Boeing KC135 Tanker

Different Boeing model 717 Rich. The current 717 is a development of the old DC-9.

The xC-135 series was the first production development to come out of the Boeing 367-80 concept aircraft, and was initially titled the Model 717.
Shortly afterwards, a wider and longer airliner model also came out of the 367-80 test, which became the 707.

Note that, other than the visual similarities, the 707 and xC-135 are significantly different aircraft structurally.

P wrote:

Different Boeing model 717 Rich. The current 717 is a development of the old DC-9.

The xC-135 series was the first production development to come out of the Boeing 367-80 concept aircraft, and was initially titled the Model 717.
Shortly afterwards, a wider and longer airliner model also came out of the 367-80 test, which became the 707.

Note that, other than the visual similarities, the 707 and xC-135 are significantly different aircraft structurally.

Thanks PB, couldn't find much online. I know there was a 720 but didn't realise it was originally called the 717. Confusing but still, I have learnt something new thanks to you and Canberra.

Peter wrote:

I've been on a 720 and everyone thought it was a 707, being the only Boeing anyone knew. I wonder why they created such confusing numbers then? Is the guy now working for Microsoft

And is he using a US or a UK Keyboard

I saw a documntary about the 707 and the design team had a brainstorm and came up with 707. But if you look at the number and how it was originally written its quite a futuristic design, as indeed was the 707.

I watched a documentary last night on the Smithsonian channel on the KC135.

If I hadnt seen the documentary I would never have believed this; A 135 was refuelling two F104s over Vietnam using the basket. After theyd refuelled the 104s they were heading for Japan. Suddenly a KA3 called up needing fuel so they started to refuel him, suddenly an F8 called up in desperate need of fuel. So the KA3 refuelled the F8 whilst being refuelled by the 135!!!!! And they actually showed a photograph of this unique formation.