The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker: More Than a Tanker

I've always rather liked the Boeing KC-135 series of military aircraft, direct developments of the iconic Boeing 707 airliner. In service for the whole lifetimes of many of us, (first flight 1956!) this aircraft has fulfilled so many roles that kept the 'Cold War' from ever warming up too much. Still very much at the 'sharp end' and looking at being in service at least until the middle of the 21st Century.Dr Robert Hopkins III flew many variants of this aircraft in the USAF, however it is his research and ability to compile a fascinating and authoritative book that deserves the utmost credit here. This book is stunning in so many ways, the use of a lot of colour photographs and diagrams, combined with readable text just make it a joy to peruse.If you have a passing interest in the KC-135 and all its spin off types, please just buy this book, a better one will not be written in the next 20 years or so...if ever!*Please note, this review is the 2016 updated version, the cheaper paperback version on Amazon is from 1998 and less detailed.

Bought as a gift so was a little disappointed to find the cellophane cover was torn and damaged., Hence 4 stars rather than 5 stars given.Had to remove the cellophane before wrapping up . Luckily the book itself was not affected but as it was new, and a gift, the cover intact would have been better. This book was bought via Book Depositiry, who I have dealt with many times, they always give a good price and prompt delivery. Cannot comment on the actual book as it is not for me.

VERY INTRESTING BOOK ON THE KC-135 SEEN A LOT OVER THE YEARS AT USAF MILDENHALL WELL WORTH THE PURCHASE IF YOUR IN TO MILITARY AIRCRAFT WELL PACKED FAST DELIVERY

Great book well written and informative the definitive KC-135 Book.

Great book with a fantastic level of detail on this important aircraft

In my opinion this is the best and most comprehensive book on the KC135 yet published and I doubt that it will be beaten.

Excellent, don't hesitate to buy it , even if you already have loads of KC-135 books.

I don’t know about you but I’ve always liked the Boeing 707, it’s just got a certain shape, well proportioned, you know? As a teenager I remember seeing my first 135’s at the legendary Mildenhall Air Fetes, not just the tanker variants but also the weird and wonderful ‘spy planes’ as they were most commonly referred to, with their antennas, unusual bulges and armed guards it really was something else to behold for a young teen. It’s hard to believe that this aircraft (in KC-135A form) first flew over 60 years ago in 1956 and planned retirement isn’t due till around 2040! An incredible achievement for an aircraft that has gone on to perform so many roles and any book that’s going to chart it’s career is going to be a weighty tome indeed. This particular title I have before me is a newly revised version which is currently bang up to date with the latest facts and figures giving the reader an excellent reference resource to engage with. But first things first, I’ve steered clear in previous reviews of using words like ‘definitive’, ‘bible’ and ‘THE’ book on the subject as many titles we’ve covered always seem to have successive books that can either compliment or contradict one another, some are better for their imagery whilst others give more comprehensive written information but regardless of which factor enters play it’s a brave reviewer who uses such distinct terminology. Today though is a rare day as it’s these very terms I’d use to describe this book, I’m sure someone may try to correct me and say something about a title on specific operations or theatre for example but as a single stand alone book on the KC-135, it’s history, operations and all it’s variants then you are looking at ‘The Definitive’ book on the subject, this author has clearly put his heart and soul into this piece of work that covers everything of importance and more on this aircraft type, it’s even armed with a full list of serial codes for the most fastidious of readers! As you’d expect from Crecy the quality of the books materials are first rate with lovely crisp images and text on glossy paper that’s all very tactile and pleasing to the eye, my only complaint if you could class it as one would be the books weight, it’s not a book you’d be able to read on the train easily that’s for sure! A phenomenal, well illustrated, expertly written and presented book, to use a cliche if you only buy one book on the 135 be sure it’s this one. NKAWTG.