5/3/2013 – TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan — A U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker aircraft crashed today in northern Kyrgyzstan. Emergency response crews are on scene. The status of the three crew members is unknown.
The crew and aircraft are assigned to the Transit Center at Manas near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
For more information contact 376th AEW Public Affairs at 011 996 312 693 528 wait for a dial tone then 441-2387 or 441-2700.
“The KC-135 Stratotanker’s primary mission is to refuel long-range bombers. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied aircraft. Four turbojets, mounted under wings swept 35 degrees, power the KC-135. Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the tanker’s flying boom, the KC-135’s primary fuel transfer method. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue, attached to and trailed behind the flying boom, is used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. An operator stationed in the rear of the plane controls the boom. A cargo deck above the refueling system holds passengers or cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds (37,350 kilograms) of cargo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dave Nolan)”
Source:http://www.afcent.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123346972
