight and balance analysis was critical given the wide range of internal configurations — from the 10,000 lb Mark 4 atomic weapon to maximum conventional payloads — and the CG shifts induced by fuel burn across main wing tanks, auxiliary bomb bay tanks, and external tip pods.
Engine & Propulsion
The R-4360-35 Wasp Major drove General Electric CH-7-A1 turbo-superchargers, with detailed engineering documentation covering exhaust-gas flow, intercooler efficiency, and high-altitude induction pressures. Enlarged, drag-reducing engine nacelles were designed to address the chronic overheating inherent to tightly cowled heavy radials. The KB-50 tanker conversion added two General Electric J47 turbojet pods underwing — creating a hybrid piston-jet architecture — and integrated the Hays three-point drogue refueling system following removal of defensive armament.
Performance Data
- Max Takeoff Weight: 173,000 lbs
- Service Ceiling: 35,000–37,000 feet
- Powerplant: Four P&W R-4360-35 Wasp Major, 3,500 hp each
- Historic Achievement: First non-stop round-the-world flight — Lucky Lady II, March 1949, with aerial refueling
Documents in This Collection (12 Titles)
Flight Handbooks — Bomber Variants
- AN 01-20ELA-1 — Handbook of Flight Operating Instructions, B-50A and B-50D Aircraft (Hose Type & Boom Type Receiver) — 30 September 1950 (RESTRICTED, declassified) · Supplement S-2
Flight Handbooks — Reconnaissance Variants
- T.O. 1B-50(R)E-1 (formerly AN01-20ELB-1) — Flight Handbook, RB-50E Aircraft — 30 April 1951, Revised 1 October 1956 · Supplement S-2
- T.O. 1B-50(R)F-1 — Utility Flight Manual, RB-50F Aircraft — 1 May 1961, Changed 15 August 1963 · Supplement S-2
Flight Handbook — Tanker Variant
- T.O. 1B-50(K)-1 — Flight Handbook, KB-50 Aircraft — 15 October 1956, Revised 15 March 1958 · Supplement S-2
Maintenance Instructions
- T.O. No. 1B-50A-2 (formerly AN 01-20ELA-2) — Handbook of Maintenance Instructions, B-50A and B-50D Aircraft — 15 March 1952, Revised 1 July 1954 · Supplement S-2
Trainer Variant
- TB-50A/D/H — Supplement S-2
Operational Procedures
- SAC Manual 50-126-7 — Gunners Standing Operating Procedures for the B-29 & B-50 Superfortress — August 1948, Strategic Air Command (RESTRICTED, declassified)
⚠️ Regulatory Notice: Under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13 and EASA Part-M, any mechanic performing maintenance on an active aircraft must use current, manufacturer-approved revision-controlled data. This archival document does not satisfy that requirement.
This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.
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