Hello all,
First off, I didn't know whether to put this in the Military Forum or TechOps, so pardon me if this isn't in the correct section.
Now I know that the KC-135R is a re-engined KC-135A/KC-135E which seems to be the "normal" version. Whereas the KC-135T is a re-engined KC-135Q which was specifically modified to carry the SR-71's JP-7 fuel.
I am wondering if there are any external differences between the two that can help identify whether I'm looking at an R or T. I've read on Wiki that there is some kind of additional window under the boom on the T that the R doesn't have and that's apparently the only visible difference. I did get to go up close to a KC-135 at an airshow and it said "KC-135R" in print on the nose of the aircraft, but that can be very difficult to spot from afar. I am just wondering if anyone knows any other way to spot the differences of the two models?
Thank you!
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- citationjet
- Posts: 2609
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Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
With the SR-71s not flying anymore, what is the status of the KC-135T?
Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
IIRC, the Q had a modification to the vertical stab in the form of a light at the rear portion of the top of the vertical stab. If you look at the difference when you compare an R with a T you will notice the T top is slightly longer at the rear and provided light for the SR. That's what I used. The times, years ago, when I refueled under a Q it was at night and the light provided quite a bit of light. But being in a Buff, it really didn't do too much because of the lack of overhead visibility. Plus, I was a "layer" and really didn't bother to look up much.
Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
I have moved thread to Military, seems to be the better place for discussion.
Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
citationjet wrote:With the SR-71s not flying anymore, what is the status of the KC-135T?
It seems as if the T is mixed in with the R and they basically do the same missions. I don't think there is currently a specific aircraft in the USAF inventory that requires the KC-135T only for mid-air refueling.
Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
They do the exact same mission now. You are right about the window, but visually it is almost impossible to see. The boomer's window is the same on both, but on the KC-135T there is some additional equipment blocking the view from the inside (on the righthand side inside). That is the difference.
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- kc135topboom
- Posts: 11227
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Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
The KC-135Q/T has a flood light mounted in the tail cone of the empennage that was used for the SR-71 and U-2E/F/G/H models which were air refuelable. The light atop the vertical fin was installed on all KC-135s.
Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
I thought I'd dig this thread back up because I now have a new question...
I know that the entire KC-135 re-engine program went along as this:
KC-135A > E > R
KC-135A > R
KC-135Q > T
But did any KC-135T models get converted back to Rs? In fact, is this even possible? I'm wondering because I noticed the other day that 58-0077's nose is labeled "KC-135R". But digging through some searches, it's shown as a Q model and then later a T model. There is even a pic of it in the A.net database of its nose labeled as "KC-135T" from June 2010.
This is a photo of mine from May 2017 of 0077:
So does anyone know if this particular aircraft at some point had an overhaul and got swapped to KC-135R standard? Are there any other 135s flying around that formerly were T models but were also covered to Rs?
I know that the entire KC-135 re-engine program went along as this:
KC-135A > E > R
KC-135A > R
KC-135Q > T
But did any KC-135T models get converted back to Rs? In fact, is this even possible? I'm wondering because I noticed the other day that 58-0077's nose is labeled "KC-135R". But digging through some searches, it's shown as a Q model and then later a T model. There is even a pic of it in the A.net database of its nose labeled as "KC-135T" from June 2010.
This is a photo of mine from May 2017 of 0077:
So does anyone know if this particular aircraft at some point had an overhaul and got swapped to KC-135R standard? Are there any other 135s flying around that formerly were T models but were also covered to Rs?
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- kc135topboom
- Posts: 11227
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Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
The KC-135Q differed from the KC-135A with some additional avionics such as LORAN-C navigation and had a third UHF radio installed. It also carried a 800 lbs. of ballast in the forward lower nose compartment to alleviate % of MAC aft CG problems when all forward body fuel was pumped to the receiver. In the Boom Pod it had a through the Boom interphone system well before the "A" and "E" models got it. This system used a second signal coil on the Boom Nozzle. It also had a different ruddervators stick control grip with extra buttons for various functions. The "Q" also had two SPRs, one in each main gear wheel well, one fueled only the main wing tanks, reserve fuel tanks, and center wing tank, the other refueled only the forward and aft body tanks and the upper deck fuel tank. The APU fuel source was the #2 main wing tank compared to the aft body tank of the "A" (the ANG modified thier KC-135A/E to the same #2 main wing tank fuel source). The "Q" also had wingtip, body, and tail strobe lights the "A" and "E" did not have, before the fleet with fitting with body strobe lights. The wingtip strobe lights were removed after one blew off a wingtip (these strobes were mounted atop and below the wingtip meaning each wing had two strobe lights. There was a clear plastic template used on the fuel panel when carrying JP-7 fuel.
If SAC had ever gotten the B-70 added to the inventory some KC-135As were to be modified to what was called the KC-135S which would carry the JP-6 fuel for B-70 air refueling. I do not know what differences the "S" model would have had compared to the "A" and "Q" models.
If SAC had ever gotten the B-70 added to the inventory some KC-135As were to be modified to what was called the KC-135S which would carry the JP-6 fuel for B-70 air refueling. I do not know what differences the "S" model would have had compared to the "A" and "Q" models.
Re: KC-135R vs KC-135T
Thanks kc135topboom for the info!
Very interesting, especially regarding the proposed KC-135S mod.
Very interesting, especially regarding the proposed KC-135S mod.
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