Warbird Information Exchange

Here is a question for the KC-135 fans. The museum has selected a tail number for eventual display in the museum. I did not hear the tail number, but I heard why they wanted this one. It makes sense, and I thought maybe after hearing the story we could figure out which one it is, and where it may be now.
The story I hear was that this KC-135 was responsible for kor keeping a fighter in the air after the fighter was damaged by anti aircraft fire. The pilot was losing fuel fast, and he made it to the tanker. The tanker basically stayed with this fighter pumping him gas all the way back. Not sure what time period this was in when it did this, however the 135 is still flying. Anyone ever hear a story like this or know which aircraft this might be?

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

I believe Robin Olds talks about an incedent like that in his book...

Which model are they going to use? an A, E or R?

Scott

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Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.

http://arizonagroundcrew.org/

1940's Army Air Force ground crew living history
(A 501 C 3 organization)
(IYAMYAS)

"Yes sir, it's suppose to look like that"

I am not really sure. Maybe one of the 135 guys will sound off about which one it should be. I do know that the one they want is still serving, so they will have to wait. They also have a C-5 they want.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

I would assume that the KC-135 will end up in the NEW Air Force Museum exhibit building that is supposed to be built from 2013-14 to exhibit Presidential aircraft, Tankers and others.

Any chance that the newest building will be built with a skylight like Udvar-Hazy to improve the interior lighting, or will it be identical to the previous structures?

Either way, I am sure I will try to plan a visit in 2014 or 2015 to see the Museusm and its newest display facility.

If it was in Vietnam, it occurred when the 135 was an A (long before E and Rs).
My guess is now it's an R..(Es have been retired and airworthy As converted).
So the question is, will they backdate it to A specs?

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.

I certainly hope the lighting is better. Perhaps the new museum director will address that issue.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

They could do an "A" model as many of the guard airplanes were converted to E's and to turn them back wouldn't be that bad.

Scott

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Scott Dunkirk
AZGCLHU Inc.

http://arizonagroundcrew.org/

1940's Army Air Force ground crew living history
(A 501 C 3 organization)
(IYAMYAS)

"Yes sir, it's suppose to look like that"

If indeed it's still flying then, yes, it would be an 'R' model. I strongly doubt it would be converted back to 'A' model specs, however. The 'R' model conversion involved many more changes than just the engines and pylons. The leading edge of the horizontal stab was extended about one foot, dual APUs with associated ducting and exhaust outlets, etc. I just don't see the $$$ being spent to do that.

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Cheers,

Craig

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As far as backdating it, I would say it depends on what is involved. If it is a matter of some equipment pods and paint then, they may. If you are talking major structure such as shortening a part of the fuselage or something then more than likely they will leave it be. I think the new building will be up prior to the 135 arriving, so that is good as it will go right in. The story I have heard for the plans are that the new building is larger that the Cold War Gallery, so you may be looking at different lighting, but I have never been privy to any of that info. I was just a average volunteer there. Perhaps One of the guys who currently volunteer there may have some info.The best part of the whole deal in my opinion is that the entire collection at Dayton will now be indoors. That is pretty amazing.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

Thats is amazing! Its going to be one big/huge building especially since they are talking about the shuttle going in there. Maybe someday even another building will go up to house the "X" planes as part of the main museum campus.

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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone!

That was a Vietnam era occurrence, but I don't know all the details other than I heard it had happened.

Scott

PS- When are they getting a REAL tanker? a KC-10A?

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1942 Dodge WC-51 Weapons Carrier
I am a reenactor, have been since the early 1980s, and I am an aviation enthusiast, PILOT, A&P mechanic, and military vehicle owner. I have restored cars, trucks, and antique radios. These are MY hobbies- What are YOURS?.

I heard once that there is one in the works. But not much else other than that. Also a C-5.

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Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager