The Air Force's first all-jet strategic bomber, the swept-wing Boeing B-47 Stratojet had a range of 3,500 nautical miles and a payload capacity of 20,000 pounds. It served as the mainstay of Strategic Air Command in the 1950s into the mid 1960s. The B-47 was an outgrowth of WWII research and development efforts, and the prototype aircraft first flew in December of 1947. The unique six-jet design featured twin engine pods on the wing near the fuselage, and one outboard. It also incorporated an elegant bicycle-type landing gear with two-wheel struts on the forward and aft fuselage and outrigger wheels. In 1956, over 1300 B-47s and 250 RB-47s were on alert. It was the high water mark for the aircraft, which was fully supplanted by the B-52 by 1967. This B-47 pilot's flight operating handbook was originally produced by the USAF. It has been slightly reformatted but is reproduced here in its entirety. It provides a fascinating view inside the cockpit of one of history's great planes.

This handbook implements AFPD 36-22, Air Force Military Training. Information in this handbook is primarily from Air Force publications and based on knowledge requirements from the Military Knowledge and Testing System (MKTS) as determined by the Enlisted Force Development Panel and Board of Directors with membership consisting of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and major command (MAJCOM) command chief master sergeants (CCM). It applies to all active duty personnel and to Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command units. This AFI may be supplemented at any level, but all supplements that directly implement this publication must be routed to PACE/APM for coordination prior to certification and approval. To the extent that the content of the Handbook is inconsistent with directive Air Force publications, the information in the source publication prevails. To resolve conflicts use your chain of command or contact the publication OPR.