USAF upgrades first Turkish KC-135
A Turkish KC-135R Stratotanker taxis on the runway at the Field Aerospace facility in Oklahoma City. (Photo: USAF)
A second Turkish KC-135 is currently undergoing the new modification, with the remaining fleet expected to receive the update no later than 2023.
The first of seven Turkish KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft recently returned to Turkey after receiving a major flight deck upgrade at Field Aerospace in Oklahoma City under the Block 45 upgrade programme.
The USAF announced on 14 September that the inside of the aircraft’s flight deck was completely remodelled by replacing instruments that are considered high-maintenance or obsolete.
It had 63 parts replaced and received new liquid crystal displays, radio altimeter, computer module updates, autopilot and a digital flight director.
A second Turkish KC-135 is currently being modified, with the remaining fleet expected to receive the upgrade no later than 2023.
A press release from the USAF claimed that Block 45 makes it easier for pilots to operate the aircraft and notice malfunctions faster also helps with the sustainment of the aircraft in the long run.
The USAF KC-135 fleet is also receiving the Block 45 modification and has seen an increase in aircraft availability as a result, said John Wilson, programme manager at the USAF Mobility and Training Aircraft Directorate.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the KC-135 entered service in 1957 with the USAF and remains the service’s primary aerial tanker. The air force plans to keep the type flying beyond 2040 when it will be replaced by the Boeing KC-46.
Of the 803 built, 416 are in US service. In addition to Turkey, the aircraft is also operated by Chile and France.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
![Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers]()
Eastern European helicopter modernisation could open doors for Western manufacturers
With some Eastern European countries already upgrading their helicopter fleets to incorporate Western technology, the region presents potential future opportunities for defence companies.
-
![UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines]()
UK E-7 Wedgetail delay down to a “technology issue”, as MoD grapples with slipping timelines
The first of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, originally ordered in 2019, is now expected to be delivered to the RAF this year after multiple “difficulties”.
-
![Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346]()
Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
-
![US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters]()
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
-
![European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones]()
European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones
European defence firms including Airbus, Helsing, General Atomics and Anduril are accelerating development and testing of collaborative combat aircraft to meet Germany’s loyal wingman requirement, targeting operational deployment by the end of the decade.
