20 PRECISION PERFORMANCE Today Boeing is developing a next-generation tanker for the U.S. Air Force to replace the service’s aging Boeing-built KC-135 tankers. But these older tankers remain vital to defending freedom around the world. What’s it like to refuel a thirsty fighter, transport or another military aircraft at 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) with both planes zipping through the sky at some 500 mph (800 kilometers per hour)? In this Frontiers photo essay, ride along on a KC-135 mission refueling a Boeing C-17 airlifter over the Arizona desert. The refueling boom operator is Nicole Canada, who, when she’s not serving with the U.S. Air Force Reserve, works for Boeing Global Services & Support. COVER: USING A CONTROL STICK IN HER LEFT HAND, NICOLE CANADA MANEUVERS THE REFUELING BOOM OF A KC-135 TANKER THAT’S ABOUT TO TRANSFER JET FUEL TO A C-17 AIRLIFTER. BOB FERGUSON/BOEING PHOTO: DURING AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING OPERATIONS THE HOST KC-135 AND RECEIVING C-17 FLY ONLY ABOUT 20 FEET (6 METERS) APART. A MIRROR REFLECTS THE IMAGE OF NICOLE CANADA AT HER REFUELING STATION IN THE TAIL OF THE KC-135. BOB FERGUSON/BOEING AD WATCH The stories behind the ads in this issue of Frontiers. ON THE COVER Inside cover: Page 6: Pages 36–37: Back cover: This new ad for Enhanced Medium Altitude Airborne Reconnaissance and Surveillance System, or EMARSS, highlights progress Boeing is making in providing the U.S. Army with this critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. The ad currently appears in trade publications. FSC LOGO The Boeing Store’s Custom Hangar is a select collection of authentic, limited-edition Boeing artifacts, collectibles and apparel designed for true aviation fans. This ad features Custom Hangar, 737 MAX and Boeing logo merchandise for Father’s Day gift ideas. Learn more at your local store or at www.boeingstore.com. This ad shows Boeing’s appreciation for and gratitude toward the U.S. armed forces. It will run in The Washington Post and The Seattle Times, as well as in regional, trade and military publications, over the U.S. Memorial Day holiday. Boeing will air a similarly themed commercial on the “Meet the Press” television program. This ad congratulates recipients of Boeing’s Supplier of the Year awards and reflects last month’s Boeing Global Supplier Conference theme of “One Team … Leading the Future.” BOEING FRONTIERS / MAY 2013 3
Frontiers May 2013 Issue
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