Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker – 940th Air Refuelling Wing USAF, Beale AFB 1/200

Gemini 1/200 scale G2AFO667: Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 60-0331 of Beale AFB. With Stand. Gemini guarantee no more than 750 produced

Length 8.25 inches Wingspan 7.75 inches

The 940th Air Refuelling Wing has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1963. Beginning as a troop carrier unit, the mission transitioned to air transport, military airlift, tactical airlift, air refuelling, C2ISR (command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) mission, and back to air refuelling over the years. Fundamentally, the 940th has been a “flex” organization for the nation and has been willing to do whatever the nation required.

Activated in 1963, the 940th Troop Carrier Group (940 TCG) flew the C-119G “Flying Boxcar” with the Tactical Air Command as its gaining command. 940 TCG trained for and participated in air transport, airdrop, and airlanding operations in conjunction with U.S. Army airborne forces, primarily the 101st Airborne Division. 940 TCG also provided air evacuation missions as needed.

The 940th converted to the C-124C “Globemaster II” aircraft in 1965 and became the 940th Military Airlift Group (940 MAG). Its missions shifted to augmentation of worldwide Military Airlift Command operations. 940 MAG participated in the long effort of keeping the U.S. forces in Vietnam supplied during the war there.

940 MAG converted to the C-130 “Hercules” aircraft in 1972 and returned to a mission of air transportation of airborne forces, airdropping equipment and supplies, extraction, and airlanding as the 940th Tactical Airlift Group (940 TAG).

In Dec 1976, 940 TAG received its first KC-135 “Stratotanker” aircraft in preparation for becoming an air refuelling unit. The 940th Air Refuelling Group (940 ARG, later 940 AR Wing) performed air refuelling missions worldwide from 1977 to 2008. 940 ARG maintained a Cold War alert responsibility for the Strategic Air Command until September 1991. 940 ARG deployed six KC-135 aircraft and 187 unit Reservists to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the first 2 weeks of Operation Desert Shield in August 1990. Throughout Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (Persian Gulf War), 940 ARG delivered aerial refuelling and air transport missions from Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the USA.

In 1994, the 940 ARG became the 940th Air Refuelling Wing (940 ARW). 940 ARW periodically deployed personnel and aircraft in support of NATO operations in the Balkans in the late 1990s. Notably, during Operation Allied Force, USAFE commanders recognized the 940th ARW as the most productive tanker unit in the Kosovo air war. After terrorists attacked the USA on 11 September 2001, 940 ARW participated in homeland defence and Global War on Terror operations around the world. The unit also supported Operations IRAQI FREEDOM/NEW DAWN, ENDURING FREEDOM, and RESTORE HOPE.

In 2009, 940 ARG converted to the 940th Wing (940 Wg) and to a C2ISR (command, control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) mission. 940 Wg flew the RQ-4 “Global Hawk” and managed intelligence gleaned from it and other ISR aircraft. As a classic associate wing to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, 940 Wg participated in ISR missions around the world from 2009 to 2016. The Operations supported included TOMODACHI, PACIFIC PASSAGE and ODYSSEY DAWN.

In 2016, 940 WG reverted to its air refuelling mission and became the 940 ARW again. It continues its worldwide support mission from its base in northern California.

The Air Force has recognized the success of the 940th Air Refuelling Wing by awarding the unit eleven Outstanding Unit Awards.

Designed as an in-flight refuelling tanker for the United States Air Force, the KC-135 was first flown in August 1956. It has played a crucial role in extending the range and endurance of U.S. and allied aircraft. Its primary mission is to refuel other aircraft in-flight, enabling them to operate over longer distances without the need to land for refuelling. The aircraft is based on the Boeing 707 and has a distinctive appearance with its swept wings and a flying boom for refuelling operations. Beyond aerial refuelling, the KC-135 can also transport cargo, perform medical evacuations, and support strategic airlift missions.