For the past 60 years the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker has been one of the most reliable and longest serving air-to-air inflight refueling aircraft in the US Air Force. Although the KC-135 has seen no less than three different types of engines to power the aircraft over the decades, the rugged type still serves in large numbers, and remains as the primary tanker jet in the inventory.
Back in the mid 1960s, the KC-135 was already close to a decade into her service history with the USAF. And it had proved itself as very reliable and efficient asset capable of deploying fighter aircraft almost anywhere on the planet. As such, the US Air Force deemed it a worth while candidate to produce a promotional film about to convey the aircraft’s importance to the public and the tax payer.
This all colour movie highlights the KC-135 and her inflight refueling capabilities demonstrated with a B-52 inflight sortie. Crew members also share their stories of working on the KC-135 back in the mid 1960s, and even reference the KC-135’s role in the aftermath of the Pueblo incident in Korea.
