The Turkish Air Force refueled a NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft at an altitude of 23 thousand feet. In a statement made by the Ministry of National Defense, it was stated that the refueling was carried out over Romania by a tanker aircraft belonging to the Air Force. In a post made on the Twitter account of the Ministry of National Defense (MSB), it was stated that “Within the scope of NATO assurance measures, on August 14, 2020, a NATO E-3A AWACS aircraft was refueled with 135 pounds by a KC-23.000R tanker aircraft belonging to our Air Force at an altitude of 60.000 feet over Romania.”
Turkish Air Force's Existing Tanker Aircraft Fleet and New Needs
Turkey 7 run convenience KC-135. The Boeing Model 367-80 (Dash 80) was the first jet aircraft designed specifically for air refueling, a prototype for the 707 passenger aircraft and the KC-135 jet tanker.
As it can be understood from the first production date of more than 55 years, KC-135 tanker aircraft are in need of replacement with modern tanker aircraft. Undoubtedly, the KC-46A program initiated by Boeing is the most important proof of this.
When we look at today's Turkish Air Force, the need for tanker aircraft has become clear. Various operations are carried out in Iraq, Syria, Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey is obliged to keep the powerful military structure in such a busy environment. The training activity carried out near Libya a while ago and the tanker planes supporting this activity preserve freshness in everyone's memory. With such a deep operation execution, it brings out such needs.
KC-135 Technical Specifications
| Width | 39.7 meters |
| Height | 12.7 meters |
| Length | 41.5 meters |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 146.000 kg |
| Maximum Refueling Capacity | 90.700 kilogram |
| Speed | 853 km / h |
| Menzil | 68.000 km with 2.414 kg fuel transfer, 17.703 km in unladen and passenger flight |
| Power | Four 18.000-pound-thrust P&W TF-33-PW-102 turbofan engines, four 22.000-pound thrust GE F-108 turbofan engines |
| Capacity | 4 crew, 62 soldiers |
| Maximum Altitude | 50.000 feet |
