916ARW says a fond farewell to the KC-135

The 916ARW has shipped out their last KC-135 tanker as they began their transition to the KC-46 tanker. For complete details of the event at select the link below to view the 916th's send-off for their first tail in & last tail out, 0349: http://ow.ly/J4xw50yRhrc

Eight refueling jets from Arkansas, 250 people heading to new home at MacDill

The number of KC-135 refueling jets at MacDill Air Force Base will grow from 16 to 24 with the return of a squadron that once called Tampa home. The 50th Airlift Squadron, with eight jets and some 250 personnel, is headed to MacDill from Little Rock Air Force Base, according to a news release from the 6th Air Mobility Wing, MacDill's host unit.

Complete story on the Tampa Bay Times website at http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/macdill/eight-refueling-jets-from-arkansas-250-people-heading-to-new-home-at/2338752?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

The Mystery of AE059A - now solved!

Update: From an anonymous contributor - The "mysterious" hex AE059A on RCH302 was being used by 22ARW KC-135RT 60-0362 (should be AE059D).  It may well be that the aircraft's 2nd box was being used - which had been replaced and not recoded. This aircraft landed at EGUN (Mildenhall AB, UK) at 0951 UTC. Thanks to our anon source.

Well here is a really interesting mystery for my readers to contemplate. We have a Mode-S hex code address AE059A flying around Europe right now displaying a Mode-S call sign of Reach 302. So what is such a big deal about that?

USAF KC-135R 60-0319 in flight (Photo courtesy of Air International)

Well AE059A was last used by a KC-135R tanker serial number 60-0319 assigned to the 22 ARW at McConnell AFB in Kansas. problem is that airframe is now sitting in the 309 AMARG boneyard at Davis Monthan AFB in Arizona.

There is this post on the Aviation Week Network site on March 3, 2013:

USAF Retires 'First Operational' KC-135R .... Again

Mar 3, 2013 by Nigel Howarth in Ares

The U.S. Air Force announced on Feb. 22 that it had retired the "first operational KC-135R" from service, when tail number 61-0312 arrived at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. However, Aviation Week Intelligence Network's Fleet database records KC-135R tail number 60-0319 arriving for storage on Jun. 20, 2012. It's unclear therefore why the folks at Altus proclaimed this month's arrival as the "first".

In the 1980s and 1990s the USAF re-engined over 400 tankers with more powerful and efficient CFM-56 engines, designated KC-135R or KC-135T. These are now the only KC-135s in the fleet and are expected to soldier on for many years yet.

Often referred to as the "boneyard", the vast desert storage location at Davis-Monthan holds almost 4,000 US military aircraft, mainly for parts, but also for future re-activation or sales to domestic and foreign government agencies. Pictured are some older model KC-135s never to fly again, but still a valuable source of parts for the large active fleet.

According to another article on February 26, 2013, KC135R 61-0312 of the 97AMW/54ARS at Altus AFB arrived at AMARG for storage. It was posted that it was the first of 16 which were being retired as part of a Force Structure Reduction authorized by the National Defense Authorization Acr for fiscal year 2013. This article claimed it was actually the second KC-135R  to be retired (see article above) but it is assumed (based on its unpainted appearance) that the first, 60-0319, was not considered operational at the time of its arrival at AMARG.

So readers has 60-0319 been made operational again, reactivated and flying around Europe right now as Reach 302 or has AE059A been reassigned to another AMC airframe? My guess is the later but which AMC airframe is using it?

If anyone has anything solid to share on AE059A please drop me a line at the email address in the masthead.

Who is this mystery KC-135

Recently a new Mode-S hex code AE0542 has popped up/ This hex code definitely looks like a KC-135 tanker based on call signs and boy has this hex code used a wide variety of Mode-S call signs since 1 Oct 2016.

What call signs you ask?

Arius 21
CETUS 21
Cabal 31
Happy 63
Kanza 01/71/81
Snap 83/90/92
Spur 91
Turbo 13/78/81

This one has me scratching my head and if anyone gets a serial number tie up for the airframe, please drop me a note.

Mildenhall KC-135s support French operation

Airmen arrive at Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France, in support of Operation Juniper Micron Feb. 21, 2016. Since 2013, the U.S has been supporting the French government in Operation Juniper Micron by providing air refueling and airlift support of French operations in Mali and North Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erin Trower)

By Capt. Lauren Ott, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Three KC-135 Stratotankers, along with 50 Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, temporarily deployed to Istres-Le Tubé Air Base, France, in support of Operation Juniper Micron.

The U.S. has been supporting the French government in Operation Juniper Micron at their request since 2013, providing air refueling and airlift support of French operations in Mali and North Africa.

Since December 2015 alone, the 100th ARW has flown more than 750 sorties, refueled more than 2,900 French aircraft, and off-loaded nearly 28 million pounds of fuel while supporting French operations.

The strategic decision to temporarily deploy the KC-135s to Istres is the result of the continual evaluation of how to best support French ally forces in the air and on the ground.

The long-standing relationship between the U.S. and France enables operational success by allowing a forward-based presence of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa assets and the ability to move forward quickly in support of French operations.

Midwest Aerial Refueling VHF/UHF Formation Freqs

While digging around the net (I do that a lot), found the following frequencies assigned to the 22ARW out of McConnell AFB for use by their KC-135 tanker cell formations for use in the following states AR CO KS LA MO NE NM OK and TX.

They are authorized 138.5500 MHz (AM), 225.4500 and 225.5000 MHz. I have an indication that more than the 22 ARW may use these freqs. Reports from monitors are appreciated on these freqs and the units that may be using them.

Deployed Mildenhall jet receives black-letter status

Members of the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron pose in front the black-letter jet, a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to RAF Mildenhall but forward-deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain, Oct. 13, 2013. Tail number 63-8027 attained black-letter status when it reported zero discrepancies. This is the first black-letter jet assigned to RAF Mildenhall since 2006. (Photo courtesy of 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron)

by Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston, 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- A black-letter jet in the Air Force is equivalent to the sighting of a unicorn among a herd of horses.

Rarely talked about, and even less witnessed, is an aircraft which has zero discrepancies. Because of its rarity, earning "black-letter jet" status is a coveted achievement. For most, to be a part of the process is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - spoken about in reverent tones and fondly recalled as a highlight in one's career.

This achievement now belongs to a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to RAF Mildenhall. The jet, tail number 63-8027, currently deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain, is the first black-letter jet assigned here in seven years.

"The last black-letter aircraft we had at (RAF) Mildenhall was in 2006; this one is especially noteworthy as it happened at a deployed location with limited resources and personnel," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Charissa Cherrington, 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron commander.

The tanker, originally maintained by the 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, continually received routine maintenance and quality assurance checks from the 351st EARS maintenance section. It was while forward-deployed to Moron AB where the aircraft received its coveted status. Upon confirmation of being a black-letter jet, U.S. Air Force Col. Nancy Bozzer, 100th Operations Group commander, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Rofelio Grinston, 100th AMXS commander, flew to Moron and personally congratulated the crew who made it possible.

The crew received a personalized plaque, which is proudly displayed in their squadron. Additionally, the crew were presented a Spanish tile, screen printed with a group photo in front of their jet, presented by members of the host base. The tile will be displayed inside the jet to commemorate the achievement. The accomplishment also belonged to the host base as well as U.S. Marines, who also provided assistance.

Achieving zero maintenance write-ups may sound simple. However, on a highly-complex, 50-year-old airframe, it's anything but simple. Even the smallest repair, such as a burned out light bulb, will result in a maintenance discrepancy -- thus keeping the aircraft from qualifying for black-letter status. For any aircraft, albeit one as old as this particular jet, achieving black-letter status is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the maintenance crew assigned to it.

KC-135R Tankers Return to Refueling Roots

First aircraft on the runway awaiting clearence for takeoff, five KC-135 Stratotankers taking off at 30 second intervals to refuel C-17's at Key Field ANGB, Meridian, MS, Saturday September 27, 2008 UTA. U.S Air Frce Photo by TSGT Richad L. Smith (Released by 2d Lt Steven C. Stubbs 186 ARW / PAO)

by Capt Steven Stubbs, 186th Air Refueling Wing
Key Field ANGB, Miss. -- The KC-135 Stratotankers return to the 186th Air Refueling Wing commences June 10, 2013 with one aircraft arriving at Key Field where in-flight refueling was born.

"There is a real buzz on the base right now and that will spill over into the general public once they start seeing the tankers arriving," said Colonel Franklin Chalk, 186 ARW Commander. "I'm excited for the wing and the airmen stationed here."

Chalk stated that a total of eight tankers will be stationed at Key Field by the end of September and the conversion training for pilots and maintenance crews has already begun.

"We will be transitioning pilots back from the C-27 Spartan planes and the MC-12s and getting the maintenance crews up to speed on the tankers," Chalk said. "Since we lost the tankers the maintenance crews have been pretty stagnant because private firms did the maintenance on the C-27s."

When Al and Fred Key took off in their Curtis-Robbin monoplane nicknamed the "Ole Miss" on June 4, 1935, they could not have known the impact their 27-day flight would have on not only their city and state, but the entire world. The equipment and methods used by these pioneers of air refueling allowed them to remain airborne until July 1, 1935. The members of the 186th Air Refueling Wing are proud to say that Key Field Air National Guard Base is named after these two Meridian brothers whose 653 hour and 34 minute world record remains unbroken today in conventional flight.

186ARW/153ARS based at Meridian RAP (Key Field), MS [KMEI] have recently been heard here on the radio ranch flying the following KC-135R airframes using the Jake ## call sign: 57-1462  57-1486  59-1453  60-0341  63-7992.

Stratotanker, Stratofortress tandem continue half a century of Asia-Pacific partnership

by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos,  36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- America's involvement in the Vietnam War continued to escalate in 1965, and on June 18, 27 B-52 Stratofortresses broke the threshold of Guam's airspace toward the open skies of the Pacific to conduct the first Arc Light mission. At the same time, 27 KC-135 Stratotankers departed Japan to rendezvous with the bombers in the Philippines to refuel them for a 4,500 nautical mile round trip.

Ever since its first sortie, the KC-135 has played an important role in extending the reach of the B-52's airpower and lengthening the duration of its hovering capabilities -- capabilities that are crucial to a region surrounded by water.

"The relationship between the KC-135 and B-52 is one that has grown over the years and is now ideally suited to the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility," said Lt. Col. Harry Dyson, 36th Operation Support Squadron commander.

"Andersen is one of the critical bases here in the Pacific because it's close enough to all our allies and our adversaries, while still being outside of immediate threat range," he continued. "The distances involved in the PACAF region are so great, and the ability to employ from Andersen is achievable because of the KC-135s and B-52s that rotate here regularly."

The B-52 started flying in 1952, while the first KC-135 was first delivered to the Air Force in 1957. Though the tanker was a little behind on the delivery, it was built to cater to the in-flight capabilities of the B-52's speed and operational altitude. Prior to the delivery of the KC-135s, The Air Force relied on the KC-97 Stratotanker for in-flight refueling, which was less than ideal for the Stratofortress' speed and operational high operational altitude.

As the U.S. Air Force started using the KC-135 more and more, the B-52 and KC-135 tandem was pivotal in historical combat operations stretching from the War in Vietnam to present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to an article written by U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Col. Walter Boyne, a combat veteran, aviation historian and author, during Arc Light, KC-135s were used to keep the bombers in the air during missions that lasted for 12 hour or longer. Though some tankers stayed in the Philippines to be on stand-by for tactical aircraft during the span of Linebacker and Linebacker II, one tanker was always assigned to one bomber during inbound portions.

"That was pretty much the case for every mission," Meyer said. "Even when they started making the G and the H models for the Stratofortress, which actually fly a little bit further, the KC-135s were still important to accomplishing the bomber missions."

By 1972, there were 195 KC-135s stationed in the Asia-Pacific region to support the 155 B-52s on Andersen's ramp and other combat aircraft spread all throughout the region.

After the Vietnam War, the tandem also conducted missions that forwarded or launched from the Pacific. Meyers said that multiple operations required aerial refueling capabilities in order to get the B-52s to their destination and back.

The duo was always ready on Andersen  when it was a Strategic Air Command base during the Cold War and continued to be used in the Middle East during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

"During Operation Desert Shield in 1991, the bombers utilized Andersen as a forward base to get to an expeditionary location where they launched for attack," he continued. "Two B-52s launched from here in 1996 for Operation Desert Strike and conducted a 33-hour to drop conventional bombs in Iraq as a warning."

Today, the partnership lives on with the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and the expeditionary B-52 bomb squadrons that rotate in and out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence and continue a partnership that has proven itself through history.

 

RED FLAG: Refueling the Raptor

Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, fly behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 13-3 Aug. 14, 2013. The F-22 is a twin-engine fighter aircraft designed primarily for air superiority, but also has ground attack and electronic warfare capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Perras/Released)

Answering the call: refueling the Spirit

A B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber approaches the rear of a KC-135 Stratotanker in preparation to refuel during a training mission over Midwestern skies, Aug. 1, 2013. The B-2’s unique design has enabled it to travel into enemy territory without being detected by their radar to deploy ordinance. It is one of many aircraft McConnell’s tankers provide fuel to. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

McConnell Air Force Base is the world’s largest Air Refueling Wing and is the home of 62 KC-135 Stratotankers. McConnell’s primary mission is to provide global reach by conducting air refueling and airlift where and when needed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier)

Reserve units link up during refueling mission

A B-52 Stratofortress from the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., is positioned to take fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker flown by the 18th Air Refueling Squadron, Air Force Reserve Command, McConnell AFB, Kan., Aug. 3, 2013, Arkansas. Air refueling training keep 18 ARS members proficient in all essential aspects of air refueling operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jess Lockoski) 

Answering the call: McConnell refuels ANG F-15s

An F-15 Eagle from the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, Portland, Ore., flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., July 23, 2013. The F-15 was one of eight to receive fuel from three McConnell tankers during the training mission over northeast Kansas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine)

An F-15 Eagle from the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, Portland, Ore., receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., while a second F-15 moves to the left wing of the Stratotanker July 23, 2013. Three Stratotankers refueled eight F-15s during the training mission over northeast Kansas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine)

Aerial refuelers coming to Robins

Blog Editor Note: According to Jody Gal in neighboring Calhoun GA, 379.825 MHz has been used as a boom freq during exercises that involve random AR that are not on a published tracks. This was also a one of my spectrum hole freqs until recently.

by Wayne Crenshaw, 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Numerous organizations here have spent the past month preparing for the arrival of five KC-135 Stratotankers, which will temporarily be stationed at Robins during an upcoming exercise.

The aerial refuelers are part of a detachment from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., set to operate here Aug. 7-20. The detachment includes 75 personnel who will be staying in base lodging.

According to a McConnell release, the complex exercise scenario will include 1,100 ground participants and more than 22 aircraft in support of Joint Chiefs of Staff and National Command Authority directives.

"The multifaceted exercise challenges the inherent flexibility, reliability and force multiplier capabilities of our tanker and airlifter forces," the release said.

Tony McVay, the 78th Air Base Wing chief of plans and programs, said several organizations at Robins are involved in preparing for the detachment's arrival and supporting it during the exercise.

The 116th Air Control Wing will assist with maintenance and ground equipment for the aircraft.

The 78th Operations Support Squadron will provide support to include refueling, the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron will provide forklifts and other equipment support, and the 78th Communications Directorate will provide computers and printers. Additionally, the 78th Civil Engineer Group is providing the building the detachment will be using.

Lt. Col. Pamela Freeland, chief of Special Operations Air Refueling at McConnell, said she has been pleased with the support the unit has received from Robins.

"There have been a lot of organizations at Robins which have been contributing to getting us operating," she said. "It's going to be a very robust exercise involving a lot of participants."

The KC-135s are a vital part of U.S. military operations, providing its core aerial refueling capability. Each of the planes can carry 100 tons of fuel.

96th ARS aircrews take off with Total Force Integration

by Staff Sgt. Nathan Allen, 15th Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The combination of adrenaline and excitement can be hard to hide in a person's expressions, but Lt. Col. Brian A. Hill wears it on his face like war paint. He runs on it.

Several hours elapsed since he and the rest of the aircrew for the 96th Air Refueling Squadron's first operational mission arrived for the sortie fresh, eager and focused on what would ensue. He made no effort to hide the accomplished grin he'd worn all night long as he opened a bottle of champagne and served it to anyone willing to share in the celebration in the little room inside Hangar 13 here.

As Colonel Hill poured the last glass of champagne, each person in the room began to recount the mission's highlights.

"My landing was a little off center," said Capt. Jasmine M. McCann, one of the 96th ARS pilots for the mission.

"The air refueling seemed like it lasted a long time," said Col. Jeff W. Morgan, the 15th Operations Group commander here, sporting a smile similar to Colonel Hill's. Even Colonel Morgan made the effort to stretch his schedule to 3:30 a.m. to be a part of the mission.

The silent moments between each person's feedback, however, indicated a collective agreement that the mission was a huge success.

In response to the need to support in-flight refueling for planes traveling to, from, and through the Pacific theater, the 96th ARS, and its fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers, was reactivated in July. Since then, the squadron has flown more than 60 training missions to familiarize future aircrews with the region and fulfill training requirements. All of these efforts led up to the squadron's inclusion in the 15th Wing's arsenal here Dec. 14.

Throughout the 96th ARS's 69-year history, the unit has been located in Hawaii twice, and once in each Japan, Oklahoma, and Washington state. In 2005, the squadron deactivated at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. In July, the squadron reactivated here as part of a total force integration partnership with two existing Hawaii Air National Guard units: the 203rd Air Refueling Squadron and the 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The unit's relocation here makes sense to Colonel Hill, in light of the base's location in the Pacific theater.

"With all this water and all the distance we have between terra firma, the tanker provides the global reach and mobility needed to operate around the (Pacific) theater," Colonel Hill said. "No aircraft anywhere can get very far without fuel. Nobody kicks (derriere) without tanker gas ... nobody," he said quoting a universal slogan used by many air refuelers in reference to the services they provide.

This old tanker slogan complements another one bestowed on current 96th ARS "tankers" by former members of the unit.

"Back in the day, air refuelers were known as 'tanker toads,'" Colonel Hill said. "The tanker's job back then was to provide every ounce of fuel it could to the bomber going downrange. If the tanker gave away so much gas that it couldn't land on a runway, so be it. The tanker would be sacrificed. The toad came into play as an acronym for 'take off and die.'

"Who in their right mind would take off and give all their gas away in mid-air?" he asked. "Fortunately we carry enough gas now that we don't have to worry about it."

When the KC-135 operated by the 96th ARS crew took off here, it contained 185,000 pounds of fuel. While over the Pacific Ocean, 110,000 pounds of fuel were transferred in a span of 34 minutes to a B-52 Stratofortress on the tail end of an 18-hour flight to Guam. Between the fuel lost during transfer and the fuel burned by the KC-135 itself, only 18,500 pounds remained when the crew returned.

As part of the 96th ARS partnership with the 203rd ARS, each sortie is conducted with a "total-force-integration" mentality, or what Colonel Hill would call a "total-family integration."

Aircrew members from each squadron routinely integrate to form aircrews to perform air refueling missions throughout the Pacific. For this reason, Colonel Hill found it fitting that the 96th ARS's first operational mission was conducted by an aircrew consisting of both active-duty and Air National Guard members.

"It's a total family commitment where we are all in together to make this thing work," Colonel Hill said. "It's only appropriate that when we fly our first mission, we do it as a total family, with both squadrons involved."

Master Sgt. Eric K. Faurot, with the 203rd ARS, was the boom operator for the mission. He's worked in an integrated environment with active-duty Airmen for more than seven years. He said he believes the total-force integration involved in the 96th ARS's first mission is a product of the ever-improving efficiency evidenced by active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen working side by side.

"We're never going to turn down a mission," Sergeant Faurot said. "Bodies will never be an excuse. We'll always be able to find personnel to jump on a sortie and do whatever it takes to make a mission 100 percent successful."

The squadron's first operational mission here marks another milestone in its 69-year history of air refueling. Colonel Hill said he expects current members of the 96th ARS to stamp their place in the unit's history by passing fuel within the Pacific Theater for a long time to come.

Gen. Wyatt: Associate missions must continue

The Air National Guard's associate missions with the active duty and Air Force Reserve need to continue beyond the new missions formed after Base Realignment and Closure in 2005, the director of the Air Guard said here Oct. 6.

Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III told members of the Minuteman Institute for National Defense Studies that the Air Guard's "great talent" flowed into new, associate missions following BRAC, thanks to its participation in total force integration.

"Those were the days where it was easy to put together an association, because the Air Guard after BRAC had manpower available ... and so there were opportunities to do what Guardsmen do and to transition and adapt and move into these new mission sets and form these units," said Wyatt, who sat on a BRAC Total Force steering committee at that time.

Air Guard officials said TFI aligns the Air Force's equipment, missions, infrastructure and manpower to use assets effectively and efficiently.

"Total force" has been a Department of Defense policy for more than 35 years, but associate units surged in the early 2000s.

Three of the Air Guard's newest associate wings officially stood up Oct. 1, including the 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., and the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Birmingham ANGB, Ala. Those units conduct aerial refueling missions with the KC-135 Stratotankers.

The Air Guard leads 66 other TFI initiatives, but not all of those initiatives involve associate units. Officials said the latest chief of staff of the Air Force-approved TFI list contains 138 TFI initiatives, of which 96 impact the Air Guard.

"We need to continue doing that," General Wyatt said.

General Wyatt also pointed out that new weapons systems operate 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year as opposed to dated concepts of an eight-hour-a-day work cycle. Those systems, he said, require the manpower available to run them and their support missions.

"If we don't go to TFI constructs, and if we don't get the Guard concurrently and proportionally bedded down in this new capability, we will find ourselves limited, not by the platform, but limited by the manpower available to fly the mission," General Wyatt said.

As KC-135Es retire, Air Force officials' focus shifts to KC-X

by Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- One of the last of the KC-135E Stratotankers to retire made its final flight Sept. 28 to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and after more than 50 years of service, tail number 56-1503 will be relegated to a life as one of several planes used for aircraft maintenance training on the base.

This KC-135E was built in 1956 and was one of 161 KC-135Es that once were in the Air Force fleet. Today's Airmen keep the current Air Force fleet of 415 KC-135Rs flying until they will be replaced in the decades to come.

The KC-135E also brings to light the Air Force's need to get the new KC-X tankers, Air Mobility Command officials said.

On Sept. 24, just four days before the Sheppard AFB KC-135E was flown for the last time, Department of Defense officials announced a new KC-X tanker draft request for proposal has gone out. The plan calls for 179 aerial refueling tankers to replace the half-century old KC-135. The new KC-X will also augment the airlift fleet by carrying cargo, passengers and medical patients in a secondary role.

With the KC-X announcement, Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, the AMC commander, was glad to hear the news.

"This is a great day not only for Air Mobility Command, which operates our nation's fleet of aerial refueling aircraft, but also for our country as this is a capability we critically need," he said. "As a warfighter, I'm glad to see this day come."

As the KC-X process continues, officials said AMC's challenge will be to continue meeting a steep requirement of worldwide air refueling needs by the Air Force and its joint and coalition partners. That job falls to the aircrew, maintenance and other support personnel.

The KC-135 fleet currently maintains an 80 percent mission capable rate, officials from AMC's Logistics Directorate reported. For each hour of flight of a KC-135, it requires an average of seven to eight man-hours of maintenance. The KC-135E sent to Sheppard AFB to train maintenance Airmen helps in preparing new maintainers to meet this effort.

In the Air Force, every time a KC-135 mission is flown, it requires a crew chief and two assistants to inspect the plane for repairs. When something needs repaired, a specialist is called in. Currently, the top KC-135 systems incurring the most maintenance man-hours in the field are the fuel tank systems, auxiliary power units, flight controls and engine instruments.

Another item to consider is every year, approximately 72 KC-135s go through Air Force Materiel Command's depot maintenance with a number of age-related issues needing to be addressed. KC-135 systems and maintenance managers said this is causing the days in depot to grow. Planners also note that the older the KC-135s get, the more resources in time, manpower and money it will takes to fix them.

AMC projections show that in the next 15 to 30 years, there will be an anticipated increase in planned depot maintenance for KC-135s. This will include rewiring, reskinning, corrosion control and other structural maintenance as well as overhauling flight controls and upgrading aging analog systems in the aircraft. That extra maintenance could increase annual costs anywhere from $2 billion to $6 billion.

While some retired KC-135Es are set up for training at Sheppard AFB, others are set aside for parts at the "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.

"It (the aircraft) may be here for another 15 to 20 years as we harvest parts off it," said Col. Tom Schneider, the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group commander. "We are going to put this aircraft to good use. It will go into storage, which means it will be eligible for parts withdrawal to keep the rest of the fleet flying."

Officials are confident they can keep the worldwide air refueling mission going with the KC-135R and KC-10 Extender fleet. However, they also are fervently awaiting the new tanker.

The time is now to move on with this program, said General Lichte of the Air Force's No. 1 procurement priority. This is a critical commitment to recapitalize a key aircraft supporting the national military strategy.

Last Utah ANG KC-135E Stratotanker retires

For my readers who are serial/buno trackers.

By Master Sgt. Burke Baker, 151st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

Col. Kelvin Findlay, 151st Air Refueling Wing commander, sits in the flight deck of the Utah Air National Guard’s last KC-135 E-model Stratotanker before it was flown from the Air Guard base here to nearby Hill Air Force Base where it was officially accepted into the Hill Aerospace Museum for public display. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Monson)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The last KC-135 "E" model Stratotanker assigned to the Utah Air National Guard's 151st Air Refueling Wing flew its final flight May 21.

Aircraft tail number 57-1510 was flown approximately 15 miles from the Air Guard base in Salt Lake City to nearby Hill Air Force Base where it was officially accepted into the Hill Aerospace Museum for public display.

Number 57-1510 came to Utah on Aug. 21, 1978, when it was assigned to the 151st ARW and had been with the Utah ANG ever since.

"This is an airframe that has a 30-year history in Utah," said Scott Wirz, director of the museum. "I think that it is only fitting that it comes here for exhibit."

The flight of the E-model to Hill AFB took planning and coordination between the Hill Aerospace Museum, the Utah Air National Guard and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

"This will be our first tanker on display at the museum," said Mr. Wirz. "The KC-135 has filled a vital mission and one that is oftentimes overlooked. We take a lot of pride in the Air Force and the Air National Guard plays a huge role in the total force partnership. I think this exhibit will reflect that pride and partnership nicely."

In addition to the museum planning, coordinators also had to reserve a special aircrew from Scott AFB, Ill., to fly the plane to Hill. Pilots from the 151st ARW are no longer qualified to fly the "E" models anymore.

"Our unit is one of two in the country that maintains an E-Model qualification," said Lt. Col. Jim Pauling, a pilot with the 126th ARW at Scott AFB. "We stay current on them to deliver them to museums and places like the "boneyard" at Davis Monthan."

The 151st ARW has been flying the Stratotanker since 1978, but the aircraft has undergone several engine modification programs during its tenure. The E-model engine modification program started in the early 80's and 157 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve tankers eventually were re-engined with the Pratt and Whitney TF-33-PW-102 turbofan. The modification was a major improvement over the previous A-model engine.

"Senator Jake Garn was the principal legislator to propose the idea of using surplus Boeing 707 engines and putting them on the KC-135. The Air National Guard sent one of the first two re-engined aircraft here to Utah," said Col. Kelvin Findlay, 151st ARW commander. A command pilot, Colonel Findlay has more than 6,000 hours in the KC-135, with more than 5,000 hours in the E-model.

Col. Ron Blunck, commander of the 151st Maintenance Group, served as both an enlisted crew chief and later a navigator KC-135s.

"The E-model modification was a far-sighted and cost-effective decision by the ANG," he said. "The E-model's performance was a vast leap forward from the A-model, and was a workhorse for the ANG and Air Force Reserve for over 20 years. We could carry heavier fuel loads, and could stop on very short runways with the reverse thrust.

"The E-model was a very capable aircraft and would still be viable today, but the engines are no longer supported," he said.

In addition to being able to offload more fuel, the E-model was 14 percent more fuel efficient than the KC-135A, allowing greater range for the tanker fleet.

The 151st ARW converted to the newest version of the KC-135, designated the R-model, in late 2005. The unit then began the process of transferring the outdated E-models to other ANG units still flying that model, or to the aircraft "boneyard" facility at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Ariz.

Test Tanker II visits Wright-Patt

by Derek Kaufman, 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The Test Tanker II, a highly modified KC-135, visited Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Feb 6. The aircraft is used for aerial refueling support at the Air Force Flight Test Center and as a platform for testing avionics and senior leader communications systems, providing an opportunity for senior leader evaluation during airlift support missions. Program logistics support is provided by the Aeronautical Systems Center. (Air Force photo by Ben Strasser)

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Aeronautical Systems Center program officials got a first-hand look at the capabilities of a very unique KC-135R Stratotanker here Feb. 6.

The Test Tanker II, is a modified KC-135 tanker aircraft, built in 1963. Now part of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., the aircraft is used for aerial refueling support at the Air Force Flight Test Center and as a platform for testing avionics and senior leader communications systems, providing an opportunity for senior leader evaluation during airlift support missions.

Program logistics support for the aircraft is provided by Aeronautical Systems Center's 645th Aeronautical Systems Group.

Entering into service with the Air Force Flight Test Center in June 2007, the Test Tanker II replaced Air Force Material Command's "Speckled Trout" test platform, said Lt. Col. Jordan Kriss, commander of the 412th Flight Test Squadron.

Speckled Trout, another one-of-a-kind C-135C, retired in February 2006 after more than 31,000 hours of flight test and airlift missions, AFMC officials said.

KC-135: 50 years of refueling the fleet

by Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates, Air Force Print News



In an effort to modernize its aging tanker fleet, the Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to build the KC-45 aerial refueling aircraft in February. The new tanker is set to augment and eventually replace the KC-135 Stratotanker, currently the oldest airframe still in use by the Air Force.

The first KC-135 was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, Calif., in June of 1957 and the last one was delivered to the Air Force in 1965. This makes the average KC-135 nearly 50 years old.

Though loyal to the aircraft, those within the KC-135 community recognize the need to invest in a new tanker, not because the aircraft is not capable, but because of its age.

"It's a great airplane and it's good at what it does," said Col. Peter Nezamis, commander of the Illinois Air National Guard's 126th Air Refueling Wing at Scott AFB. "The fact that it's still flying is a testament to that. But it's old ... real old."

With this advanced age come increased problems. Fuel lines leak, gear struts break, corrosion is rampant and replacement parts are becoming hard to come by. Most of the suppliers have either gone out of business or have gone on to build parts for newer aircraft.

"The parts for this aircraft are dwindling and becoming more and more costly to procure," Colonel Nezamis said. "And when we can't procure them, we have to manufacture them ourselves."

The aircraft themselves are on a set schedule that determines when they are sent to the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB for a complete overhaul. The tankers receive new paint and any other identified repairs, which include replacing the boom "rudderevator," horizontal stabilizer terminal fittings and fuel bladders.

"Nobody envisioned that this aircraft would be around for so long," said Gaddis Gann, chief engineer at the center. "The KC-135 was designed and built in the 1950s era of 'throw-away' aircraft. Durability was not a major concern, and manufacturers adopted assembly techniques, such as lapping two pieces of metal without sealant, that made the aircraft corrosion prone."

These overhauls at Tinker AFB are becoming more important by the day. Workers at the ALC have to keep the KC-135 in operation for at least another 30 years.

"We're starting to see things break now that typically don't or haven't before," Mr. Gann said.

Even the inspection process has increased, as pilots and maintainers now check items that were unnecessary to check during the airplane's youth.

"When I started flying the KC-135 in the early 80s, our inspections were maybe one page long," said Col. Jeffery Glass, commander of the 507th ARW at Tinker AFB. "Now, we have five pages of inspections that have to be done on the airplane because of its increased age."

The KC-135's mission for more than 50 years is to provide the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force and to ensure the accomplishment of its primary missions of Global Reach and Global Power.

Still, because of required maintenance due to the aircraft's age, the KC-135 is becoming less and less available to the fleet.

"You have to look at reliability rates as one thing, but then you have to look at the rates of availability for the airplane," Colonel Glass said. "And that keeps dropping."

At the 507th ARW alone, the wing only has five or six of its 12 KC-135s available to fly on any given day due to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.

The aircraft was designed primarily to be an aerial refueler. Today, though, the Stratotanker is seeing increased use as a cargo hauler and is flying numerous missions in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

All of this also is combining to place additional stress on the airplane.

"We're pushing an airplane that's made of metal and is fatigued and old, and getting older, and things just start breaking down," Colonel Glass said. "The KC-135 has done its job and it has done it well. But anytime you get to the point where you have a 50-year-old airplane, you don't know what's going to break next."

This, he added, is one reason the KC-45 is a necessary addition to the tanker fleet.

"Without a follow-on tanker for the KC-135, if something happens where the KC-135 has to be grounded, we can't fight a war," he said. "If we don't have refuelers, we can't keep our planes in the air."

This is a fact Air Force officials recognized when deciding to introduce a new tanker.

"Recapitalization of our Air Force's jet tanker inventory is long overdue," said Gen. Duncan McNabb, Air Force vice chief of staff. "Air refuelers are a single point of failure in modern military operations. Across the spectrum of what we do, we absolutely rely on the capabilities they give to us."

The KC-135 is anticipated to stay in the fleet until 2040, and the KC-45 is expected to join the Air Force in 2013.