Historic Boeing C-97 Angel of Deliverance that first flew during World War II takes off once more in unforgettable footage
Published on Apr 11, 2026 at 12:18 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Apr 09, 2026 at 6:20 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
In 2017, a truly historic Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter airplane that goes by the name Angel of Deliverance took to the skies for the first time in many years after a painstaking restoration.
Belonging to the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation (BAHF), this is currently the only airworthy example of the legendary transport aircraft in the world.
A video from 2019 shows the aircraft taking flight again, underscoring the incredible restoration efforts by the team at the BAHF.
As of 2026, the aircraft is being refurbished to increase its flying frequency and preserve the spirit of the Berlin Airlift.
What is a Boeing C-97?
The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter first flew in 1944 and entered service just after the end of World War II in 1947.
These aircraft were developed from the Boeing B-29 and B-50 bombers as long-range heavy cargo aircraft.
A second lobe was placed on top of the fuselage and the wings of a Boeing B-29.
The wings, tail, and engines were left virtually unchanged.
In total, 77 freighters were built from 1947 to 1958, with tanker versions also being produced.
Boeing also turned the aircraft into the 377 Stratocruiser airliner, with only 56 of these built.
Angel of Deliverance is painted to represent a Stratofreighter that served with distinction during the Berlin Airlift of 1949-1949.
It represents YC-97A 45–59595, the only aircraft of the type that served during the operation.
The aircraft joined others in supplying West Berlin by air after the Soviet Union blocked land access.
This is the only flying C-97 in the world
Operated by the BAHF, Angel of Deliverance is currently the only airworthy Stratofreighter in the world.
As of 2026, it requires some further maintenance to get back in the air again.
At the time of writing, it is parked at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum at Reading, Pennsylvania airport.
Supercar Blondie has reached out to the BAHF for an update on this amazing aircraft.
To keep it flying, the group was donated two further C-97s that will provide spare parts and engines to their own aircraft.
Footage from 2019 by the Hagerstonw Aviation Museum shows the aircraft firing up and taking off from their airport.
With no Stratocruiser airliners left, and only one Stratofreighter flying, Angle of Deliverance is a truly remarkable survivor.
It continues to fly the flag for American heavy airlifting and reminds us of one of the most significant events of the Cold War.
Boeing C-97 timeline
1942 – Boeing begins design work on a heavy transport aircraft using the B-29 bomber airframe
November 9, 1944 – The first XC-97 prototype makes its successful maiden flight from Seattle
1947 – The production Stratofreighter officially enters active military service
April 1949 – A prototype YC-97A is deployed to carry cargo during the Berlin Airlift
1950 – Boeing introduces the KC-97 variant featuring a flying boom for aerial refueling
1956 – The military starts phasing out the KC-97 in favor of the jet-powered KC-135
1958 – Production of the aircraft series ends after exactly 888 aircraft are built
1978 – The last C-97 remaining family aircraft are retired from the US Air National Guard
1996 – The Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation purchases a retired Stratofreighter to restore as a flying museum
November 7, 2017 – The foundation’s fully restored C-97G, known as ‘Angel of Deliverance’, makes a triumphant return to flight after 15 years of work
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
