B47stratojetAssoc history Chapter 4

RB-47B was the designation initially given to a proposed photo-reconnaissance version of the B-47B Stratojet. The design of the RB-47B began in March of 1951. Shortly before October of 1952, it was decided that the plane would feature the A-5 fire control system and the still experimental J47-GE-25 engines. Since it was projected that the RB-47B would not be ready before 1954, and by the time that the RB-47B was completed it would more closely resemble the B-47E than the B-47B, the reconnaissance version of the Stratojet was redesignated RB-47E.

What actually became known as the RB-47B were 24 B-47Bs that were converted to reconnaissance configuration in 1953-54 by adding a special eight-camera heated pod in the forward bomb bay. Unlike the later RB-47E, the RB-47B could only provide daylight photographic coverage.

The YRB-47B was a later conversion of the B-47B specifically intended for the training of crews for RB-47Es. The 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (Medium) received its first YRB-47B in April of 1953, and the 26th SRW, three months later.