On active duty with Hawkins and Powers Aviation, deployed to Alaska for the 1997 summer wildfire season. Seen here readying to depart from Fort Wainwright, heading for McGrath. Half an hour after takeoff, returned on three engines. Built for the USAF as KC-97G 52-2698. Upgraded to a KC-97L in 1964, serving latterly with the Illinois ANG. As N1365N, converted to a civil fire bombing tanker in 1982, operating initially as "84" with Hemet Valley Flying Service. Leased by Hawkins & Powers in 1985 then purchased in 1991, based at Greybull , Wyoming.

Detail shot of the "Aluminum Overcast" nose art on former Tanker 97 N1365N.

A detail shot of Tanker 97's hard to read "Aluminum Overcast" nose art can be seen here.

N1365N had its retardant tank removed in 2008, and seen here as such. The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation acquired this aircraft from B&G Industries on December 7, 2021 and plan on using at least two of the engines to get its C-97G N117GA back flying again.

K25 slide scan. Built 1953 as KC-97G 52-2698 for USAF, later redesignated KC-97L, retired to MASDC 1976. Auctioned to Dross Metals, US Forest Service N1365N 1982, operated by HV Flying Service as Tanker 84. Hawkins and Powers 1985, active until about 2003. Clay Lacy 2006 for restoration. Plans abandoned and aircraft remained stored at Greybull. Low sunlight accentuates former USAF markings.

K25 slide scan. Built 1953 as KC-97G 52-2698 for USAF, later redesignated KC-97L, retired to MASDC 1976. Auctioned to Dross Metals, US Forest Service N1365N 1982, operated by HV Flying Service as Tanker 84. Hawkins and Powers 1985, active until about 2003. Clay Lacy 2006 for restoration. Plans abandoned and aircraft remained stored at Greybull.

Former USAF 52-2698. Stored at Davis Monthan AFB with park code CH609 in 1978. Sold in 1981 and registered as N1365N. Converted to a firebomber. Still current on the register in 2021 with B&G Industries of Greybull, WY. With "Aluminum Overcast" nose art.

Year built:- 1952

Year built:- 1952

Built for USAAF as a KC-97G tanker 52-2698 and later modified to KC-97L. Sold to Hawkins & Powers and converted to C-97G standard. Still active in 2006. Note the Aluminum Overcast nose art.