Ep 2. KC-135 Stratotanker

Air Warriors is a documentary series that takes a closer look at some of the most powerful aircraft in the world and the skilled pilots who have flown them. Season 4 features an episode titled "KC-135 Stratotanker," which explores one of the most important airplanes in the history of the United States Air Force.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling aircraft, primarily operated by the Air Force. It has played a crucial role in almost every military operation since the Vietnam War, allowing fighter planes to stay up in the air for extended periods of time by providing them with fuel in mid-flight.

In this episode of Air Warriors, we meet the pilots and mechanics who work on and fly the KC-135, and get an inside look into the process of refueling fighter jets in mid-air. Throughout the episode, we learn about the history of the KC-135 and its impact on military operations.

The episode begins with a brief history of the KC-135, which was first introduced in 1956. We learn how the plane has evolved over the years and the different roles it has played in various military conflicts. The KC-135 was a crucial element in the air campaign during the Gulf War, where it refueled planes that bombed Iraq for over 40 days straight.

We then meet Captain Ashley Alexander, a female pilot who flies the KC-135. She takes us inside the plane and shows us around the cockpit, demonstrating the various instruments and controls that make the KC-135 such a unique aircraft. Captain Alexander discusses the importance of the refueling process and the training that goes into learning how to fly the KC-135 safely and effectively.

Next, we meet the maintenance crew responsible for keeping the KC-135 in top condition. The mechanics talk about the unique challenges of working on an aircraft that is over 60 years old and has undergone several upgrades over the years. They explain how they have to be constantly vigilant in ensuring that every component of the KC-135 is in perfect working order, as any malfunction in mid-air could be catastrophic.

The episode then shifts its focus to the refueling process itself. We learn how the KC-135 uses a specialized boom to transfer fuel to other planes in mid-flight, and how the pilot of the refueling plane works closely with the pilot of the receiving plane to ensure a safe and efficient transfer. We see footage of this process in action, as fighter jets fly in formation with the KC-135 and one by one, attach to the boom to receive fuel.

The episode then explores the unique challenges that come with flying and operating the KC-135. We learn how the plane is affected by air turbulence, and how the pilot has to be aware of other planes in the area to avoid potential collisions. We also see how the refueling process can be dangerous, with the boom often coming dangerously close to other planes during the transfer.

The episode ends with a discussion of the future of the KC-135 and its potential replacements. We learn how newer planes like the KC-46A Pegasus are being developed to take over the aerial refueling mission, and the challenges of retiring an aircraft that has played such a crucial role in military operations for over six decades.

Overall, the Air Warriors episode "KC-135 Stratotanker" offers an in-depth and fascinating look into one of the most important aircraft in the history of the United States Air Force. Through interviews with pilots and mechanics, as well as footage of the plane in action, viewers gain a newfound appreciation for the unique challenges involved in operating a military tanker aircraft.