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General Atomics

KC-135

Latest KC-135 Stories

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

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Mar 28, 2024

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

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Feb 16, 2024

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

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Jan 9, 2024

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

By Tyler Rogoway / Updated Jan 7, 2024

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

By Thomas Newdick / Updated Oct 31, 2023

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

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Oct 23, 2023

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

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Sep 11, 2023

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

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Jul 12, 2023

KC-135 stratotanker

KC-135 Tankers To Finally Get Fuel-Saving Winglets

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Mar 28, 2023

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 / Updated Jan 18, 2023

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 / Updated Oct 28, 2022

KC-135 pacific B-1b

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

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Sep 13, 2022

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 / Updated Jun 30, 2022

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

KC-135R Tanker Autopilots Still Suffering From Dangerous Anomalies

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated May 13, 2022

KC-135 photo

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

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Feb 10, 2022

KC-135 photo

Air Force Stumped By Sudden Pitch Down Events Reported On Upgraded KC-135 Tankers

By Joseph Trevithick and Tyler Rogoway / Updated Oct 8, 2021