58-0057

GlennE.Chatfield

There are two dossiers for this aircraft. I think the problem has two issues;

1. One says 1958 and one says 1957. I originally started the profile way back when, and I used the FY serial number as a build year, knowing that would be close. Actually, it rolled out in April 1959.

2. The original profile was for what the plane was at the time - a KC-135E. It has since been updated to a KC-135R.

So my question is, should we have two profiles based on upgrade to a different type? I don't see how else it can be done without making the original profile show KC-135A and then in note show that it was upgraded to an E and later to an R.

Just something to think about.

It is currently with the 184th Aerial Refueling Wing out of Sioux City, IA, and I hope to have my new shots, which I took this afternoon, posted later this evening.

MalcolmClarke

Glenn.

As far as I am aware there is no policy regarding this matter and I think there may well be a better way of handling this situation.

But we already have quite large numbers of profiles in the database that have been raised because of changes to the model designation. One advantage is that separate profiles allow photos to be added to the appropriate model, as this is very often not appended to the relevant photo.

For example we have over 60 profiles raised as a result of the RAF Tornados being updated from GR1 to GR4.

Where I do think that matters have got out of hand is where an aircraft has changed squadron and a new profile has been created because of the change of squadron designation. This can easily be handled by showing all such codes in the Alternative Code/Name field.

I have amended the dates of manufacture as you have suggested.

Malcolm.

GlennE.Chatfield

I agree that the idea of new profiles for upgrades could very well be warranted, especially since they can have some very different external appearances (such as the larger engines on this particular bird). But showing squadron changes, or even base changes, is superfluous to the details of the aircraft. Owner should just stay the particular military service, and comments could be used to show squadron or base assignments.