The Boeing KC135 Strato tanker was the first jet
powered air to air refuelling tanker of the US air
force, similar in design to the later and enlarged
Boeing 707 airliner its initial mission was to
refuel American strategic bombers during the
1950-60‘s.
This later changed into extensive service during
the Vietnam War and conflicts in the Gulf wars
plus the Bosnian conflicts to extend the range
and endurance of Coalition air forces aircraft.
On the night of March 27th 1999 a successful
night rescue operation for a downed American
F117A pilot took place over hostile territory
during the Bosnian conflict.
During the operation a 91st ARS KC135 R was
vectored by coalition AWAC’s with call sign
Magic to assist a NATO A10 aircraft which had
participated in the pilot rescue but used it's fuel
reserve in doing so.
The crew of the KC135 R managed in extremely
difficult conditions to locate and refuel the A10
over hostile Bosnian airspace and under the
assistance of Magic exit the Bosnian airspace
for a successful conclusion to the rescue.
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