TSAMTO, September 17. The first of seven Turkish KC-135R Stratotanker refueling aircraft recently returned to Turkey after the modernization of the crew cabin carried out by Field Aerospace in Oklahoma City (Oklahoma).
The modernization, called Block 45, was carried out under the leadership of the US Air Force Life Cycle Control Center and completely changed the interior of the aircraft crew cabin, thanks to the installation of new liquid crystal displays, radio altimeter, updating computer modules, autopilot, digital flight control system. The process involved the replacement of 63 components, including analog devices, which are considered difficult to maintain and outdated.
According to representatives of the US Air Force, the modernization of the Block 45 greatly simplifies the control of the aircraft for pilots and allows them to notice malfunctions faster. The improvements will also make it easier to maintain the aircraft in the future. The modernization of the Block 45 of the KC-135 fleet of the US Air Force has significantly increased the availability of aircraft. Dismantling outdated sensors and systems and updating them saved "thousands" of maintenance hours per year.
Before delivery, four Turkish Air Force pilots were retrained to pilot the updated aircraft.
Currently, the second KC-135 of the Turkish Air Force is undergoing modernization. The remaining aircraft are expected to be improved no later than 2023.
According to the Flightglobal.com, of the 803 KC-135 tanker aircraft produced, 417 vehicles are currently in service with the Air Forces of four countries of the world. The largest operator, the US Air Force, operates 396 aircraft. They are followed by France (11 units), Turkey (7 units) and Chile (3 units).