Academy Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 1/144 Model Kit
The Academy KC-135R Stratotanker (12638) is a 1/144 scale plastic model kit representing the US Air Force’s long-serving Boeing aerial refuelling aircraft. This release is a reboxed Minicraft kit with new decals, offering two USAF marking options from 2005 and 2013.
The KC-135 has been a central part of American military aviation since the 1950s, providing airborne refuelling support to a wide range of US Air Force aircraft. The KC-135R represents a later development of the original Stratotanker, incorporating upgraded engines and avionics.
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
Developed from the Boeing 367-80 aircraft, the KC-135 entered the aerial refuelling role in 1956. Its introduction brought a significant development in the US Air Force’s ability to refuel aircraft during flight.
More than 800 KC-135 aircraft were produced, establishing the Stratotanker as one of the most widely built military refuelling aircraft. Over its long service career, the type has supported the airborne refuelling requirements of numerous USAF aircraft.
The KC-135 family has undergone successive improvements to its engines and avionics, allowing the aircraft to remain operational through several generations of military aviation.
The KC-135R Variant
The KC-135R introduced an important upgrade to the Stratotanker family through the use of CFM F108 engines. This development, introduced in the late 1990s, formed part of the continuing modernisation of the aircraft.
The R variant represents one of the later configurations of the KC-135, combining the established aerial refuelling role with improvements made during the aircraft’s extended service life.
The US Air Force is gradually transitioning towards the newer KC-46 Pegasus while retiring older KC-135 aircraft. Some retired Stratotankers have also entered aviation museum collections.
Two USAF Marking Options
Academy’s new decal sheet provides markings for two KC-135R aircraft, representing different US Air Force units and service periods.
- KC-135R 58-0018: 22nd Air Refuelling Wing, 931st Air Refuelling Group, McConnell Air Force Base, 2013.
- KC-135R 58-0023: Illinois Air National Guard, approximately 2005.
The two options allow the modeller to choose between an aircraft associated with McConnell AFB and one operated by the Illinois Air National Guard.
1/144 Scale Plastic Model Kit
This Academy release uses the Minicraft KC-135 tooling with a new decal sheet. Its 1/144 scale makes it suitable for displaying alongside other military aircraft models built to the same scale.
The subject offers an alternative to fighter and bomber aircraft, representing the aerial refuelling role that has supported US Air Force operations for decades.
Kit Features
- Manufacturer: Academy
- Aircraft: Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker
- Operator: United States Air Force
- Aircraft role: Aerial refuelling tanker
- Scale: 1/144
- Product type: Plastic model kit
- Reboxed Minicraft kit with new decals
- Two USAF marking options
- Aircraft represented from approximately 2005 and 2013
- Licensed by Boeing
- Manufacturer reference: 12638
Paint and glue are required for assembly and finishing. The completed model represents the KC-135R Stratotanker in its modernised configuration, with a choice of markings for two US Air Force aircraft.
