The Test Tanker II, a highly modified KC-135, visited Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Feb 6. The aircraft is used for aerial refueling support at the Air Force Flight Test Center and as a platform for testing avionics and senior leader communications systems, providing an opportunity for senior leader evaluation during airlift support missions. Program logistics support is provided by the Aeronautical Systems Center. (Air Force photo by Ben Strasser)WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Aeronautical Systems Center program officials got a first-hand look at the capabilities of a very unique KC-135R Stratotanker here Feb. 6.
The Test Tanker II, is a modified KC-135 tanker aircraft, built in 1963. Now part of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., the aircraft is used for aerial refueling support at the Air Force Flight Test Center and as a platform for testing avionics and senior leader communications systems, providing an opportunity for senior leader evaluation during airlift support missions.
Program logistics support for the aircraft is provided by Aeronautical Systems Center's 645th Aeronautical Systems Group.
Entering into service with the Air Force Flight Test Center in June 2007, the Test Tanker II replaced Air Force Material Command's "Speckled Trout" test platform, said Lt. Col. Jordan Kriss, commander of the 412th Flight Test Squadron.
Speckled Trout, another one-of-a-kind C-135C, retired in February 2006 after more than 31,000 hours of flight test and airlift missions, AFMC officials said.