The United States Air Force continues to operate old (very old) aircraft designs that trace their origins to the early Cold War. These are mostly larger transport/tanker/bomber-style aircraft ( fighter jets tend to be newer), and while some will retire, there is no end in sight for others. Missing from this list are aircraft like the iconic U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane as it is soon to retire. Incredibly, there may even be a few WWII-era aircraft still operating around the world.
1 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
The Stratotanker first flew in 1956
Number in service: Approx. 386 Entered service: 1957 Production end: 1965
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker has long been the backbone of the US air tanker fleet. It has been in service since 1957 and first flew in 1956. The aircraft was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype (alongside the Boeing 707 airliner). The tanker’s mission hasn’t changed over the years – this is seen in that the boom on every single KC-135 is identical to the first dedicated aerial tanker (the KC-97 Stratofreighter).
Photo: US Air Force
The KC-135s are aging, and the US Air Force is gradually replacing them with the new KC-46 Pegasus tankers (although they will continue to serve the Air Force for years to come). The last of US Air Force Retires Final KC-10 Extender Tanker After 43 Years Of Service ).
2 Lockheed C-130 Hercules
The Hercules first flew in 1954
Number in service: Approx. 356 (Hercules & Super Hercules) Entered service: 1956 Production end: Ongoing (Super Hercules)
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is
Replacement Or Upgrade? The Fate Of The 5 Oldest US Military Aircraft Still Flying
