Au revoir KC-135

[Reaper02]

Last week one of the last three serviceable French KC-135R's made a quick stop at Eindhove Air Base, The Netherlands. The Stratotanker flew a trainingsmission out of its homebase Istres on Wednesday the 12th using callsign FAF4115, landed at the end of the afternoon on RWY21 and departed again within the hour back to France. Unfortunately we had the worst imaginable weather (no surprises there, has been aweful for weeks now!), but because it was probably the last time I could see a French 135 (upcoming retirement scheduled for June I believe) I payed Eindhoven a short visit to see it touching down.



Best, Edwin Schimmel
www.final-approach.nl

[Nighthawke]

Nice photo but isn't the designation C-135FR?

[Reaper02]

Nice photo but isn't the designation C-135FR?

Nope, the French Air Force operated 14 examples of the C-135, 11 C-135FR's and 3 KC-135R's. The C-135FR's have all been retired (and sold to Metrea), just the 3 KC-135R's left from what I've heard.

[DeanW]

Very nice, despite the less than ideal shooting conditions.

Nice photo but isn't the designation C-135FR?

The C-135FRs have been withdrawn from use. France have three KC-135RGs, which were ex-USAF KC-135As, and it’s these airframes that remain in service.

[Nighthawke]

OK thanks both - the database I use is clearly wrong.

[Mustang531]

Nice shot, thanks for sharing it with us.

[paddyboy]

Great shot, Edwin

[witje]

Nice photo but isn't the designation C-135FR?

Nope, the French Air Force operated 14 examples of the C-135, 11 C-135FR's and 3 KC-135R's. The C-135FR's have all been retired (and sold to Metrea), just the 3 KC-135R's left from what I've heard.

afaik only 2 are active at the moment.

[Weazel69]

I would just like to say that I have a different listing to those above
The AdLA had delivered - 12 - C135F's delivered, One A/c - 38473 was w/o.01.07.1972 - the remainder were then upgraded to C135FR's
There were 6 - KC135R's = 71439 - 23516 - 38033 which were on a Lease basis & Returned to the USAF, Whilst 23497 - 23525 - 23574 which remained with the AdLA and were later upgraded and redesignated as KC135RG's
If this is of any help or you disagree, then obviously you have the right to Reply & Say So