Our Super Tankers Challenge Coins celebrate the mid-air refueling aircraft utilized by the United States Air Force (USAF) for decades to extend the range and endurance of its renowned strategic bombers. Each meticulously crafted solid brass 1.75″ coin is multi-plated and enameled by hand, presented in a beautifully designed collector’s box.
The Super Tankers Challenge Coin set features three of the USAF’s most famous mid-air refueling aircraft:
KC-97L Stratofreighter
The Boeing KC-97L Stratofreighter was a mid-air refueling aircraft for the United States Air Force (USAD) during the Cold War, playing a vital role in extending the range and endurance of strategic bombers. Introduced in the 1950s, the Stratofreighter featured the latest avionics at the time and a flying boom for more efficient refueling. The Stratofreighter also performed transport missions with its additional cargo capacity. The KC-97L made its last active-duty mission in the 1970s, marking the end of an era in aerial refueling history.
NC-135 Stratotanker
Introduced in 1956, the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is a versatile and enduring part of the United States Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet. Since the Cold War, the KC-135 has supported military operations globally by extending the range and capabilities of strategic bombers – and it remains a workhorse even today, with many still in service. The longevity and adaptability of the KC-135 underscore its significance to air mobility and the evolution of aerial refueling technology.
KC-10 Extender
Introduced in 1981, the McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender is a versatile aerial refueling tanker for the United States Air Force. Based on the DC-10 airliner, the KC-10 combines refueling capabilities with space for cargo and personnel transport. The KC-10 has advanced avionics as well as boom and drogue systems for flexibility in a variety of missions. With a substantial fuel capacity, the KC-10 has significantly extended the range of military aircraft and continues to play a pivotal role in global air mobility as a strategic tanker and transport platform.
