First C-135 Joins the Military Air Transport Service

June 9, 1961

Military Air Transport Service accepts delivery of the first C-135 Stratolifter, introducing jet cargo aircraft into the MATS fleet.

Related Content

Air Force, Boeing Agree on $2.4B Deal for 15 New KC-46 Tankers

Nov. 22, 2024
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.

Seeking New Options for GPS, Space Force Eyes Multiple Orbits

Nov. 22, 2024
For the Space Force and the U.S. writ large, the mission of position, navigation, and timing has become synonymous with three letters: GPS. That is likely to change in the coming years, as service officials described plans this week for a whole host of alternative systems, or alt-PNT.

Air Force Historical Foundation Reveals Winners of Prestigious Awards

Nov. 22, 2024
The Air Force Historical Foundation (AFHF) announced the 2023-2024 winners of its prestigious annual awards honoring individuals and units “dedicated to the making and documentation of Air Force and Space Force history.” In addition to the standard collection of awards, this...

Space Force Ready to Sign with Commercial Reserve Satellite Partners

Nov. 21, 2024
The Space Force is finalizing its first contracts for the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve and plans to award them early in 2025—giving the service access to commercial satellites and other space systems in times of conflict or crisis—officials said Nov. 21. 

Lockheed and F-35 Program Office Have Handshake Deal on Next Two Lots

Nov. 21, 2024
The Joint Program Office and Lockheed Martin have struck a “handshake deal” on prices for Lots 18 and 19 of the F-35 fighter, but have not yet revealed them. The agreement is about a year overdue, and comes after a period where the company was laying out its on money…

Learn to Accelerate Software Delivery at Prodacity 2025

Nov. 21, 2024
In a modern, connected military, software is crucial to every step of every operation, from planning to coordination and logistics to target engagement. But as threats and requirements change, software needs to change too. If requirements change faster than developers can...

Northrop Grumman Delivers First SiAW Missile for Air Force Testing

Nov. 20, 2024
The first Stand-in Attack Weapon, expected to be used in large numbers to clear a path through enemy air defenses, has been delivered for initial Air Force testing, Northrop Grumman announced. The missile is expected to be operational in just two years.