Boeing Model 377, C-97, KC-97 Ideas

[Weaver]

So how about a more conventional and conservative looking AEW aircraft based on the C-97? 

Take the radar antenna parts from the Lockheed Model L-729 Warning Star (USAF: EC-121, USN PO-1W/WV-1/WV-2/WV-3) Warning Star and mount these features in the same approximate locations on the C-97.

Got a KC-97 and a Warning Star in 1/144th with exactly that in mind. Of course, the boom will go the other way to make a KC-121. The main difficulty is the lack of ground clearance under the KC-97 for the Warning Star's ventral radome. Solutions might include taller gear, a completely different retactable ventral radar or fore-and-aft aerials at the ends of the lower deck. I was mulling all this over when the Battle Flight pics of the RW AEW proposal came out, so now I have another C-97 and a Freightdog conversion in the stash....

Totally different idea: Stratocruiser flying boat. The lower hull of the Airfix Clipper fits nicely around the lower hull of the C-97, but that leave the issue of wing location. Realistically, it has to go in a C-133 style hump on top of the fuselage which you'd have to scratch-build.

[Empty Handed]

I'm currently working on a scale-o-rama project involving a 1/144 Boeing 377. The double-lobed fuselage lends itself to being scaled down to create a 1/72  tandem-twin jet fighter, in the vein of the Lavochkin La-200. I'm envisaging it as a twin J33/J42 engined alternative to the F-89. It will not be winning any beauty contests or speed records! I may even be able to use the left-overs and a hapless B-29 fuselage to create a 2nd one. Expect to see pics in summer 2026!