A KP-29P equipped with a 'flying boom' suckles a Republic F-84F Thunderstreak.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-29 Superfortress - СШАUSA - 1942Republic F-84F Thunderstreak - СШАUSA - 1950

The photographs of the simulated tanking of a B-52 from the 367-80 greatly helped the selection of the Boeing solution for SAC’s new tanker requirement.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955Boeing Boeing 707/720 - СШАUSA - 1954

With a row of new KC-97Gs as a backdrop, the 367-80 on the ramp soon after its roll-out at Renton. By then the pretence that the two types were related had been dropped.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 707/720 - СШАUSA - 1954Boeing C-97 / Model 377 Stratocruiser - СШАUSA - 1944

As a concept demonstrator for a jet tanker the Dash 80 was fitted with a flying boom at an early point in its flight development programme.

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

'City of Renton' and the Dash 80 pose in formation, illustrating the similarities and few differences between the concept demonstrator and tanker.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 707/720 - СШАUSA - 1954Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

USAF KC-135As equipped with a hose and drogue extension added to the boom provided tanker support to the RAF's QRA EE Lightning force for a short while after the withdrawal from service of the Valiant tanker, circa 1966.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956English Electric / BAC Lightning - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1957

Three KC-135As sit at Tan Son Nhut in December 1965, having flown Bob Hope and his entourage to entertain US troops stationed in SEA.

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

To allow the KC-135 to refuel aircraft equipped with a probe a hose extension was developed that could be attached to the flying boom. Two AFRes KC-135As from Mather at Cottesmore, UK, April 1990.

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

The larger fin and rudder helped relieve the KC-135's directional stability problems. This aircraft has the rearward facing extension on the tip in which is contained a searchlight to help facilitate night refuelling sorties.

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

U-Tapao in Thailand was one of several bases to play host to tanker deployments during the SEA conflict. By August 1968 nearly all KC-135As, including 63-8027, had been painted to help prevent corrosion

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

Mildenhall remains a major hub for tanker operations: complete with SAC 'sash' KC-135A 59-1490 visiting in 1974.

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

A line-up of KC-135As at Carswell AFB in late-1983. By then the prototypes of re-engined variants had flown and the days were numbered for the J57-powered aircraft with SAC.

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

While the use of water injection allowed the KC-135A to take off with a heavier load of fuel, it also produced large amounts of smoke and noise. 56-3640 at Mildenhall, 1983.

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

‘City of Renton' 55-3118 was the first KC-135A built and initially served as a test and evaluation aircraft. It was later converted as an EC-135K

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

The name 'City of Moses Lake’ was painted on the nose of 55-3126, which was flown by the SAC commander Curtiss LeMay to break several official and unofficial records.

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

Another view of 'City of Moses Lake' (55-3126) on the Boeing Field flight line. The tail-less trio in the background are intriguing

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

A line-up of KC-135As on the distinctive river-side ramp at Renton.

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

Training of KC-135A crews was undertaken by the 93rd AREFS at Castle AFB, California, the first SAC unit to receive the new tanker.

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

SAC intended the KC-135 fleet Io support the bombers in all weathers, day and night.

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

As part of the extensive evaluation of the KC-135A 55-3124 was fitted with a long nose probe to measure angles of attack and sideslip forces.

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

Another view of 'City of Renton' showing the flying boom in stowed position and (under the wing) the crew access door.

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

The KC-135A fleet underwent many modifications during its service career, the most noticeable being the replacement of the original fin (as seen on 59-1512) by a taller unit and the installation of metal bands around the rear fuselage.

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

A KC-135 refuels a TAC F-100 Super Sabre using the adaptor on the end of the flying boom.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956North American F-100 Super Sabre - СШАUSA - 1953

KC-135A 58-0004 and B-52G 57-6471, the B-52 carrying a calibration cross for test purposes on its upper fuselage.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52G Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1958Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

The absence of clouds of black smoke emanating from the J57s reveal that this KC-135A is about to touch down. This aircraft was later modified as a KC-135Q.

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

KC-135A 55-3121 wearing the badge of the Air Force Research and Development Command on its nose, was involved in a series of adverse weather trials as part of the thorough evaluation of the tanker

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

The KC-97F was a capable tanker, but the advent of jet bombers - ie the B-47 - showed lip the restrictions of prop-tankers.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-47 Stratojet - СШАUSA - 1947Boeing C-97 / Model 377 Stratocruiser - СШАUSA - 1944

Три «Супер Сейбра» из 451-й эскадрильи дозаправляются от танкера KB-50J. 1956 г.
COMING SHORTLY. When North American F-100C Super Sabres occupy U.S.A.F. bases in the United Kingdom in 1957, the Hayes Aircraft-converted Boeing KB-50D Superfortress will become a familiar sight. The Hayes KB-50D will replace the KB-29P Superforts which currently refuel Republic F-84F Thunderstreaks using the single, tail-mounted "Flying Boom" refuelling system. The Hayes Aircraft KB-50D incorporates the British-developed Flight Refuelling "Probe and Drogue" system - with 80-ft. reels capable of off-loading up to 7,250 U.S. gallons of JP-4 at pressure of 120 to 200 p.s.i. Hayes Aircraft has modernised over a thousand B-25 Mitchells (B-25J to '25L).

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-50 Superfortress - СШАUSA - 1947North American F-100 Super Sabre - СШАUSA - 1953