KC-135 Stratotanker coming to Terre Haute Air Show
Apr. 23—The KC-135 Stratotanker is coming to Terre Haute.
In its "Air Show Insider" newsletter on Tuesday, The Terre Haute Air Show announced the big airborne fuel truck will be part of the June 1-2 show at Terre Haute Regional Airport.
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a mainstay of the U.S. Air Force for more than 60 years. It was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, as was the Boeing 707 airliner. Originally charged with refueling strategic bombers, it was then used in conflicts including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm to extend the range and endurance of fighters and other craft.
Four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, power the KC-135 to takeoff at gross weights of up to 322,500 pounds, according to "Air Show Insider." A cargo deck above the refueling system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo.
Says the Air Force, "This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations."
The Stratotanker joins military planes including the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels' F/A-18 Super Hornets and the Air Force's A10 Demonstration Team, which is on its final tour after more than four decades of performing around the world.
Other acts include a P-51 Mustang Gunfighter, Younkin Airshows' Matt Younkin, Franklin's Flying Circus, Team Titan (formerly Aeroshell), Mister Mulligan (aka Doug Rozendaal), and the Patriot Parachute Team. Acts new to the show include Franklin's Flying Circus and Team Titan.
Admissions for $30 are available at terrehaute airshow.com/tickets. Tickets will cost $40 on the days of the show.
