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.

During the 1980's a modernization program entailed replacing the original engines of the KC-135A with Pratt & Whitney JT3D Turbo Fan 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.

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.

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.

GeminiJets 1/200 scale McConnell (AFB) Boeing KC-135 Tanker diecast model is As Real as it Gets and measures approximately 8-1/16-inches long with a 7-3/4-inch wingspan. Manufactured by GeminiJets as a limited edition, highly collectible model, this McConnell (AFB) Boeing KC-135 Tanker - Registration 62-3534 - has been meticulously recreated from Boeing's blueprints and features realistic landing gear and detailed graphics, assuring the utmost accuracy and superior quality. A Display Stand is included.

Gemini Jets "Gemini 200" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction, including wings and tail surfaces.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Permanently extended metal landing gear with rolling rubber tires.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".

Info: USAF KC-135RT, McConnel AFB 62-3534 Gemini Diecast Display Model