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MSFS Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker

The MSFS Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker, a meticulous freeware add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, revitalizes a classic military aircraft for the modern flight simulation enthusiast. This add-on represents a blend of historical significance and cutting-edge simulation technology, designed f...

5 star rating 5/5 (1) 1.9K downloads Flight Simulator 2020 Compatible
  • Type:Complete with Base Model
  • File: kc135-r-msfs-fafa.zip
  • Size:663.22 MB
  • Scan: Clean (19d) Verified clean
  • Access:Freeware
  • Content:Everyone
Description Developer 2 comments
Adam McEnroe

Expert Overview

This freeware Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker for MSFS 2020 is a thoroughly modernized adaptation of the classic FS9 model, tastefully reworked in Blender to provide a remarkably detailed exterior and a cockpit experience inspired by the ASOBO B747. From my years of tinkering with advanced virtual aircraft, I’ve been impressed by the inclusion of two models (one with a BOOM system and another offering a DROGUE) that provide a realistic take on different aerial refueling techniques, adding significant depth for enthusiasts.

Beyond its eye-catching visuals, flying this KC-135R feels convincingly authentic thanks to refined animations, dependable multiplayer support, and the presence of lifelike CFM56 engine sounds. Its functional doors, responsive landing lights, and precisely remodeled surfaces resonate with decades of military aviation history, offering a satisfying fusion of legacy and modern simulation technology. Overall, it’s a highly engaging add-on that honors the KC-135’s storied heritage while delivering smooth performance and immersive flight dynamics in MSFS.

This mod was installed, tested and reviewed by Adam McEnroe for Fly Away Simulation. Adam is an FS mod expert. Read his bio here.

The MSFS Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker, a meticulous freeware add-on for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, revitalizes a classic military aircraft for the modern flight simulation enthusiast. This add-on represents a blend of historical significance and cutting-edge simulation technology, designed for users who appreciate both the legacy and the advancements in flight simulation.

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker displayed in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 release after installing this freeware add-on.Technical Overview

The developers have skillfully adapted the original Flight Simulator 2004 (FS9) model, employing Blender, an advanced 3D creation suite, to remodel the exterior with precision. The interior, modeled after the ASOBO B747, offers a familiar yet unique cockpit experience. Notably, the add-on includes two distinct models for varied in-flight refueling simulations.

  • Model 1 (BOOM): Tailored for operators focusing on the BOOM refueling method, pivotal for USAF operations.
  • Model 2 (1 DROGUE): Suits users interested in the DROGUE system, common in naval air forces and many NATO members.

The inclusion of both BOOM and DROGUE systems showcases the KC-135R's versatility and allows sim pilots to experience different refueling techniques.

Key Features and Updates

  • Multiplayer-Compatible Animations: The innovative use of the "spoiler" command to initiate the refueling animation, visible in multiplayer, enhances realism in cooperative scenarios.
  • Functional Doors: Both cargo and personnel doors are operable, increasing the immersion and offering practical utility during pre-flight and post-flight operations.
  • Texture Enhancements: Recent updates have addressed texture inconsistencies, ensuring a visually cohesive model.
  • Improved Animations: Refined animations contribute to a more lifelike and engaging simulation experience.
  • Switchable Landing Lights: This feature adds to the realism, especially during takeoff and landing phases under varying visibility conditions.
  • CFM56 Engine Sounds: Authentic engine sounds, sourced from the CFM56, provide an immersive auditory experience.

Real-World Context

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a paramount aircraft in aerial refueling operations, has been a backbone of the United States Air Force since the 1950s. Its longevity and adaptability in various military contexts make it an intriguing subject for simulation. This add-on not only replicates the aircraft's physical attributes but also captures the operational spirit of the KC-135R, offering users a taste of its pivotal role in air-to-air refueling missions.

In summary, the MSFS Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker add-on is a refined, historically rich, and technically sophisticated enhancement for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. It offers both a tribute to a legendary aircraft and a dynamic new experience for flight simulation enthusiasts.

Installation

Simply extract the archive and copy the KC135 folder into your MSFS community folder.

Images & Screenshots

60 total
A U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft with landing gear extended approaches a runway over water under dramatic, partly cloudy skies.A four-engine US Air Force jet with swept wings flies above a vast, arid desert landscape dotted with sparse vegetation.A military four-engine jet with USAF markings is parked on an apron near ground vehicles and a set of yellow stairs.A four-engine military jet with USAF markings and a red tail design flies high above a mountainous landscape with rivers and forests.A military tanker aircraft marked USAF is parked on a ramp with ground vehicles, equipment, and a crew member nearby.A gray U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft is parked on a ramp near ground vehicles, with hangars and other military planes in the background.A large gray military tanker aircraft with Nebraska markings is parked on the ramp near ground vehicles under partly cloudy skies.A military tanker aircraft with a red-striped tail and refueling boom flies above mountainous terrain under scattered cumulus clouds.A U.S. Air Force military jet with four engines is parked on the ramp under a partly cloudy sky, with a yellow vehicle nearby.A four-engine military aircraft is parked on the ramp surrounded by ground vehicles, service equipment, and a set of yellow stairs.A U.S. Air Force jet with illuminated landing lights sits on a textured ramp at dusk under dramatic, partly cloudy skies.A military tanker aircraft with four engines and a deployed refueling hose flies above a vast, arid desert landscape.A large military aircraft marked "USAF" is parked on a ramp with ground vehicles, personnel, and several other jets nearby.A four-engine military jet with landing lights illuminated is positioned on a runway under dramatic, cloudy skies with distant aircraft visible.A military aerial refueling tanker with extended boom flies above mountainous terrain and scattered clouds under a bright blue sky.A U.S. Air Force four-engine jet with illuminated landing lights is parked on a ramp at dusk with cloudy skies.A U.S. Air Force KC-135 military tanker is parked on a textured ramp under partly cloudy skies with trees in the background.A four-engine jet airliner sits on a wet runway with its landing lights on under dramatic, low-hanging clouds.A U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker sits on the ramp at sunset with its landing lights illuminating the tarmac.A large four-engine military aircraft marked "U.S. Air Force" flies above scattered clouds and green mountain terrain under a bright blue sky.Aerial view shows a four-engine military tanker aircraft in flight with a refueling boom extended over a desert landscape.A large four-engine military jet with extended landing gear sits on a runway under a dramatic, cloudy sky at sunset.A U.S. Air Force KC-135 military tanker with nose art and four engines sits parked on a concrete ramp under partly cloudy skies.A U.S. Air Force military aircraft with nose art and detailed landing gear is parked on a ramp under partly cloudy skies.A large four-engine military jet with illuminated landing lights is parked on a textured runway at dusk with dramatic clouds overhead.A U.S. Air Force aircraft is parked on the ramp near a blue pushback tug and a military hangar under a partly cloudy sky.A U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft with extended boom flies above a desert landscape under a clear blue sky.A U.S. Air Force jet with four engines flies above mountainous terrain, surrounded by dense, dramatic clouds and sunlight.A U.S. Air Force jet with landing lights illuminated sits on a runway under a partly cloudy sky near trees.A large military jet with "NEBRASKA" on the tail sits on a runway at sunset under partly cloudy skies.A military tanker aircraft with "USAF" markings flies above a thick layer of scattered white clouds over mountainous terrain.A military aerial refueling tanker with four engines extends its refueling hose above scattered clouds and mountainous terrain.A gray military tanker aircraft with Nebraska markings cruises above a thick layer of scattered clouds and mountainous terrain below.A military aerial refueling aircraft with extended boom flies above dense, towering clouds under a deep blue sky.A U.S. Air Force jet with four engines flies above mountainous terrain under a bright sun and scattered cumulus clouds.A gray U.S. Air Force jet with four engines flies above a dense layer of white clouds under a clear blue sky.A U.S. Air Force jet with four engines flies above mountainous terrain and dense, towering clouds under a partly sunny sky.A silver four-engine jet aircraft flies above a dense layer of white clouds with rugged terrain visible far below.A U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft taxis on a runway at dusk with scattered clouds and trees in the background.A U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker with illuminated landing lights is parked on a ramp at dusk under cloudy skies.A large four-engine military jet with landing gear extended approaches a runway under dramatic clouds and evening sunlight, with trees nearby.A U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tanker flies above dense clouds, with its refueling boom extended toward another aircraft.A U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft with Nebraska markings is parked on a ramp at sunset near several hangars and other planes.A four-engine jet airliner is seen from below flying above scattered clouds with the sun shining brightly in the background.A four-engine jet aircraft banks over a coastal area with dark clouds overhead and sunlight breaking through in the distance.A large military aircraft with U.S. Air Force markings sits on the tarmac at sunset, with hangars visible in the background.A military tanker aircraft with a refueling boom extended flies above a dense layer of clouds under a clear blue sky.A U.S. Air Force jet with four engines flies above a dense layer of clouds under a bright sun and blue sky.A gray four-engine military tanker aircraft with a refueling boom extended flies above a dense layer of white clouds.A four-engine jet airliner is seen from below flying over water with dramatic low clouds and sunlight breaking through.A large military aircraft with "NEBRASKA" on the tail sits on a ramp at dusk, surrounded by hangars and other planes.A large four-engine jet with two visible pilots in the cockpit sits on the tarmac near a ground service vehicle.A four-engine jet airliner flies above a thick layer of white clouds with the sun and lens flare visible overhead.A four-engine jet aircraft is seen from behind and above, flying high above a thick layer of scattered white clouds.A gray military tanker aircraft with four engines and a refueling boom flies at high altitude under a clear blue sky.A four-engine military jet with a refueling boom passes overhead against a blue sky with scattered clouds and lens flare.A four-engine jet aircraft is viewed from behind at high altitude, flying above a layer of scattered white clouds.A gray military aircraft wing and fuselage marked "U.S. Air Force" flies above a layer of scattered white clouds under a clear blue sky.A four-engine military tanker aircraft with USAF markings and an extended refueling boom flies against a clear blue sky.A four-engine military jet with U.S. Air Force markings is viewed from below against a clear, deep blue sky.
All screenshots above have been created by Fly Away Simulation and are exclusive. For more details, see our image copyright information.
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About the Developer: fafa_2021

This mod was developed by fafa_2021.

An esteemed developer within the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 community. Focused on modern military aircraft, fafa_2021 elevates flight simulation with precision-crafted mods. Operating from France, this developer skillfully converts legacy models from FS9 (FS2004) and FSX into immersive, high-quality enhancements.

fafa_2021 has generously granted Fly Away Simulation the privilege to showcase their mods, enriching our platform with top-tier flight simulation content. While currently without a donation link, any future options to support fafa_2021's work will be made available here.

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Installation Instructions

Most of the freeware add-on aircraft and scenery packages in our file library come with easy installation instructions which you can read above in the file description. For further installation help, please see our Flight School for our full range of tutorials or view the README file contained within the download. If in doubt, you may also ask a question or view existing answers in our dedicated Q&A forum.

2 comments

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The content of the comments below are entirely the opinions of the individual posting the comment and do not always reflect the views of Fly Away Simulation. We moderate all comments manually before they are approved.

maujoFri, 27 Dec 2024 15:34:09 GMT

Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker: In the Salty cockpit, when following the startup procedure, the ground power service and generators 1+2 do not work at all. It is impossible to continue the procedure, even when pressing Ctrl+E.

john fallowsSun, 28 Apr 2024 11:59:40 GMT

Unfortunately, this model has numerous bugs.

  • The sound system is awful; the sound config file may be corrupted, and you could not fly this in the cockpit as it is.
  • The flap lever does move incrementally on flaps down.
  • On the overhead, numerous buttons have flashing lights.

Pity, as the external modelling is really good.

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