Above: The B-47 is in the “observation position,” stabilizing below and slightly offset. This photo was shot from the boom operator’s position, just forward of where the boom attaches to the tanker in the bottom picture. Note the “V” shaped appendages near the bottom of the boom, which are small movable airfoils allowing the boom operator to actually “fly” the boom into the open receptacle, seen here in the nose of the bomber.

Above: The bomber has moved into position under the KC-97 tanker, the boom operator has flown the nozzle into the receptacle and fuel transfer has begun. These propellor-driven tankers were a challenge for the bomber pilots, as their maximum speed was just above the stall speed of the bombers, making the bombers very difficult to control during refueling. The USAF replaced these tankers with jets as soon as possible, making these operations much safer and more efficient.