From the 282's plaque:
"The C-97, first flown on 15 November 1944, originated as a transport variant of the B-29 "Superfortress." The C-97 retains the same wing, engines, and tail structure as the B-29. Also, the lower section of its "double-bubble" fuselage is the basic B-29 design: 74 cargo versions were built. After the introduction of the "flying boom," 816 were built as KC-97 "Stratotankers." Since most aircraft refueled by the KC-97 were faster jets, a "toboggan" procedure was required. Both aircraft flew "downhill" together, enabling the KC-97 to match the jet's speed. The subsequent addition of jet engines enabled the KG-97 to refuel in level flight and extended its service life to 1973."

The KC-97L supported a crew of five and could cover over 4900 miles at a speed of up to 375 miles per hour. The 282 has retired to the Dyess Linear Air Park at the Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, and sits in Memory of W.P. Wright, Sr. by Bill & Alice Wright.