The large numbers of Boeing 707 and 720s collected at Davis-Monthan from the early 1980s donated parts to the KC-135E programme. 707-337B TF-IUE arrived in 1989.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 707/720 - СШАUSA - 1954

Истребители F-15C 1-го авиакрыла в марте 2003 года были развернуты в Саудовской Аравии для поддержки вторжения в Ирак. Но в связи с отсутствием угрозы воздушного нападения их спешно отправили домой.
KC-135R 61-0302 refuelling a 1st Fighter Wing F-15.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956McDonnell Douglas F-15A/C Eagle - СШАUSA - 1972

The KC-10 Extender - one here on approach to Mildenhall in May 1995 - was seen as a possible KC-135 replacement. Its airlift capabilities meant that is has remained in the domain of the tactical 'boys' not the 'bomber barons'.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender - СШАUSA - 1981

Following the cancellation of the lease/purchase of Boeing KC-767As the KC-135E (59-1451 of 927th ARW illustrated) fleet is expected to remain in service longer than originally anticipated.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

KC-135E 59-1457 of the Pennsylvania ANG wearing the 'proud grey’ scheme applied to the tanker fleet in the 1990s.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

In addition to the KC-135As retired and sent into storage in the early 1990s, 58-0070 was delivered to Sheppard AFB, Texas, for use as a ground instructional airframe, designated GKC-135A.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Prior to the instigation modification KC-135Rs had to have an adapter fitted to the boom to refuel probe-equipped aircraft, as seen on the head of this line-up.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

The USAF followed the lead of France and added hose drum units to a small portion of its KC-135R fleet. This example serves with the 351st ARS of 100th ARW based at Mildenhall.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

With plenty of excess power and no obvious handling vices, the KC-135R is considered to be the ‘sports car' of the Stratotanker family.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Airshow flyby in 1990 by a KC-135K showing the multi-coloured boom deployed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

While the first Gulf War was supported by a mixture of 157 and upgraded KC-135s, Operation ‘Iraqi Freedom' in 2003 made use of 149 KC-135Es and 'Rs. These examples were assigned to the 401st Aerospace Expeditionary Wing at RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Although the YF-22As have long been retired, the KC-135R fleet is likely to be providing tanker support to the Raptor for the majority of its service life.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956Lockheed F-22 Raptor - СШАUSA - 1990

A FRL Mk.32B HDV under the wing of a KC-135R.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

The most noticeable external difference of the KC-135R and 'T is the larger nacelle housing for the F108-CF-100. Less obvious is the re-profiled wing leading-edge.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

To celebrate 15 years of C-135FR operations powered by the CFM56, a single aircraft was repainted with a stylish special scheme to help promote the powerplant; Dubai, 1999.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

KC-135R 751 is one of four of the aircraft flown by the RSAF.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

French C-135FR trailing its boom, with 'basket' attachment

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Depicted at Davis-Monthan following upgrade to KC-135R standard, 62-3563 was one of the seven aircraft transferred under FMS to the Turkish Air Force.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

On the port side of the rear fuselage of KC-135RS and 'Ts is the inlet and exhaust for the new twin auxiliary power unit

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

KC-135R 62-3530 was re-engined in July 1986 and served with the Grissom AFB based 434th ARW.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

In addition to the aircraft of the 100th ARW based at Mildenhall, KC-135s have requently deployed to other VK bases. 58-0206 was one of several that visited Brize Norton in May 1999.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

France’s C-135Fs - the only examples of the Stratotankers built for export - were delivered in a natural metal scheme

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

One of the two options pursued during the upgrade of the KC-135 fleet was the KC-135E, fitted with TF33- PW-102s taken from former airline Boeing 707s and 720s.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

The prototype KC-135R was 61-0293 - one of eight examples equipped with an in-flight receptacle.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Crew access door on a Mildenhall-based KC-135R, 2001.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

KC-135R 60-0331 at Castle AFB in 1992. The base housed the Stratotanker crew conversion school during the SAC days and the first years of AMC.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

The KC-135T has the same relationship to the KC-135Qas the KC-135R has with the KC-135A. No.59-1510 was initially a ‘Partial Q', and as a KC-135T was modified under the ROBE programme.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

KC-135D 63-8059 on deployment to Mildenhall in April 2003, wearing the tailband carried by KC-135s of the 117th AREFS, 190th ARW, of the Kansas ANG.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

KC-135A 63-8876 was typical of the version serving with SAC in the 1970s and 1980s, prior to the adoption of grey camouflage shades.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Nose-art on KC-135s was rare until the late-1980s: KC-135E 56-3638 'Hawg Wild’ of the 161st ARG.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

A KC-135R, stripped for repainting at Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, October 1995.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Externally, the KC-135Q was identical to the KC-135A, the differences being confined to the fuel system and communications fit.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

KC-135E 59-1450 was one of around 20 examples of the version that were later upgraded as KC-135Rs. It is seen here during its dozen years as a KC-135E in service with the New Hampshire ANG.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

The PACER CRAG upgrade has had a big effect on the KC-135 community, as it has all but eliminated the need for a navigator, the fourth member of the crew.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Female 'boom op' in her 'office' inside a 306th SW KC-135R on a sortie over the North Sea, out of Mildenhall, October 1987.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Italy already operates the tanker version of the Boeing 767 - here under test with an F-15. The re-staged KC-X requirement will see the type pitched again as a KC-135 replacement, although this time the 777 may also he offered by Boeing

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-767 / KC-46 Pegasus - СШАUSA - 2005McDonnell Douglas F-15B/D Eagle - СШАUSA - 1972

Northrop Grumman is offering the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport for the KC-X requirement

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A330 MRTT / KC-30 Voyager - InternationalInternational - 2007

An RC-135 of the 9th SRW approaches a KC-135 of the 1700th ARS(P) during Operation desert shield.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing RC-135 - СШАUSA - 1964