On February 9, 2011, the Boeing C135 blew its 47 th candle to the Strategic Air Forces (SAF). Back on the history of the tanker that has marked and continues mark the history of the Air Force.
is February 9, 1964 the first Boeing C135F entered the SAF to ensure, in October the same year the first operational readiness on the French airbase Mont-de-Marsan, the sides of the Mirage IV, armed with his AN-11 bomb (fission bomb and plutonium).
For 47 years, he participated in the permanence of the French nuclear deterrent by giving the strategic range bearer weapon, first Mirage IV and the Mirage 2000N and now the Rafale. Three generations of fighter bomber tanker aircraft for the same.
Today, it is systematically involved in overseas operations, where it refueled in flight all the French combat aircraft and allied aircraft radar E-3F 'AWACS. "
a daily basis, the Group staff refueling "Britain", heir of the three original squadrons, the "Landes", "Aunis" and the "Sologne", and the mechanics of the squadron of specialized technical support, working to ensure that C135FR ensures the tasks assigned to it: in-flight refueling, strategic lift cargo as passenger, medevac (morphea).
After the arrival of a new engine in 1985, fueling pods at the wing tip in 1995, and the health kit MORPHEE in 2006, the C135FR entered the site important to airworthiness. Two devices have already received their certificate, the third is being validated.
The C135 has had a rich career, he continues, however, awaiting his successor, the Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT, multi-role aircraft refueling flight and transportation) should be delivered in 2015. Then it will ring for the time of retirement, a well-deserved retirement !
Text: Capt. Jean-Christophe Pitard Bouet
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