In the early 1950's the US Air Force needed a new high-speed
jet transport that was capable of providing mid-air refueling for the
new high speed jet bombers coming into service. The C/KC-135 design was
chosen and has now served in the United States Air Force for almost 60
years making it among the longest serving "front-line" aircraft in
history. The new Minicraft KC-135R represents the KC-135 as the airplane
appears today. Extensive modifications have been made to extend the
service life of the KC-135.