Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker Tanker Aircraft “Seymour Johnson AFB” United States Air Force “Gemini Macs” Series 1/400 Diecast Model Airplane by GeminiJets

Description

• Brand new 1/400 scale diecast airplane model of Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker Tanker Aircraft “Seymour Johnson AFB” United States Air Force “Gemini Macs” Series die cast model by GeminiJets.
• Detailed exterior.
• True-to-scale detail.
• Does NOT include stand.
• This model does not have any openings.
• Manufacturer’s original unopened packaging.
• Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts.
• Dimensions approximately L-4, Wingspan-3.875 inches.
• Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel.
• HISTORY ASPECTS:
• Originally designated as a replacement for the venerable KC-97 Tanker, the first KC-135 was designed from the Boeing type 367-80. The initial Boeing 367-80 – also known as the Dash 80 – would not only lay the groundwork for the KC-135, but also for the Boeing 707 as well.
• The KC-135 has seen many iterations over the years, with the first launch order coming from the USAF in 1954. The first KC-135A took to the skies in August 1956 with first deliveries to the USAF having begun in June 1957. All initial KC-135A aircraft were delivered with Pratt & Whitney J-57 Turbo-Jet engines. Although these engines were technologically advanced for their day, they produced lots of smoke, they were very loud, and they burned excessive amounts of fuel.
• During the 1980’s a modernization program entailed replacing the original engines of the KC-135A with Pratt & Whitney JT3D TurboFan engines – military designation: TF-33 – derived from retired Boeing 707 airliners. The newly modified jet was designated the KC-135E and rendered the aircraft more reliable with enhanced performance. This update extended the life of the KC-135 well into the next century. The final engine modification arose with the replacement of the TF-33 engines with high bypass CFM-56 engines, which brought the aircraft up to modern days standards. Designated the KC-135R, this revised aircraft has nearly double the power and capability of the original KC-135A.
• With the KC-135 and its variants having reached 50+ years of service, the sun has begun to set on the KC-135R, with its replacement, the Boeing KC-46 – which is a derivative of the civilian Boeing 767-200 – having first been delivered to the USAF in January 2019.
• On February 8, 2020, the 916th ARW of Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina said “Goodbye” to its last Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft. The first KC-135R was delivered to the 916th ARW in October 1995 and operated their fleet for nearly 25 years. The 916th ARW began transitioning to the new Boeing KC-46A Tanker with the delivery of their first aircraft in June 2020.