[Milsurplus] C 97 to fly again, the plane that started USAF SSB adoption.

[Boeing377 via Milsurplus]

www.spiritoffreedom.org


This former KC 97L has been stripped of its jets and refueling gear and now in in C 97G freighter configuration. It has been the object of intense restoration efforts for years and is nearing flying condition 3 Pratt and Whitney R4360-59B 28 cylinder radials are running with clean oil screens and the 4th will run soon. 


BAHF has significant spares stock gathered from the scrapping of the very last C 97 ever made which was sitting at Tucson Airport for years after a career as bread freighter for BIMBA Bakery in Mexico. BAHF is no stranger to operating large piston engined transports and have successfully flown their C 54 to numerous airshows and even to Berlin and back. The C 97 is a far more complex aircraft but these guys are pros. I am proud to be a longtime BAHF supporter. 


An opportunity exists to recreate a historical SSB station aboard the C 97 along the lines of this: http://www.oldqslcards.com/K0DWC.pdf  A KWS-1 and 75A-4 were flown around the world aboard a C 97 to test SSB as a possible new standard for USAF HF comms. The test was wildly successful resulting in the replacement of AM HF gear with SSB. General Curtis LeMay and Art Collins collaborated on this project. 


Any interest? Might someone be willing to donate a suitable KWS-1 and 75A-4? Although operating costs will be high, its hoped that the C 97 will be a regular airshow visitor as is their C 54. 


USAF SSB got its start on a C 97 using ham gear as the test rig. A working replica of the original station would undoubtedly generate a lot of interest. 


Just an idea. 


Mark
AF6IM