AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings Supports Full Refinish of Historic KC-135 Aerial Refueling Aircraft

A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, one of the world’s longest-serving aerial refueling aircraft, has received a full coatings upgrade and new heritage tail design using AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings‘ high-performance systems. The new design was unveiled at the beginning of July at the 128th Air Refueling Wing, based at Milwaukee Airport.

The coatings refurbishment, including the fuselage, wings, and tail assembly, bring new life to this important aircraft, known for enabling long-range operations by transferring fuel mid-air to other aircraft. The addition of a heritage-inspired tail design connects the 128th Air Refueling Wing with the city of Milwaukee, and the hometown pride felt by the unit’s members.

Each feature of the design was carefully chosen to represent the unit’s mission, identity, and ties to the city. The SAC stripe, with star constellations and the wing’s shield running across the fuselage, honors the unit’s legacy under Strategic Air Command. The tail features a flying beer stein, a symbol dating back to 1963, which reflects the wing’s nickname, ‘Brew City Tankers’. The bold ‘Milwaukee’ tail flash highlights local pride, while the barley detail pays tribute to the city’s rich brewing heritage.

To ensure long-term performance and durability, the aircraft was coated using AkzoNobel’s military-qualified aerospace products, including an epoxy primer for superior corrosion protection and Aerodur 5000 Camouflage topcoat – a two-component polyurethane military aircraft camouflage finish with exceptional chemical and weather resistance.

The paint scheme on the tail incorporates Aerodur 5000 Flat colors in blue and yellow donated by AkzoNobel’s distributor AIS. The yellow is a bespoke color developed by the AkzoNobel team to represent the unit’s shield, the Milwaukee flag, and the Milwaukee Brewers.

“The major elements of this design help to connect the 128th Air Refueling Wing, the city of Milwaukee, and the hometown pride felt by unit members,” said Master Sgt. Elizabeth Cywinski, 128ARW Structural Maintenance Specialist and Command Jet Repaint Lead Coordinator.

“A display as prominent as the stein on the tail helps to amplify pride and dedication – not only for the maintainers and aircrew, but for all personnel across the base that make the mission possible,” said Cywinski, “It has become a symbol; it motivates, binds, and connects the members, rallying and driving us toward mission accomplishment and the delivery of exceptional airpower.”

The heritage design and its application were completed by the unit’s Airmen, making the aircraft not just a symbol of tradition but also a reflection of the skill and commitment of those who serve at the 128th Aerial Refueling Wing.

“The KC-135 AerialStratotanker has a rich history in global aerial refueling, supporting global flight operations for nearly seven decades” said Ted Wiesner, Air Defense Segment Manager at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings. “We are pleased to support the unit with this latest update, which reflects its legacy and the continued importance. Our high-performance coating will help protect an aircraft that carries not just fuel, but decades of history, craftsmanship, and community identity for years to come.”