KC-135R’s are not grounded. They are flying just fine with a high Fm rate.
Try http://tankerblog.blogspot.com/
http://tanchorman.blogspot.com/
http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004293.html#comments
there are many others just check local newspapers from nearby tanker bases.
http://tankerblog.blogspot.com/
http://tanchorman.blogspot.com/
These two blogs above are just a Boeing propaganda operation.
http://www.defensetech.org/archives/004293.html#comments
This one above is really interesting. Very impressive was the comment of “Sluggo”:
Who ever thinks that “Parking & ramp space/weight IS the limiting factor in the basing options” does not understand high ops tempo air refueling operations. That was about third on our list in the tanker planning cell. Most of the basing options we analyzed were rejected for one reason... fuel storage and resupply. That is why you are THERE to begin with.
I can build a ramp... we did at Shaik Isa. I can change an LCN number. We did at Prince Sultan. We spent millions at several bases to build the infrastructure we required for operations and we will do it again.
WE RAN UAE OUT OF GAS during Operation Iraqi Freedom! They became an oil IMPORTER. We had to bring in a super tanker and dock it in Dubai to keep Al Dhafra full of gas [...] and we drained the super-tanker.
[...]
Your argument for Kadena does not ring true. Since I was stationed there for 5 years and worked in Wing Plans, I knew we could put KC-10 size airplanes on other parts of the airfield. Yes, I know I cannot put them on the loops by the 909th Air Refueling Squadron. No worries as I have other parking stubs to stuff them.
Flying KC-135 for 25 years, standing up the KC-135 Weapons School at Fairchild AFB, editor and writer for the KC-135 3-1 tactics manual and running the Air Refueling Control Team for two major air campaigns... so I can say “Been there... Done That!”
I guess your are “pfcem”. It fits to your profile. “pfcem” always missed the point and tries hard to build strawmen.
KC-135Rs are not grounded. They are flying just fine with a high Fm rate.
I think you didn't get the fictional part.
But the KC-135E fleet is almost grounded.