Strato Images

05/14/2026

SABRE 01 making multiple laps around the pattern at Tinker on its post-depot sale flight.

The 10th guys made several patterns including normal approach to landing, no slat/flap approach, and one I haven't seen a while a two-engine approach to a go around. Man look at that rudder kicked over.... and yes before you comment it's safe. Every multi-engine pilot practices asymmetrical thrust go-arounds. B-1B 86-0111 belongs to the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, SD. She will return home and re-join the fleet soon.

Ellsworth Air Force Base Air Force Global Strike Command

05/14/2026

SNOOP 39 making some laps around Tinker during sunset hours.

We always love seeing the 55th jets at Tinker and I think they are some of the friendliest crews. Golden hour was fantastic with 4139. Thank you for spending your eveing at Tinker guys!

Offutt Air Force Base Air Combat Command

04/14/2026

Work kept me far away from Tinker today but check out what my good friend Rob caught! Surreal to see the pictures.

Battle Damaged Stratotanker

It was reported last month that several KC-135s were damaged in an Iranian missile strike at a Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. Today, one of those arrived at Tinker AFB, OK for repair, sporting patches, large and small, all over her fuselage, wings, engines, and tail.

This is the first time I have ever seen such a thing and really brings what is happening across the world to home. The maintainers performing the Aircraft Battle Damage Repair did a fantastic job, with flight trackers showing they flew at altitude and at normal speed both across the Atlantic yesterday and across the United States today.

Here is KC-135R 59-1444 landing at Tinker AFB as "RCH717" with more holes than I can easily count while I write this. She will go into depot maintenance to repair her skin and any other internally damaged parts.

I took many photos and I will work on the rest of them to bring to you as soon as I can, including more detailed shots.

04/12/2026

Christine Attacks! Although this one doesn’t look like a red Plymouth Fury.

10th Flight Test guys getting a currency flight in flying as SABRE 52. Man what fun it would be to just go up for some laps in the buff. Jealous.

Barksdale Air Force Base Tinker Air Force Base

04/02/2026

PART TWO from Tinker today:

"REIGN 11," arriving from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to be parted out.

It is no seceret by now that we very tragically lost a KC-135 plus her crew in Operation Epic Fury a few weeks ago. As operations continue to unfold and tanker demand remaining high a replacement was needed. 0011 was offically retired December 22nd of 2025 with 41,059 flight hours. It will now be used for its parts to keep the fleet going. 58-0011 is a SOAR KC-135 which features the refueling port. It was previously assigned to the 22nd ARW at McConnell AFB in Wichita, KS. Also to address the elephant in the room, yes it has its boom removed. It will not be refitted.

I'd like to request all to take a minute after reading this for the crew of Zeus 95. They made the ulitmate sacrifices for our country and shall not be forgetten for such act. Thank you.

04/02/2026

"Just saw the B2 fly over too bad you don't have your hat on"
That was the message my mother sent me from their house. Uh, what.

Not a minute later, low and behold the B-2 comes in for one touch and go and leaves. Here is the Sprirt of Missouri on its one touch and go at Tinker today. Thanks for stopping by guys!

Whiteman Air Force Base Tinker Air Force Base

02/14/2026

The Edwards bone arriving into Tinker a while ago.

01/09/2026

Hey looks its a Combat Sent!

Way back when in the early 1970's the USAF created three brand new RC-135U Combat Sent aircraft. 64-14847, 64-14849, and 63-9792 which is seen here. It did not last for very long and was re-modded into a normal RC-135V in 1978 of which it remains today.

As always we love seeing 55th Wing aircraft come do laps at Tinker during the day. Stop by any time.

12/12/2025

It's an Embraer!

Brazilian Air Force 512 landing at Tinker to pick up some goodies.

For those unaware, this is the Embraer KC-390 Millennium. Built by Embraer, a very well known Brazilian aircraft company that has been making aircraft for over 50 years. You may know some of their civilian aircraft such as the Phenom 100 and 300, the EMB-120 Brasilia and the most famous one which happens to be my own jet, the E175.

Embraer saw a market in the mid 2000's to make a medium size transport aircraft to go against the C130's. It's main claim is the two V2500 jet engines (same engines mounted on most A320's) under the wings each producing 31,330 lbs of thrust. It can also fit an entire H-60 helicopter, up to 80 troops or relase 42,000lbs of payload off the aft ramp. The aircraft saw its first flight in 2015 and was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force in 2019. This exact aircraft was the second one to be delievered. In some configurations this jet can feature two probe and drouge refueling pods under the wingtips similar to our KC-130 aircraft or MPRS KC-135's.

Being a strong supporter of Embraer, this aircraft is a success and has gotten sold to over ten countries around the world. Sadly, no interest in the United States for Embraer's military line of jets but the civilian side is doing extremely well. If you ever get a chance to see a KC-390 at an airshow or any Embraer for that matter I encourage you to take a peek and see what they have to offer. You'd be very surprised what a little company from small town Brazil can make.

Embraer Força Aérea Brasileira

12/10/2025

Brew City Tankers come to Oklahoma.

Brewer 45 (61-0310) and Brewer 46 (57-1514) arrive to Tinker AFB to drop of 0310 for PDM. As a treat I got to see their recently made heritage tail flown in to pick up the other crew. Looks really good guys!