Description: "Working the Field" by : Rick Herter It's harvest season! The air is crisp and the days are getting shorter as a farmer combines his soybeans. Suddenly, out of the Western sky, a KC-135 Statotanker appears on finalapproach to it's home field in Northern Indiana. This particular tanker to the Air Force Reserves 434th Air Refueling Wing and is working the airfield as the crew set up the big aircraft for a "touch and go." The venerable KC-135 Stratotanker entered USAF service in 1957 and for over 60 years has been the backbone of the critical aerial refueling mission. Designed by Boeing, the KC-135 is a cousin of the Boeing 707, which served the commercial airline industry for decades. The KC-135 is similar in appearance to the 707, but has a narrower fuselage and is shorter than the 707. The first KC-135’s to enter service were delivered to Castle Air Force Base in June of 1957 and eventually over 800 KC-135A’s were produced with the final airplane delivered to the Air Force in 1965. The original KC-135 “A” model was powered by 4, Pratt and Whitney J-57 engines. Each J-57 developed 10,000 lbs. of thrust. In the 1980’s 150 aircraft, designated “E” models, were refitted with Pratt and Whitney JT3D engines which increased the thrust to 17,000 lbs. per engine and dramatically increased the jet’s mission performance. The final engine modification was to convert 500 tankers to the General Electric CFM56 high-bypass turbofan, which produced 22,000 lbs., of thrust, further increasing the performance and capability of the Stratotanker. This new “R” model has a maximum takeoff weight of 322,500 lbs. and can offload 200,000 lbs. of fuel or approximately 31,000 gallons. The KC-135 is the unsung hero of the USAF over the last 60 years. Without the Stratotanker and the multiple generations of crews who’ve flown her, it would have been impossible for the USAF to project it’s operational reach worldwide. The KC-135 is not only relevant for today but Air Force life cycle estimates show that some current KC-135’s may serve up to 2040! This original oil painting created by American artist Rick Herter is available for purchase in the specific squadron markings is requested by the purchaser. Rick will be happy to repaint the aircraft tail and nose markings at no additional cost.
Price: 8500 USD
Location: Palm Beach, Florida
End Time: 2024-02-10T21:00:05.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Size: 24" x 36"
Item Height: 24 in
Item Width: 2 in
Personalize: Yes
Title: Working the Field
Type: Original oil painting
Personalization Instructions: Artist is willing to repaint custom squadron or wing markings to match that of customer request.
Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes
Signed: Yes
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Unit of Sale: Single Piece
Artist: Rick Herter
Production Technique: Oil paint on Belgian Linen Canvas
Framing: Unframed
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Style: Realism
Material: Canvas
Theme: Art, Aviation
Features: One of a Kind (OOAK), One of a Kind
Image Orientation: Landscape
Subject: Aviation, Aircraft
Item Length: 36 in
Year of Production: 2021
COA Issued By: Artist
