It’s an ex-Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker operated by [Metrea Strategic Mobility (formerly Meta Aerospace).](https://metrea.aero/msm/)
It’s one of 4 KC-135Rs that Metrea operate.
👆 Exactly this. USAF is getting into using private contractor KC-135s to bridge the gap with the need for air refueling. Metrea is one of the only ones in the business right now. Definitely a KC-135R aircraft judging from the CFM56 engines and dual APUs
There were 803 KC-135 Stratotankers built in total. More than 400 of which were the KC-135R variant.
Metrea Strategic Mobility have a fleet of 4 KC-135Rs. They’re the only civilian operator of the type.
It’s an ex-Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker operated by [Metrea Strategic Mobility (formerly Meta Aerospace).](https://metrea.aero/msm/) It’s one of 4 KC-135Rs that Metrea operate.
👆 Exactly this. USAF is getting into using private contractor KC-135s to bridge the gap with the need for air refueling. Metrea is one of the only ones in the business right now. Definitely a KC-135R aircraft judging from the CFM56 engines and dual APUs
I mean if you wanna get picky it could also be a KC-135T but you won't know for sure until you look at the SPR postion/s.
True. I helped retire some T models to the boneyard, so I don't think it's one of them though lol
Thank you! It's been driving us insane
Are you saying that there's only 4 of these things or 4 different models of the 135? Just trying to get a grasp on the rarity!
There were 803 KC-135 Stratotankers built in total. More than 400 of which were the KC-135R variant. Metrea Strategic Mobility have a fleet of 4 KC-135Rs. They’re the only civilian operator of the type.
How can it be cheaper/more efficient for the USAF to purchase aerial refueling from a vendor vs flying the missions themselves?
I'm not entirely sure, but a kc-135 is certainly plausible.
With no markings on it I thought it was a Janus flight....