Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker

The Boeing KC-135 aerial refuelling tanker was originally designated the Boeing 717 and is a shorter and narrower aircraft compared to the Boeing 707 airliner. First entering service in 1957, eventually 803 KC-135s were produced between 1955 and 1965. In addition to the KC-135, the basic C-135 has also been developed into a number of specialist roles including the RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic reconnaissance aircraft which is operated by both the USAF and the RAF. The remaining KC-135s have been upgraded with CFM56 engines giving the type 60% greater range and is 25% more fuel efficient.

The US Air Force KC-135R fleet has been partially replaced by the KC-X program which was won by the Boeing 767-based KC-46 Pegasus. They remain the most numerous tankers in the US Air Force fleet and have outlasted the KC-10 Extender.

The 100th Air Refuelling Wing from RAF Mildenhall will be providing one of their KC-135Rs to appear on static display this July. It is hoped that the airframe they send will be the same one which was present at RAF Fairford 40 years ago and that it will join our celebration of this anniversary.

Photo Credit: Duncan Chase