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Fairchild rocks the Block 45 upgrade

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sean Campbell
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The first of 22 Fairchild KC-135 Stratotankers slated to receive the Block 45 upgrade over the next seven years returned here from McConnell Air Force Base Oct. 23.

The Block 45 upgrade includes various changes to the aircraft, yet the biggest upgrade is to the engine instruments panel. The panel went from the Block 40 instrument panel, which was mostly analog parts with a few digital pieces, to a completely digital liquid crystal display that increases the aircraft's ability to relay information to the pilots.

Another major change is the replacement of the auto pilot system. The previous auto pilot system was replaced with a more modern system that causes the aircraft to be more responsive during air refueling.

"We are able to use the auto pilot to do things now that we were unable to do before," said Capt. Tim McBride, 93rd Air Refueling Squadron instructor pilot.

Other upgrades included in the Block 45 are a digital flight detector, a new radar altimeter, new navigation and several other small changes to the interface.

"The Block 45 upgrade makes our mission easier, in the sense that our atomization capabilities are greatly improved," said McBride. "Once pilots learn how to use the Block 45 upgrade, operating the aircraft will become much easier. If you ever go and rent a real nice luxury car, you're going to see features that you wouldn't find in a cheaper car, and once you learn how to use those features, you grow to love them."

The new capabilities of the Block 45 upgrade are expected to extend the life of the KC-135 Stratotanker until 2040, ensuring the longevity of this airframe and taking Fairchild one step closer to its goal of becoming the Air Force's tanker center of excellence.