Wednesday, August 07, 2019

Developed in the early 1950’s and used to move the heaviest bombers in the Air Force’s inventory, this is a Coleman CF-55-AF


Four-wheel steering, an enormous winch and a claimed 20 ton weight are just a few of the highlights.

The Convair B-36 Peacemaker (shown here next to a B-29 for scale), which weighed 166,165 lbs empty, 262,500 lbs loaded, and up to 410,000 lbs at maximum takeoff weight. With six radial engines, and in its final configuration, an additional four jet engines, it simply wasn’t practical to taxi under power, hence this rig.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2626919290654160&set=gm.1822011384612136&type=3&permPage=1&ifg=1
https://bringatrailer.com/2016/11/15/b-36-peacemaker-tow-rig-1950s-coleman-cf-55-af-tug

4 comments:

  1. I recently came across an article from 1957 that stated the B-36 was operational before anyone realized the existing tugs couldn't tow it. A new tug needed to be built after the planes were operational. Does anyone have any additional information on whether this is true? Would this be a picture of that newly designed tug?

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    Replies
    1. I think it is indeed the tug that was made specifically for the B 36

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    2. But see the other one I psoted also https://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2019/09/a-different-tug-truck-for-b-36-than.html

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    3. Thanks Jesse!

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