Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker Tanker Aircraft "Maine Air National Guard" USAF 1/400 Diecast Model Airplane by GeminiJets

Brand new 1/400 scale diecast airplane model of Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker Tanker Aircraft "Maine Air National Guard" United States Air Force "Gemini Macs" Series die cast model by GeminiJets. Detailed exterior. True-to-scale detail. Does NOT include stand. This model does not have any openings. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-4, Wingspan-3.875 inches. Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel. HISTORY ASPECTS: The Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker, registered as #80098 and proudly serving with the Maine Air National Guard in the United States Air Force, holds a storied history as a vital aerial refueling aircraft. Originally developed during the late 1950s, the KC-135 series has played a crucial role in extending the reach and endurance of a wide variety of military aircraft. With its strategic importance in aerial refueling missions, it has been a lifeline for fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, and other units operating worldwide. 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. 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. During the 1980's a modernization program entailed replacing the original engines of the KC-135A with Pratt & Whitney JT3D TurboFan 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. 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. In the capable hands of the Maine Air National Guard, #80098 has seen extensive service, supporting numerous military operations and exercises. Its primary mission is to refuel and extend the operational capabilities of a wide range of aircraft, ensuring that they can complete their missions effectively. Whether participating in training exercises or providing support during actual combat missions, the KC-135R Stratotanker exemplifies versatility and reliability in its role. This stunning 1:400 scale model captures the essence of the aircraft, from its distinctive design to the markings representing its dedication to service. For aviation enthusiasts and collectors, this model is a must-have, offering a tangible connection to the vital work done by these remarkable aircraft and the dedicated men and women who serve in the Air National Guard.