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Latest Tankers Stories

Newly-painted Kazakhstan Air Force A400M pre-delivery

Paint Job On Kazakhstan’s New A400M Looks Like A ‘Soviet’ Plane In A Bond Film

By Oliver Parken / Updated Apr 15, 2024

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

KF-21 Refueling for the first time from a tanker

South Korea’s KF-21 Next Generation Fighter Begins Tanker Trials

By Thomas Newdick / Updated Mar 19, 2024

CF-5 refuels from a 707 tanker.

F-5 Pilot’s Double Engine Flameout While Refueling Over The Atlantic

By Dan McWilliams / Updated Mar 5, 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 commercial KDC‐10 tanker aircraft refuels a U.S. Air Force F‐16 Fighting Falcon from the 51st Fighter Wing, enroute Commando Sling 23 at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore, November 6, 2023.

Private Aerial Refueling Tankers Are Now Gassing Up USAF Fighters

By Oliver Parken / Updated Nov 14, 2023

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

KC-10 departs PSAB

KC-10 Extender Has Flown Its Last Combat Mission

By Thomas Newdick / Updated Oct 5, 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

The US Air Force has selected JetZero to design and build a demonstrator aircraft with a blended wing body, or BWB, configuration that could serve as the basis for future aerial refueling tankers and cargo planes.

Blended Wing Body Demonstrator Jet Contract Awarded By Air Force (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick / Updated Aug 16, 2023

TANK AT ARMY-2023

‘Cope Cages’ Go Mainstream At Russia’s Arms Bazaar

By Thomas Newdick / Updated Aug 14, 2023

Next generation airlift family of systems

New Airlifters Of All Sizes May Be Needed For Future China Fight

By Thomas Newdick / Updated Jul 24, 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