Golden years and still flying high

  • Published
  • By Tim Rodenberger
  • Public Affairs
Grand Forks AFB --  After the Korean Conflict came to a close, Gen. Curtis LeMay of Strategic Air Command and various other Air Force commanders expressed interest in expanding its global reach and flexibility through in-flight refueling with jet aircraft technology.
In 1954, the Air Force purchased 29 model 367-80s from the Boeing Company and converted them with a rear refueler or flying boom. After two years of modifications and testing, the first KC-135A Stratotankers rolled out of Boeing's Seattle-based plant and were delivered to the Air Force in August 1956. 

The KC-135 significantly expanded the Air Force's strategic vision on global reach and global power through in-flight refueling. The KC-135, the first jet-powered, in-flight refueler, lifts fuel limitations from bombers and fighters, allowing them to increase their effect range. 

This month marks the 50th birthday of the KC-135, marking half a century of continued flight making the airframe the longest serving active duty plane in history with an averaging age of 41 years per plane. Since 1956, the Air Force's KC-135s have participated in all areas of conflict, whether it's refueling a B-52 Stratofortress during the Vietnam War, an F-111 Aardvark during Operation El Dorado Canyon or an F-117 Nighthawk during the Gulf War. 

The KC-135 received various upgrades to the onboard avionics and boom technology keeping the airframe at the forefront of technology while still maintaining its versatile design. According to the Air Force Website, the Air Force plans on keeping the KC-135 well into the 21st century with no plans of downsizing the fleet as the Global War on Terror demands the services of Air Mobility Command's air refueling wings. 

Through the KC-135, the Warriors of the North achieved more than 38,000 flight hours and was awarded nine AMC command-level awards and several RODEO awards this year alone. The wing has also earned awards such as the Meyer Best KC-135 Trophy in 1992, the AMC Spaatz Trophy for Best Air Refueling Squadron and many others. 

The KC-135, combined with the Warriors of the North, continue to provide service and support critical to the Air Force's mission, the Global War on Terror and other operations at both home and abroad.