KC-135

Latest in KC-135

Private aerospace firm Metrea has bought France's entire fleet of KC-135 tanker in a major new bet on contractor aerial refueling services.

All Of France’s KC-135 Tankers Bought By Private Aerial Refueling Company Metrea All Of France’s KC-135 Tankers Bought By Private Aerial Refueling Company Metrea

By Joseph Trevithick

Jul 10 7:27 PM EDT

The USAF wants $1.5B in spare parts it doesn't have in its budget.

Hundreds Of Air Force Aircraft Risk Grounding Without Extra $1.5B Spare Parts Infusion Hundreds Of Air Force Aircraft Risk Grounding Without Extra $1.5B Spare Parts Infusion

By Joseph Trevithick

Mar 28 5:36 PM EDT

The US Air Force will test new autonomous capabilities for its KC-135s intended, at least initially, to help reduce operator workload. The service is also still planning to conduct a test of the KC-135 as an aerial launching platform for drones.

Tests Planned For KC-135s That Can Fly Themselves, Act As Drone Motherships Tests Planned For KC-135s That Can Fly Themselves, Act As Drone Motherships

By Joseph Trevithick

Feb 16 12:17 PM EST

Metrea Aerospace became the first to use a private-owned tanker to refuel U.S. aircraft tactical jets when one of its KC-135s topped-up a pair of A-10 Warthog ground attack jets last year.

A-10 Warthogs Have Refueled From A Contractor’s KC-135 Tanker A-10 Warthogs Have Refueled From A Contractor’s KC-135 Tanker

By Joseph Trevithick

Jan 9 2:15 PM EST

Beale AFB executes an elephant walk as the U-2's service approaches its end.

U-2 Dragon Lady Spy Planes Execute A Bittersweet Elephant Walk U-2 Dragon Lady Spy Planes Execute A Bittersweet Elephant Walk

By Tyler Rogoway

Jan 7 4:46 PM EST

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 tail number 58-0109 with the nickname “Phantom 109” assigned to the Iowa Air National Guard is in front of the main hangar in Sioux City, Iowa on October 16, 2021. Crew Chiefs recently added nose art to the aircraft depicting a phantom riding along on the aircraft boom.

“The Phantom” Is The Air Force’s Haunted KC-135 Tanker… Almost “The Phantom” Is The Air Force’s Haunted KC-135 Tanker… Almost

By Thomas Newdick

Oct 31 2:35 PM EDT

Lockheed Martin says it no longer plans to compete for a contract to replace a portion of the Air Force's KC-135 tanker fleet.

Lockheed Bails On KC-135 Tanker Replacement Competition Lockheed Bails On KC-135 Tanker Replacement Competition

By Joseph Trevithick

Oct 23 6:25 PM EDT

The US Air Force's Air Mobility Command is still pushing ahead with an idea to turn its KC-135 aerial refueling tankers into drone motherships.

KC-135 Tankers Being Eyed For Drone Launcher Role KC-135 Tankers Being Eyed For Drone Launcher Role

By Joseph Trevithick

Sep 11 7:19 PM EDT

US Air Force aircraft have been refueled by private tanker planes for the first time ever.

Private Aerial Refueling Tanker Has Gassed Up An Air Force Plane For The First Time Private Aerial Refueling Tanker Has Gassed Up An Air Force Plane For The First Time

By Joseph Trevithick

Jul 12 9:43 PM EDT

KC-135 stratotanker

KC-135 Tankers To Finally Get Fuel-Saving Winglets KC-135 Tankers To Finally Get Fuel-Saving Winglets

By Joseph Trevithick

Mar 28 5:40 PM EDT

New Nuke-Sniffing Jet Flies Off South America On First International Mission

New Nuke-Sniffing Jet Flies Off South America On First International Mission New Nuke-Sniffing Jet Flies Off South America On First International Mission

By Joseph Trevithick

Jan 18 7:48 PM EST

KC-46 Pegasus Tanker Flies With A Single Pilot At The Controls

KC-46 Pegasus Tanker Flies With A Single Pilot At The Controls KC-46 Pegasus Tanker Flies With A Single Pilot At The Controls

By Joseph Trevithick

Oct 28 8:36 PM EDT

KC-135 pacific B-1b

KC-135 Boom-Down Emergency Landing Was Result Of Incident With B-1 KC-135 Boom-Down Emergency Landing Was Result Of Incident With B-1

By Joseph Trevithick

Sep 13 8:51 PM EDT

Air Force’s First ‘New’ Constant Phoenix Nuke-Sniffing Jet Has Flown

Air Force’s First ‘New’ Constant Phoenix Nuke-Sniffing Jet Has Flown Air Force’s First ‘New’ Constant Phoenix Nuke-Sniffing Jet Has Flown

By Emma Helfrich

Jun 30 5:04 PM EDT

A US Air Force KC-135R aerial refueling tanker comes in to land.

KC-135R Tanker Autopilots Still Suffering From Dangerous Anomalies KC-135R Tanker Autopilots Still Suffering From Dangerous Anomalies

By Joseph Trevithick

May 13 3:37 PM EDT

Air Force Restricts Use Of Autopilot On Upgraded KC-135 Tankers Again

Air Force Restricts Use Of Autopilot On Upgraded KC-135 Tankers Again Air Force Restricts Use Of Autopilot On Upgraded KC-135 Tankers Again

By Joseph Trevithick

Feb 10 8:27 PM EST