On September 22, 2006 during the B-47 Stratojet Reunion a plaque was  placed near the B-47 53-4213 located at McConnell AFB, Ks. honoring Robert M Robbins, Pilot of the first flight of the B-47. In a pictorial view this is how it all started.

On November 9, 1945 Boeing proposed the construction of two model 450s (XB-47) Below is a series of pictures used by permission from Alwyn T. Lloyd's new book , BOEING'S B-47 STRATOJET. The first XB-47 started its life in Boeing's plant #1 and was then moved to Boeing's plant #2 where it was mated with its wings and completed its assembly.

The first XB-47 serial number 46-065 rolled out of the assembly plant on September 12, 1947 and was towed across East Marginal Way to the Boeing flight test center in the northwest corner of Boeing Field. 

The first attempt roared down the runway, a fire warning light illuminated. The takeoff was aborted and taxied back to the north end of the field. It was decided that it was a false warning due to the temperature sensor location. On the second takeoff the warning light returned , but the pilots opted to continue with the takeoff. Landing was made at Moses Lake where initial flight testing was carried out.

              Bob Robbins and the XB-47                Chuck Yeager and Bob Robbins

Bob Robbins in Seattle, 2002