The KC-135R is the current version of the aerial tanker that was developed during the 1950s to enable United States bomber and fighter to extend their reach around the world.

The Boeing Model 367-80 swept wing four engined prototype air transport flew for the first time on 15 July 1954.

It became the basis of the Boeing 707 airliner and the KC-135 that extend the range of American aircraft through aerial refuelling.

The first KC-135A flew in August 1956 and over 800 were made.

In 1980 Boeing announced plans to re-engine the aerial tanker with modern turbofan engines to significantly improve their performance.

The first KC-135R was delivered in July 1984 and around 432 KC-135As were upgraded to the new standard. They remain in operation today.

This model represents the KC-135R ‘Sky Runner’ of the 19th Air Refuelling Wing, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.

AMT 1:72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in March 2003..