Air Guard To Replace, Upgrade Tanker Jets

Tue., May 9, 2000

From Staff

The 141st Air Refueling Wing of the Washington Air National Guard will replace or upgrade at least eight of its 10 KC-135 tanker jets, according to wing officials.

KC-135 tanker jets are used to refuel other aircraft in midflight. The 141st currently flies KC-135Es.

It will receive KC-135Rs. The unit operates from Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane and will continue to have 10 tanker jets in all.

The R-model engines have higher performance, can carry more payload and have better fuel efficiency. They are also quieter and cleaner, complying with all federal noise and emission requirements.

The R-model aircraft also have reinforced wings, improved cockpit instrument displays, auxiliary power, enhanced navigational aids and a new electrical generation system.

The upgraded jets have a 60 percent greater range than the models they replace. The basic air frame of the tanker jets was built in the 1950s. The KC-135 fleet won’t be retired until 2040, according to the Air Force.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.