Here is the latest in a Squadron/Signal's Walkaround series. I am quite fond of this and their other similar books and am always pleased to see new ones being published.

The KC-135 is one of the USAF's longest serving aircraft with the first examples flying in the mid/late 1950s. They have since been upgraded and strengthened for longer service as their replacement has been continually delayed by childish political games played between Boeing and Airbus over the last ten or so years. Meanwhile, those 135s left in the fleet continue to soldier on.

By all rights, this book should be titled KC-135R Walkaround as that is the type currently in service and 99% of the material in this book is on that version.

As is the norm with this series, we have a brief history and drawings on the difference between the three major versions, which are basically engine-related, though models after the KC-135A/Q have larger horizontal stabs and all but the very early KC-135As have taller fins.

Once the history section is done (and that is the only place where there are not color photos), we get into the heart of the book, which is a look at the 135R. The color photos come from a variety of sources, many of them from the USAF and from the author. We get a good look at all the external bits such as the boom, landing gear, gear wells, and various antennas. This includes an explanation of the various colors on the boom and what the lights on the underside mean, something I have seen, but never knew exactly what they meant.

We also get a good look at the interior sections including the cockpit, boom operator's position and the rather cavernous interior of the 135, where the aircraft is also capable of carrying cargo and passengers. I have been a passenger on 135R flights and while not the most comfy in the world, provides room to get a bit of sleep if needed.

There are a bunch of full color profiles of various aircraft from the units flying them. This includes the two camouflage schemes worn by the 135 in its life. In all, it makes for a most interesting and informative book that anyone with an interest in the aircraft will be well served to pick up.

October 2012

My thanks to Squadron Products for the review copy. Get yours today at your favorite shop or on-line retailer.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.