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The KC-97G, with its large airframe, made an excellent in-flight tanker. However, as a new series of jet fighters began emerging into service with much faster speeds, the KC-97G was no longer able to perform refueling procedures.
Some maintenance officers at the 126th air refueling squadron proposed to fit the KC-97G with GE J-47 jet engine to add to their propulsion power. This proved to be an excellent recommendation. With this modification now in place, the aircraft was able to fly at 10,000 feet higher altitude and its top speed performance was increased by 50 knots.
This was such a successful concept that the United States Air Force decided to refit all KC-97G in use with these jet engines and renamed them KC-97L.
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