B47stratojetAssoc history Chapter 24

An additional 15 RB-47E aircraft on order were completed as RB-47Ks. They differed from the RB-47E in being equipped for both weather and photographic reconnaissance at all altitudes. These involved the use of high-resolution and side-looking radars. The first RB-47K was delivered in December of 1955.

The RB-47K was basically an airborne weather information gathering system. They were operated by the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, and flew all over the world gathering weather data for SAC and sampling the radioactive fallout from foreign nuclear tests. They were phased out in the early 1960s.

Serial Numbers of the Boeing RB-47K Stratojet:

53-4265/4279 Originally ordered as RB-47Es. (15)