Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.

This shot (and others) confirm the presence of an exhaust of some kind there..
http://data3.primeportal.net/hangar...anker/images/kc-97g_stratotanker_08_of_50.jpg
Not sure what it might be for though?
ATB
DaveB![]()

The areas mentioned are indeed protective coatings for exhaust areas. The vertical stab is for the empennage anti-icing heater, which burned fuel from the cross-wing manifold. The left forward fuselage is the exhaust for the cabin heaters, which both exhausted through the same pipe on the left side. The APU/APP was in the forward lower lobe in all but the EC-97. It did not need the protective coatings because it could not be operated in flight. The EC-97 had the APU in the aft lower lobe to make space for a side aimed camera in the forward area. The wing leading edges were heated via fuel heaters in the outboard engine nacelles, which also had protective coatings.
--Dan
Hi Dave! I've posted the C97G shot (JK paint) to touch glasses with you, your paint is wonderful !!! BYE