National Museum of U.S. Air Force To Add Iconic KC-135 To Collection

This KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft became the first to refuel three aircraft at once during an emergency operation in 1967 in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 05:07 PM ET

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This KC-135R Stratotanker became the first to refuel three aircraft at once during an emergency operation in 1967 in the Gulf of Tonkin. [Courtesy: Department of Defense]

Key Takeaways:

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will acquire KC-135R Stratotanker 60-0329, an aircraft being retired after decades of service.
This specific KC-135R is historically significant as the first aircraft to conduct a tri-level aerial refueling operation.
In May 1967, during an emergency in the Gulf of Tonkin combat zone, it refueled two Navy A-3 tankers which were simultaneously fueling two F-8 fighters to facilitate the rescue of a downed pilot.
The crew of KC-135R 60-0329 received the prestigious 1967 Mackay Trophy for this unprecedented and courageous flight.

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The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (NMUSAF) will soon add to its collection a KC-135R Stratotanker that is not only an example of one of the service’s most iconic aircraft, but also the first aircraft to conduct tri-level fueling.

The Air Force is retiring the aerial refueler with serial number 60-0329 after decades of service, and it is slated to be delivered to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, museum on Saturday, April 30.