Academy 12638 1/144 USAF KC-135R Stratotanker, Refueling Aircraft, Plastic Model Kit (A12638)

Contents

Academy 12638 1/144 USAF KC-135R Stratotanker, Refueling Aircraft, Plastic Model Kit.

Model Specifications

• Scale: 1:144
• Includes stickers that offer two different marking options.
• Detailed panel lines and parts for realistic appearance.
• Paint index for accurate color application
• Ideal for military aviation enthusiasts and model makers.

In November 1953, Strategic Air Command Commander General Curtis LeMay announced his intention to purchase jet tankers. A tender was announced, in which the companies Boeing (two bids based on the Boeing 367-80), Douglas and Lockheed participated. While Boeing completed construction of the prototype in the first half of 1954, other companies were far behind on their designs. After the flight of the Boeing 367-80, General Curtis LeMay considered the purchase of the Boeing tanker as a temporary solution and recommended that the purchase of the target aircraft begin after the tender was concluded. This was a move that did not officially interfere with the ongoing bidding, but clearly favored Boeing. Because it was clear that if even a small number of aircraft entered service, the simultaneous purchase of the second type would be difficult to justify before Congress and would eventually be rejected. Indeed, it happened, because in October 1954, Lockheed was announced as the winner of the tender. However, at the same time, a decision was made to purchase 29 Boeing tanker aircraft to fill the gap until the new Lockheed aircraft entered service. In practice, this meant Boeing KC-135A aircraft entering service at SAC. Later, when deliveries of KC-135As to the Air Force began, the Lockheed project was completely abandoned and was never completed. The first KC-135A was completed on July 18, 1956. The first flight took place on August 31, 1956. The first KC-135A was sent to various experimental units where tactical and operational tests were conducted. More aircraft went to operational units. Tanker production was in line with the production rate of the B-52 Startofortress bomber. The last 732 KC-135A aircraft flew on 31 December 1964. In addition to the aircraft mentioned above, another 88 of other types were produced: 17 KC-135B, 4 RC-135A and 10 RC-135B, 45 C-135 transport aircraft and 12 C-135F aircraft (KC-135A variant exported for France). With this (810 units), production of all C-135 variants ceased and all other variants were the result of later conversions and rebuilds. Technical data: Maximum speed: 933 km/h, climb speed: 24.8 m/s, maximum roof height: 15200 m, maximum range: 17766 km.