Three KC-135R being converted into WC-135R's

[Ghost from above]

USAF has engaged L3Hartis to provide 3 replacments for the current 2 that are coming to the end of there service life. Work is due to start next month.. They will be using 3 surplus low airframe hours KC-135R refueling tankers. Delivery to the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base is due to start in 2022 according to a U.S. Air Force spokesperson.

Rare birds indeed are these Constant Phoenix versions.Looks like upgrades to the cockpit etc to bring all the fleet into the same basic spec as the RC-135S,V and W versions before the dedicated fit out.

[rh226]

Looks like the first one is 64-14836 (ex 108ARS/126ARW/Illinois ANG) which was delivered from Scott AFB to Majors Field, Greenville on 12/05/2020 as "HAPPY52".

[roger4]

According to this months Combat Aircraft Journal the other two will be 64-14829 and 64-14831.

The conversion process will take around two years each, with the other two starting conversion in 2021 and 2022 respectively. All the refueling equipment is being removed, including the modified rear fuselage, boom and refueller's station. Some of the "sampling" equipment from the current two Constant Phoenix airframes will be used in the conversions to create the three WC-135R. They will emerge in normal "white-top" colours.

[rh226]

Both of these are current with 22ARW (since April 2020 and February 2020 respectively) - despite both being at Mildenhall at the end of May in full Arizona ANG marks.

[roger4]

CAJ reckons all three have/will come from the AZ ANG (197th ARS/161st ARW) even 64-14836.

[red leader]

Can someone tell me what is a WC 135?

[mushbuster]

Really? https://bfy.tw/Oz0F

[rh226]

CAJ reckons all three have/will come from the AZ ANG (197th ARS/161st ARW) even 64-14836.

64-14836 was with Illinois ANG - as I stated. Before that it was with 133ARS/157ARW/New Hampshire ANG until they got rid of their KC-135s prior to converting to the KC-46A. It was one of the last to go, departing Portsmouth/Pease ANGB for Scott AFB on 28/02/2019 as "PACK91".

As for 64-14829 and 64-14831, it might be that they are on long term loan to McConnell, but whose they will be when they go in for conversion....who can say. I merely reported who their current operator is - not their current "owner".

[Alf]

USAF has engaged L3Hartis to provide 3 replacments for the current 2 that are coming to the end of there service life. Work is due to start next month.. They will be using 3 surplus low airframe hours KC-135R refueling tankers. Delivery to the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base is due to start in 2022 according to a U.S. Air Force spokesperson.

Rare birds indeed are these Constant Phoenix versions.Looks like upgrades to the cockpit etc to bring all the fleet into the same basic spec as the RC-135S,V and W versions before the dedicated fit out.

Constant Phoenix WC-135 61-2667 OF is currently at Mildenhall...

[GOOSE]

Constant Phoenix WC-135 61-2667 OF is currently at Mildenhall...

And a nice surprise it was on Saturday

[f-4]

I am surprised that there are any 'low-houred' KC-135s!

[Alf]

Constant Phoenix WC-135 61-2667 OF is currently at Mildenhall...

And a nice surprise it was on Saturday

Did it eventually leave or is it still there today?

[WinchesterMGF]

Looking at it now from Johns Field.

[tm74sqn]

I am surprised that there are any 'low-houred' KC-135s!

I believe that the oldest KC-135 in use is a 1957 fiscal year one, whereas the ones being converted are 1964 FY aircraft - so, on average, they should be the most low-houred ones. Not that that is saying much but they are around 7 years less ancient - so maybe 10% less flying hours?

[Alf]

Looking at it now from Johns Field.

Thanks, hope it's still there tomorrow morning...

[GOOSE]

Looking at it now from Johns Field.

Thanks, hope it's still there tomorrow morning...

Just lifted from MH as Olive 55.

[Alf]

Looking at it now from Johns Field.

Thanks, hope it's still there tomorrow morning...

Just lifted from MH as Olive 55.

Thanks, thinking it's not just out on a mission and will be back later… so will have to wait until next time to finally catch up with it.

[rh226]

Getting back to the thread topic....

The second KC-135R 64-14831 transitted as "TURBO65" on 06/01/2021 from McConnell to Greenville for conversion.

[STN RAMP RAT]

64-14829, the third and final one seems to have transited from McConnell to Greenville for conversion on the 13th September 2021.

[EAGLE]

Photo has been posted on L3Technologies' Facebook page of one of the WC-135R's - Serial has been identified as 64-14836, test flight 5 days ago.

https://www.facebook.com/L3HarrisTechno ... 447084747/