Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker - Interior Views at NMUSAF

Interior Views of the Boeing KC-135R in the Air Park at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton Ohio. www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Vis...
The Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker, serial number 60-0329, arrived at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on April 30, 2022 to become a part of the museum’s permanent collection at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The jet was delivered from the 154th Hawaii Air National Guard Wing. In 1967, the crew of this tanker was awarded the MacKay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year after it refueled six U.S. Navy aircraft that were dangerously low on fuel. The flight included a brief tri-level refueling two of the Navy aircraft and additional refueling of two Air Force fighters.
The KC-135R is on display in the Air Park at the the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
While conducting wartime refueling operations in the Gulf of Tonkin in May of 1967, the KC-135 received an emergency refueling request from a six Navy planes; two A-3 Skywarriors, two F-8 Crusaders, and two F-4 Phantoms. The KC-135 crew broke contact with the USAF’s F-104s being fueled and went to meet the Navy planes. The emergency refueling operation had to be conducted at 5,000 feet because the Navy planes did not have enough fuel to climb to a higher altitude. While refueling one of the A-3s, one of the F-8s ran critically low on fuel. The KC-135 crew guided the F-8 to the A-3’s refueling boom and daisy chained a refueling process from the KC-135 to the A-3 to the F-8. The group then repeated the process with the other two planes.
The USAF recognized the significance of this operation by awarding the crew the 1967 Mackay Trophy for most meritorious flight of the year.
The KC-135 is among the U.S. Air Force’s most iconic aircraft. First delivered to the USAF in June 1957, the KC-135 has operated for over 60 years as the principal USAF refueling aircraft. The USAF recognized the need for a modernized jet tanker that could replace the slower propeller driven tankers of the post-war period.
The USAF purchased a total of 732 KC-135s with the final aircraft being delivered in 1965. The aircraft extended the range of the bomber fleet in Strategic Air Command and enhanced the flexibility of Tactical Air Command’s fighters.
Throughout its lifecycle, the KC-135 has received numerous upgrades that have extended its period of service. In the 1980s, roughly half of the 732 KC-135s in the USAF’s inventory were re-engined and redesignated as KC-135Rs. The upgrade suite allowed the KC-135 to offload 50 percent more fuel, become 25 percent more fuel efficient, and reduced operational costs. The KC-135 continues to serve the USAF primarily in the National Guard and Reserves.
Music:
Americana - Aspiring by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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Majestic Hills by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
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[@ryanmoeller3308]

Such an AMAZING aircraft!! My father worked on the KC-135 for over 30yrs at Tinker AFB. I LOVE seeing these types of video's showing the interior of the aircraft! Keep up the GREAT work!! Much respect and support from Yuma, AZ. 👍👍

[@USAFmuseum]

Hello Ryan long time no chat!!! Thank you for your family's service that's awesome about your father working on these historic and iconic airframes!!!

[@ryanmoeller3308]

@@USAFmuseum Thank you! I still need to make it up to your facility! Been trying to go since 2012 and still haven't made it.. 😞

[@USAFmuseum]

@@ryanmoeller3308 We will be here when ready!!!

[@ryanmoeller3308]

@@USAFmuseum What hotel is closest to your facility? I think I'll definitely need a few day's to properly explore the NMUSAF! 😁😁

[@DoctorDispatch]

@@ryanmoeller3308 They probably aren't allowed to recommend anything specific. There were several nice hotels in Fairborn the last time I stayed in a hotel there (which was many years ago). Every time I've been since, I've camped on the base with my Scout troop. And yes, 2 days would be good, 3 if you want to explore other things like the Wright Brothers Bicycle Shop in Dayton. Also make sure to check out the Huffman Prairie Flying Field and the Wright Brothers Memorial!

[@billjackson249]

This aircraft (60-0329) holds a particularly special place in my heart. I was her crew chief at Wurtsmith AFB,MI from August of 73 until October of 76 when I got promoted to Flight Line Supervisor. It is truly an honor to have an aircraft in the Museum that I had such a close attachment. The NMUSAF di an amazing job restoring this bird to display standards. Thank you!

[@afrolax32]

I worked as a Comm/Nav technician for 6 years on 135s. These bad boys will always have a place in my heart

[@USAFmuseum]

Thank you so much for your service!!! That's epic!

[@DerekWiedenheft]

The air force museum absolutely rules. I go atleast once a year. Really love living 10 minutes away.

[@DoctorDispatch]

Derek, we are all jealous now.... Personally, if I lived that close, volunteering there would be my "retirement gig"!

[@daningrim475]

Such a well maintained airplane for its age. Many people don't realize how many generations of Air Force personnel flew and maintained these airplanes for 50+ years. Thank-you for the great video!

[@jumpingjeffflash9946]

this museum rocks! Visited last year for vacation, worth it.

[@phildiegidio4658]

I remember when the Nav’s table was truly the Nav’s seat. Gone is the Search and Weather Radar unit. Gone are some of the Navigation instruments. I sat i those jump seats from Westover AFB to U-Tapao, RTAFB, Thailand…..and back. With a fully loaded plane. It sucked, but I wish I could go back and do it again. Very good chance that I worked on that bird when it was an “A” model. Gone are the best of times, but not forgotten. Thanks for the memories. I was a Radar/Nav Avionics tech. Miss it. Back in a time when what I did mattered. Thanks to all of those that followed in my footsteps.

[@DoctorDispatch]

Phil, you're absolutely right! We couldn't wait to get out, now we wish we could go back.

[@carolecarr5210]

As an old Air Force Flight Nurse I love our airplanes. Thanks to all the men & women who have taken care of all our planes over the years. I flew in C141s & it was always smoothe. Good video.

[@USAFmuseum]

Thank you so very much for your service Carole!!!

[@swadswadlo3717]

I can almost smell that old "A" model 60-0365. Man o Man do I miss it, the happiest days of my life! You haven't lived until you experience a water "assisted" take off...

[@tomking1890]

Video was outstanding. "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory".

[@CaoimhinOMaol]

Flew once or twice with my buds in the 97th Arefs. One of those was a mission refueling the Thunderbirds returning to Nellis. Best wishes to the staff at NMUSAF, to former members of the 97 th AREFS and the 905th AREFS.

[@jaybee9269]

KC-135R was astonishingly successful…

[@dillanaddington7022]

Still is!

[@roystaley3732]

I was lucky enough to have flown in the KC135s for just over 5000 Hours. I was in the A, E, R and a couple of strange ones when I was stationed at Birmingham AL doing test flights. I just loved this plane and to this day still miss the flying. Only thing I do not recognize is the tube going down the cargo area and what is next to the old APU. These must have come in after I was grounded in 86

[@StratoArt]

Thank you for doing a detailed interior video tour! I served as a flying crewchief on these aircraft in th 1990s and this brings back many memories, as I spent tons of hours inside and outside these great planes, readying them before and after missions. My particular model was a KC-135T and it was a rare privilege to refuel it with JP-8 for itself and JP-7 for one of the final SR-71 Blackbird missions in 1998.

[@USAFmuseum]

Thank you for your service Dale!!!

[@DoctorDispatch]

Hey, Dale! Been a minute. I still have your "Thunder in the Valley" A-10 painting as my laptop background.

[@jjr1728]

Did you ever refuel an Aurora? DID THEY EXIST?

[@bob80q]

The KC-135Q refueled the blackbird, T models are the former Qs reverted back to standard tankers

[@StratoArt]

@@DoctorDispatch thats so cool! Thank you!!

[@bigdaddy7119]

In all my time in the Army, this is one aircraft that I never got to fly in even though I’ve been around them. I did fly on a KC-10 when we flew from Benning back to Campbell, and we all got a chance to go down to the Boom operators station and watch them practice hooking up to the other KC-10 that was with us. It was a cool experience. 👍🏻

[@DoctorDispatch]

There was no shortage of these airframes when I was stationed at Offutt in the early 80's. EC-, RC-135's galore! Got to fly on an EC-135 training hop as a reward for being named Airman of the Month; one of my best memories of my time in the Air Force! 🇺🇸✈️💙

[@jjr1728]

Did you ever see an Aurora?

[@DoctorDispatch]

@@jjr1728 Nope, never have.

[@jjr1728]

@@DoctorDispatch Thanks for replying.

[@mag1960ana1]

Watching this amazing video, takes me back, spending my 20 years as crew chief working on such a great aircraft. the memories it was bring back. Getting up at midnight to report for preflight at 2 am for a 10 o'clock launch for TDY. So many memories it hard to list them. it would take up too much time. Love doing engine runs for pressurization checks on the systems. Some of the new system I see in the cockpit I have no clue what they are for. I retired in August 2001, that when they started up grading the aircraft. I started with analog system, then digital. A model to R model. but also worked on Q, T models. This is the work horse in the Air Force. refueling all types of aircraft, then later cargo hauler. the motto NKAWOTG. It is so true. My last wish is to have one last ride before I go to that flightline in the sky. I just love her.

[@darkmoone9984]

Ken you have the best job. Awesome video. Thanks again that day for letting me see inside the helicopter.

[@USAFmuseum]

Hello Antonio, thanks so very much. It was a pleasure getting you into the Black Mariah, very amazing history to that bird. Hope your family is doing great!!!

[@GregSr]

Awesome video. Love the KC-135. When I graduated from tech school (Chanute AFB) I was assigned to Loring AFB as a Flight Simulator Tech on a KC-135 trainer. As a former SSgt, I'm proud to have served in the US Air Force from '75 to '80. Great memories!

[@teenagerinsac]

Chanute barracks you werein are gone now- 3354 ss and 3352 ss were there 1977 :) Asbestos Abatement is why. :(

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

Wow for her age she's almost in museum quality. I can't believe how shiny the floor is. Lol I look forward to seeing her in the future.

[@USAFmuseum]

Agreed!!!

[@billsjapanlife8387]

She was well taken care of. Such a great ACFT that is still serving today!

[@phatkid6811]

I do, miss that old girl. 😢

[@terryboyer1342]

Except for a couple of EFIs and the INS it looks just like the KC-135A I flew in twice as a CAP cadet in the early 70s. The web seats in the cabin were green back then. Flew from Wurtsmith AFB in Michigan to McCoy and McDill AFBs in Florida. I got to sit in the pilots seat and boomers station while in flight. Great memories!

[@tabortollefson]

My middle name is Dean. I'm named after my dad's cousin, Capt Dean Hoar who died a couple years before I was born. He was the navigator for the crew that won the MacKay Trophy in 1967. I'd love to see that aircraft up close.

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

Thank you for the memories. I was a KC-135A/R boom operator from 1979-1986. alot has changed on the insides, but that's the way of the updates. Remember the Navigator position and using the sextant for celestial navigation. Much respect to 60-0239. "Boom Stowed, Leaving Position."

[@jamesarnett2118]

i worked the flightline for six months then went the phase dock 81to 84 on the 135a at blytheville afb im glad i wasnt assigned to the buff we only had the 135s 52s and the t37s and all were older than me

[@rickscott7350]

Got the Privilage to fly on KC-135 twice. Not sure of the model, but they did have the Canvas seats in them. Both Times I went from Anderson in Guam to California. I was in the US Navy at the time. 1st time was to go to San Diego for Aircrew training and 2nd was to head to Moffett for my 2nd tour. Great aircraft and crew on both flights. Kinda cold though and the box lunches were OK. But still enjoyed the Hours.

[@tomking1890]

They went from 6 to 3 bunks, boo. The music sounds like it might be from "Castaway". It is fitting for the moment, emotional. I was on this same aircraft for 3 1/2 years, as ACC. It only had 650 hours on her when I was assigned to her. She had 2200 with I left in 66. I wonder what her total hours were.

[@EricDennison]

Beautifully filmed. Thank you!

[@USAFmuseum]

Thanks so viewing Eric!!!

[@denisebruce6328]

A great view of this aircraft. I worked Comm/Nav on KC-135's at Wurtsmith AFB, 78-82, and flew to and from Guam and many incentive flights from Wurtsmith in one of these. Lots of memories. I also saw the ARC-190 HF antenna coupler (4:20) inside the cargo bay. This means that this A/C has a long wire HF antenna.

[@michaelnaven213]

I really enjoy the interior views. Since I am a modeler, these are extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@koreychun2217]

I’m from Honolulu and have seen this exact aircraft

[@USAFmuseum]

That's so awesome!!! We love this bird, thanks for sharing!

[@attiwise]

Great video!

[@monroetoolman]

The folks in Dayton will give her a good home.

[@tomking1890]

There is a KC135 there now 60-0329.

[@ToddHLHG]

I worked on KC135 aircraft at McConnell AFB in Kansas. 1983-1987

[@eww2175]

You got there as I left. 1980-1983

[@alpiinoo135]

Nice!

[@jbennett69]

Did no one notice that they left the grate up lol. Still a great video

[@CoachPD]

Automatic Q3

[@pigybak]

Trucker fans in the cockpit 👍

[@biukucanoe]

Only decent view of the boom operators station I've seen. Looks quite different from KC-97 which also has a prone operator

[@oldnavcat]

Sad to see the navigator station stripped of all its instruments (as flown for the past few years).

[@StratoArt]

yeah, the navigator's position was done away with long time ago and that station become more of the boomer and crewchief's worktable. I sat there many hours changing out manuals and filling out aircraft forms.

[@jochenheiden]

USAF Hydraulics here. I work KC-135s. Got a boom write-up? Ask me your KC-135 questions!

[@jjr1728]

Did the Aurora exist?

[@jochenheiden]

@@jjr1728 That’s not a KC-135 question. 😂

[@jjr1728]

@@jochenheiden It is if the Stratotanker was being used to refuel it mid-air. Isn't it? Then, it's related to the aforementioned. SO DID THE AURORA EXIST OR WERE YOU NOT PRIVY TO PILOT TALK AND LOCKER ROOM RUMORS?

[@ButteryBuddha]

Any part or parts that seem to fail too soon? Like poorly designed or just to maintain a contract?

[@ssxonetours]

C'est une vidéo très émouvante j'aurai aimé que la B.A d'istres conserve le 738 et que boeing nous en fasse une donation afin d'en garder pour permettre aux jeunes de le visiter et de rendre hommage à toutes les personnes ayant travaillé de près comme de loin avec boeing KC-135RG

[@bobd5197]

What's all of that newfangled stuff on the instrument panel? Where's the navigators station? WHAT DID THEY DO TO MY AIRPLANE??? Retired KC-135 A/Q/R/T crew chief. 1981-1995

[@andie_pants]

💙

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

Seeing how complex aircraft have become, as seen here, I can't help but wonder what the Wright Brothers would think if they could see how their invention has developed. 😮😮 That would be my guess.

[@Ernwaldo]

Orville never saw a KC-135, but he lived until 1948. He saw quite a few developments. Wilbur died in 1912, unfortunately.

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

@@Ernwaldo thanks for your information. Edit: At least Orville got to know about the jet engine.

[@thatdudeinblackshoes]

Instead of music explain what we are looking at

[@LINJ638]

And here is this other one destroyed and scrapped to death: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3eYZnx3nNtsgtU

[@giveitathink6749]

Thats a rough video to watch.

[@LINJ638]

@@giveitathink6749 Uh huh..... We have enough KC-135, F-14, etc..... We cannot save them all = Costs $$$$$ to put them on exhibit, so the only way is to destroy them all into scrap heap because none of them comparing to the one flown from Hawaii ANG has important history to the Air Force. Btw, they need to build a Boeing Hangar next to the F-104 gate guard outside the museum.

[@edwardarruda7215]

ANG bird. Most active duty aircraft didn't look that good.

[@thomascreary990]

Wrong should have seen the ang birds I worked on during the first gulf War AZ,OH,ME guard birds and they were E models so don't go their you'll lose that bird was spruced up to be a museum piece enough said

[@buddness]

Agreed. Got back from the desert a few months ago and the Guard tails are super clean, working microwave or oven and have now padding in the seat and nice mats in the boom pod. I even flew some jets with permanent 3 prong power outlets and working hot cups.

[@thomascreary990]

Loved the old A models no glass in the cockpit and having a navigator, analog is more reliable than computer's enough said on that

[@thomascreary990]

Plus why is the cargo door open to the elements

[@StratoArt]

they already took the netting down, you have to in order to close the cargo door - crew chief talking here. you do NOT want to get the netting caught in the door when it comes down.

[@thomascreary990]

@StratoArt no kidding I worked on them for years and even when the door was opened we didn't put the netting up if you're stupid enough to walk out of door on a aircraft sitting on the ground you deserved to get hurt or killed that's just plain stupidity and your fault