Turkey is the second largest operator of the KC-135 Stratotanker next to the USAF. The Block 45 modification removes the legacy autopilot system, Flight Director System, engine analog gages, and radio altimeter and installs a Dual Autopilot and Flight Director System, new radio altimeter system, and new engine display. This effort included modifications to seven Turkish Air Force KC-135 Block 45 Aircraft. This contract period of performance was from January 29, 2021, to January 28, 2024. Work was completed in December of 2022.
Field had previously completed the prototype Block 45 modification on two United States Air Force (USAF) KC-135 aircraft and installed the modification on the first 15 Block 45 Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) aircraft.
“Our team applied lessons learned from our prior experience performing this modification on the USAF KC-135 fleet to the Turkish KC-135 Program, resulting in an efficient and well executed program.” stated Ed Williams, Field Aerospace Program Manager.